Welcome back, Blue.

My anxiety is extreme, but its physical symptoms range from tremors to crippling stomach pain. That sinking feeling in my chest is somewhere in the mid-rage of the discomfort spectrum, but I've been encouraged to take it seriously because of the potential for it growing into more serious problems. None of my doctors, etc., want to hazard a guess on whether the anxiety is the proverbial chicken or the egg, but none of us doubt the two are connected.

My counselors have been quite helpful in finding ways to manage the anxiety. I'd still prefer a *cure* if one becomes available, but anxiety management has made a huge diff in coping.

But that is me, sharing personal experience. I'm not a great fan of advice giving, but support is priceless.

Gentle support while you sort your own, Blue. Sort freely. Sort often. Your own answers are in there.

What you’re describing is almost certainly anxiety because it’s the same symptoms I have and I have generalized anxiety disorder. The feeling that something bad is going to happen is constant. I also feel intense anxiety about work and when I a large group of people. What helps me enormously is seeing a therapist. I also take medication and sometimes listen to meditation podcasts.

I've had anxiety over 20 years and I think you seeing a counselor/therapist is a great idea. My therapist helps me a lot. Don't think ahead of what they will, or won't, say. Just tell them the truth about your symptoms and they will not judge you... they will try to help you.

Good luck and let us know how it goes with the counselor.

Agree with what’s said. I know the feeling you described. I worry about everything. Therapy has helped tremendously. I try to stay in the moment and not focus on the past or the future. It helps. But it’s a challenge. Be well!

I have generalized anxiety as well. What will happen is that we will start to have anxiety over anxiety...overthinking. If you're worried what a therapist will diagnose you with or think about you, don't. They have seen and heard some of the most disturbing stories you can imagine.

Empathy and understanding is their livelihood. Often times, they can help uncover the root of your issues, and help address them. Sometimes with great results in minimizing or reducing your anxieties.

When I was feeling more in control of my life...I had less anxiety. When things got more stressful and unpredictable...I became more anxious.

Try to see what's causing you some issues, and deal with them as well.

Good luck!

I also have physical symptoms before an anxiety attack. I feel like I'm crashing, a terrible sinking feeling. Also a feeling of extreme fear. It can be awful. I take meds and use an essential oil for anxiety which helps somewhat. You are not alone. Good wishes.

Hey there,

I'm sorry to hear you've been struggling with anxiety. I am impressed, though, at the level of awareness you have of your symptoms and the ways that your anxiety manifests physically for you. I think the feelings you are describing are actually a very, very common thing. When we are anxious, our brain activates the sympathetic nervous symptom in our bodies, and different hormones and chemicals in our body are released that cause various physical symptoms to arise.

The sinking feeling you are describing ... I get that too, and you couldn't have described it any better! I often feel my heart rate speed up/skip beats, feel tension in my muscles, and my breathing speed up.

It's actually a very adaptive thing, and originally, this system (and the accompanying physical symptoms) helped our ancestors flee or fight off bears and tigers and such. However, other anxieties and threats (whether external or imagined) activate this system as well. It can be pretty distressing when we are worrying about a past conversation, or an upcoming due date or presentation at school or work, and start experiencing these physical symptoms. However, this is a completely normal and universal thing...you are definitely not alone!

I am glad to hear you are considering trying out counseling. I hear how nervous and unsure you are feeling about it, though. I think that is totally understandable! I would encourage you to give it a shot. If you do decide you try it out, maybe you could even start off by expressing to the counselor what you have here (your physical symptoms and how you are uncertain whether or not these are anxiety, your hesitation about seeing a counselor). I think you might be pleasantly surprised at how understanding and non-judgmental the counselor might be. They are trained in these sorts of things, and the good news is, that there are tons of effective ways to help manage anxiety. Even talking about it with someone who understands can be helpful in and of itself.

Please keep us updated! Take good care of yourself.

I get the sinking feeling too. i also get the sensation that i cannot get enough air. That is when i get anxious worrying about something medical. I am trying some deep breathing and relaxation techniques that i can to anywhere.I use an app called deep breathe or one called calm. And some comforting essential oils. at worst i take ativan.

