[caseys2607]

Hi I am 23 years old married and have a 3 year old son. In the past year I have had 2 miscarriages that have severly damaged me emotionally. Last November I started experiencing spells where my heart would race so fast that I could fill it in my throat and it would almost choke me or make me want to cough. I went to my family doctor and he said he thought it was nerves so he gave me clonazepam. These episodes stop for a while but on and off I would have one about every couple of weeks. The past two weeks I have had an episode at least everyday sometimes multiple times a day. I can't sleep at night, i'm depressed, i have to drag myself out of bed every morning, i'm absolutely exhausted all the time, i'm extremely moody. I have never had any health problems up until now. I don't like to go places anymore because i worry I might have one of these episodes. I have gotten to the point to where I just don't care about anything anymore. What should I do? Would I benefit from seeing a therapist or a psychiatrist? It seems that the pills my doctor gave me don't help any more and I think sometimes they make my depression worse.

[sanityseeker]

Hi Casey.... it sounds like anxiety at very least and you should really talk to your doctor about it and yes get a referal to a psychiatric doctor who can properly diagnois your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan. Talk therapy is always useful. Don't put off getting help. The sooner you get help the sooner things can turn around for you.

Wishing you well.

[lynn P.]

Last November I started experiencing spells where my heart would race so fast that I could fill it in my throat and it would almost choke me or make me want to cough.

I'm so sorry you've suffered miscarriages. It might be panic attacks like you said, but something stood out in your post about how you feel like you need to cough. I occasionally get irregular heartbeats and I've had them checked and they're the non-threatening kind. But when I get them, I can feel my heart skips a beat and I usually get the urge to cough. Have you had your heart checked? They can give you a 'halter monitor' to wear at home for 24hrs. All it is is a box you wear on your belt with electrodes attached to your chest leading to the box. When you feel it happening you push the button. I just want you to rule out any heart abnormality. I also recommend having your thyroid checked and watch your caffiene intake

[Ascension]

A common misconception is that the medication is the fix but it isn't. We need to get to the root of the problem. What is causing the anxiety? For me I was traumatized by my peers at school and I never learned how to develop socially as a young adult and I have had a hard time adjusting as an adult due to that amongst other things, as example. I think it is crucial to have a therapist or psychologist to help you work through these things. Stay safe and best wishes.

[Stranger2]

I think seeing a shrink is what you need to do.. They can diagnose you and get you on the right med regiment..I currently take seven different meds for my different problems..For the most part they work..I also recommend a good therapist..