Oh dear...I know exactly how you feel! I actually didn't think I had anxiety until the doctors pointed it out! I'm learning how to deal with it by going to counseling. They gave me a WONDERFUL chapter to read about anxiety and panic attacks. It reminds you what is normal and what is not when you are feeling anxiety.

One of the counselors also recommended guided imagery--I usually don't believe in things like that, but it has helped me soooooo much. It is recommended that you listen to it 2 times a day It helps to relax me and most of all, helps me to be able to relax and go to sleep at night.

There is a free 15 minute clip you can listen to online that is made by a doctor. I use earplugs so I don't disturb my husband. Her voice reminds me of "grandma" and almost immediately puts my anxious thoughts to rest.

Maybe this would help you too, but it doesn't help to see a counselor so that you have someone to talk to. I feel like I don't want to trouble my husband about anxiety or depression because it isn't something he likes to deal with.

Anyways, here is the free site if you want to try it. If you do, let me know what you think! : )

http://www.healthjourneys.com/free_...

I'm sorry that you are having such a tough time. Do you have pain meds or anxiety meds? If you do you may want to see if your doc can adjust them, and if you don't check with the doc and see if you can get on something. I have chronic back pain and I do yoga that is targeted for mid and low back pain. If your doc says its ok check into some yoga, it really helps me. Google yoga for back and neck pain and you can check out some of the stretches and moves if you are interested, there are lots of videos. I have problems with my hubby understanding my pain and anxiety too. I asked him to do some research and try to understand and listen to me so I can try to explain how I am feeling. There may be some online support groups for spouses of those with chronic pain and anxiety if he would be willing to check that out. Hang in there. We're all in this together so we'll help each other. Good Luck!

My husband suffered from years of depression himself, so he has some knowledge of what I'm going through. But I think (health) anxiety is just something he can't relate to. How can someone possibly understand the 'fear' if they've never experienced it?? Like I said, he has tried to be understanding and supportive - he used to try to talk with me when I would be feeling anxious. I just think he's tired of trying to offer ideas, suggestions, whatever when it hasn't seemed to help.
Thanks for the suggestions and encouraging words!

Maybe I could scan that chapter and email it to you. A lot of my anxiety has to do with meds and the wierd side effects I get from them, but I also have a lot of anxiety about everyday things.

Hope your day is good! : )

I know how you feel. Its hard bc we feel we need the support but at the same time we are supposed to understand their side. They get irritated. I tend to tell my husband that I'd trade places with him in a heart beat! He can be the one that feels the nervous or panic and I'll be the one that simply feels a little irritation. Its just really hard when we feel the way we do bc we'd do anything to not feel this way anymore! We try and try and try to get better and we struggle. Its not like we do it to annoy them so the least they could do is be supportive. I mean, if he felt the way you do when you feel bad, wouldnt you help him? Ugh sorry!

I too feel like I've tried so much to get better and nothing has really been working. I've been doing some spiritual searching and some reading about things like that. The sum of all my fears is death. So I find any other relief besides learing how we are all eternal beings, just to be only helpful for a short amount of time. Then I'm right back to anxiety. I feel helpless alot too! You are not alone!

I've had anxiety since I was little (im 18 now). and i know that i have caused a ton of trouble for my parents. The thing is, is that my dad has severe OCD (unmedicated) and my mom has depression and anxiety and is heavily medicated. You would think that would make them more understanding, but since they have and idea of what its like, they just tell me to suck it up.. My dad urged me AGAINST going to a counselor "because you can't talk away these things" and the first time I ever got help was a few months ago when I could barely function in my first semester at college.
Having family not understand doesn't always have to be a problem, if they support you getting help in any way you can.