Hi blueumbrella and Everyone,

The anxiety symptoms are definitely a consistent part of my life. I was diagnosed with generalized bipolar disorder then generalized anxiety disorder. Then I got myself into a perpetual cycle of low income and haven't been able to get the help I need. So, I turned to books, podcasts and good people/online support groups. Regarding the physical sensations I get, asthma attacks are common, deep coughs, and an overall body sensation of extreme discomfort that's similar to the feeling of cutting a finger, getting lemon juice in it, washing it out but still feeling a deep sting. For me, that physical experience is body-wide. It's intense and I generally shut down, get quiet and stop responding to stimuli when I get that bad. Luckily, that hasn't happened in a while. Give yourself a moment of gratitude for being brave enough to ask and share here with us. Reaching out for me is one of the best things I've learned to do. In the past, I would isolate completely.

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for all of your responses, they've helped me feel a little better about going to a counselor. I have an update for you all that this Friday I will be meeting with the counselor for the first time. While I am a little nervous about it I know it is something I have to do for the betterment of myself.

So about my physical symptoms with anxiety.. so I also have another thing. Anytime I eat something overly greasy or like if I feel like I've eaten too much (which I don't do as of lately since I've noticed it triggers my anxiety) I do start feeling like some of my muscles tensing? Like in my arm specifically. I've avoided even searching it up on google as to what could be causing this because I know I'll get the result of "possible heart attack" but I know I'm not having one. Do any of you guys get anxious after eating? (I know this is probably adding a bit more worry into the pot but like I know I'm a mess, but I've been avoiding these types of food.)

Hi Blueumbrelladream,

You're inspiring me to find a counselor for myself. Good for you for taking that step!

Maybe you're just having trouble digesting fats. As we age our digesting changes. I have that tummy upset feeling often, especially when I am super stressed or going through an anxiety wave. In fact, when the anxiety gets intense for me, my appetite goes down which further exacerbates feeling anxious. Recently bacon has been a food item I've had to cut WAY back on.

When I want to tell myself I am a mess (which is common these days) I rephrase it in my head to something like "I'm temporarily out of balance" or "searching for the next adventure" or when I get tired I use "I'm temporarily recharging my batteries because I have so many opportunities." Mind you, the opportunities are often my doing too much.

I hope that helps.

I have bad anxiety too. And I’m also thinking I should see therapist. I get physical symptoms that scare me. I’ve been to drs and everything comes back ok and normal. I still feel that something is wrong. Had it bad a few years ago for a couple of years then it took a back seat and the past 2-3 weeks it’s been back. I can’t shake it off and I can’t figure out the trigger. I feel scared, shaky, tired, don’t want to leave home because of fear that something might happen to me(;mostly medical). I find that I’m restless, can’t relax. I get these waves or sensations in my body, muscle tension in head neck shoulders, I can’t concentrate, just thinking the worst!

@hopehappens

I understand what you mean. For me, my left arm gets all tense and so does my shoulder. Like I know I'm not having a heart attack because if I were I'd probably be dead by now, but I had a specialist test the nerves in my arm to see if there was possibly a pinched nerve or something else causing it, nothing was found. He said my nerves were fine, I'm thinking that the tension is now one of the symptoms of my anxiety. It comes and goes on the daily.

I would advise to actually go in and talk to a counselor or a therapist. I talked to one on Friday and I currently feel like I huge weight was taken off my shoulders and I felt like I could breathe a little easier. (I'm not cured obviously, but it was a little bit of a relief to talk to someone and to have them tell me that yes it is anxiety).

That’s exactly how it feels for me and around to my shoulder blade - left side as well. I’m also having increased heart rate spikes with even minimal things I do. Went to the ER and a cardiologist had several tests done everything came back normal.

I saw your follow up post. I’m happy it was a positive one for you and I hope you will continue to improve. I will be looking for a therapist and making an appointment myself. Thank you for the input and sharing it helps a lot:)

@hopehappens

Yeah I have the same thing by my left shoulder blade not sure what it could be but if it has anything to do with my anxiety then hopefully it goes away a bit.

I'm glad you're looking into a therapist, and I'm glad to be of help.