[jk4929]

Over the past few months I went from a normal (OK - somewhat stressful person) to a general anxiety meltdown.
A little extra stress led to some high blood pressure and the next thing I'm taking Blood Pressure Medicine (Diovan) and thinking I have a heart condition. After somewhat calming down, I entered the next stage of insomnia, fatigue, muscle tension and occasional flushing in the face etc.

Overall I've been struggling through, but I'm sure like others, I'm sick of it. Most days it's like I'm dragging. Luckely, I've been able to mostly hide it, but I feel awful and I don't think I'm doing a great job.

I've been taking a Yoga/Meditation course and I recently started taking Paxil (2.5 weeks) as well as seeing a therapist.

Somedays are better, some days are worse. I'm just frustrated and want to get back to normal.

Any suggestions/advise/concurrance, etc. would be very helpful

Regards!

[GreyGoose]

Oh my, you've just described me!!. Stress can definately cause an increase in blood pressure and in my case, I've been under a great deal of stress lately -plus- I suffer from anxiety/panic too. I take Atenolol for my high BP and Xanax for my anxiety and panic attacks. Stress over time can increase the risk of having a panic attack as well as the severity of them. I get the tingling, adrenilin "rushes", flushing, prickling sensation, lump-in-throat and tight-throat feeling too and sometimes you swear you are going to die at any second. I'm not sure exactly how bad your attacks are but I know I had a HORRIBLE panic/anxiety attack just this evening and it was one of the most terrifying ordeals I have been through in a long time. Yes, I have the muscle tension (ie; stiff/tingling neck) myself so I can definately relate!!:-).

((((((((HUGS2U))))))))

[cocoa]

welcome jk

you sound like your taking all the right steps toward beating this. I know yoga and meditation does help so keep plugging away and hopefully soon you well be feeling better.
I know how frustrating it can be, never really knowing when it will stike but hang in there. All we can real do is look forward to thoughs good days and when they come, make the best of your time.

Jacqui

[jmo531]

Hi Jk,
Welcome to psych central!!!

I have wished may times for that normalcy that I have lost. I have depression, anxiety disorder and OCD. I take Effexor XR now at 150 mgs. It has done wonders for my anxiety. But I still have moments. Therapy helps alot too. Talking about your anxiety, fears and stuff really helps.

i wish you luck and my thoughts are with you.

[dayzee9]

YO!

Ooooh! Can I relate! I could write novels on anxiety!! BUT...however the little "nurse" in me pops out & has to give you the general routine Have you had tests ran to check out if you have a heart condition. If your B/P is a little high & you have anxiety in the first place, it's what we call "The white coat syndrome" B/P problem. Face it, even I (the nurse) gets uptight waiting forever in the doc's office......

But the fact that you're taking Rx's for the B/P & the Paxil for what I would classify as GAD....you taking yoga/meditation shows that you have balls! (oops, )

I mean... it a definite GREAT thing that you're taking the iniative to help yourself all by yourself!!!

Keep up w/ the Rx's & yoga/meditation...you're doin' fantastic!(((((((((((DAYZEE)))))))))))))))))