[Cyran0]

I wanted to start a separate thread for this question because it's kind of separate from when my thoughts are freaking me out. Basically when I'm not freaking out, nothing is worrying me and emotionally everything seems ok, I still have all the muscular symptoms of anxiety. I'm tense no matter what and my muscles will be so tight that I tremble and feel sick to my stomach. So with no thoughts to chase away what do you do?

This is how I've been all morning and I'd really really like it to stop.

Cyran0

[sundog]

Once again, I can so relate to this (((((Cyran0))))). I also have chronic muscle pain and tension (specifically headaches and backache), regardless of whether I'm actively worrying about anything or not. I also have other feelings of general malaise a lot of the time (queasiness, fatigue, weakness etc). Again, these physical symptoms are independent of any conscious thoughts or worries. In fact, what happens is the symptoms themselves become a source of worry......

I have come to the conclusion that I have burned myself out from being in a heightened state of anxiety for a long period of time. I think of anxiety as being the equivalent of stress. No one would dispute that long term stress is bad for your physical health. I think it's the same with long term anxiety. If you're pretty much constantly stuck in that "fight or flight" mode, that's going to take a toll on your physical health sooner or later. So even when you've stopped worrying, your body continues to be run down and more susceptible to all kinds of aches, pains and ailments.

That's how I explain it to myself. And it actually helps me to explain it like that. Because then I have something tangible to work with and it explains a lot of my symptoms (as opposed to them feeling like they are totally random and out of my control, which makes them even scarier).

I see a naturopath and she mentioned something called Adrenal Fatigue which is a medical version of what I was trying to describe I'm taking some herbal stuff to try and balance my adrenals and I'm also trying to step up the meditating. The naturopath referred me to a "body worker" to help me with muscle tension, but since none of this is covered by my insurance and since I've already paid the naturopath an arm and a leg, I'm holding off on the body worker for now!!

Do you do any exercise? I do find that helpful. It definitely makes my body more relaxed. Just wondering if that might be worth a shot for you too??

[lavieenrose]

I can relate, too, though with neurological/cognitive problems possibly caused by chronic high levels of stress. I feel like I've blown some circuitry by being overwhelmed for so long. Exercise or at least stretching helps me with those clenched muscles.

[madisgram]

my T suggested i have free floating anxiety. basically sometimes it just happens for no reason. that may be happening to you too.
often times i have learned to identify other forms of anxiety caused by a trigger. then i can analyze the cause and face it head on or put it into a rational thought or action to reduce the anxiety.
exercise for some helps. i usually mop or vacumn to get my mind off it if only for a few. helps my mind "recharge" or disrupt the circuity. for me sitting very still helps too. helps calm me down. i try to clear my mind of any thoughts during the sitting. if a thought arises i acknowledge it then return to a still state.
hope these things may help you too.

[Cyran0]

Originally Posted by sundog

I have come to the conclusion that I have burned myself out from being in a heightened state of anxiety for a long period of time. I think of anxiety as being the equivalent of stress. No one would dispute that long term stress is bad for your physical health. I think it's the same with long term anxiety. If you're pretty much constantly stuck in that "fight or flight" mode, that's going to take a toll on your physical health sooner or later. So even when you've stopped worrying, your body continues to be run down and more susceptible to all kinds of aches, pains and ailments.

As always, we're too similar. I've wondered on many occasions whether or not having carried so much anxiety for so long is having an effect. It has to be, right?

madisgram, I think I have free floating anxiety as well. Or to be more precise, I've always assumed that's what generalized anxiety disorder was. I don't have to have a reason to feel anxiety, it's usually just there.

lavie, I had been going to a gym for a long time but then when I had my breakdown in January I stopped. I know I should go back as it would probably help but lately I've had trouble just getting through the day much less getting through a workout. The stretching is a good idea too and probably easier for me to handle at this point, so I'll try that.

Thanks to all of you for the feedback and support. I'm sorry so many of you can relate but I appreciate it.

Cyran0

[Insignificant other]

Boy can I relate to this one!
I've been dealing with this since I was 20 years old and I still havent figured it out. Nerve drugs help for awhile, but then there's that dam hangover that always comes with them. I see a psychiatist whom I refer to as the ' witch doctor ' who gives me more pills to take... ugh!
I've tried smoking pot, but that just made me eat everything in sight. I did the exercise thing, I ran, I walked, I cleaned, I screamed, I got right pissed off at the world! Still, I could not control the fear contactions in my gut nor the shakes that took over my limbs. Meditation works a bit but doesnt last long enough. Now, I want to sleep and cannot. I want to be and feel normal ... is that possible? At this point in the game ... I don't think so. Good luck to you. If you figure it out ... drop me a line.

[Seshat]

I can relate too. Stretching does help me a lot. I've also been reading a book about massage and self-massage and have practiced a bit on myself lol, and it has helped. Slowly moving my shoulders in circles relieves neck, head and back tension. I sometimes drink herbal tea as well.

[Cyran0]

Insignificant Other, here's hoping we both can feel normal. Until then, here's to misery loving company. Glad you're here.

Seshat, I can't believe I'm typing this sentence but can you point to any resources that teach self-massage? Man that sounds wrong. But I'd happily give it a shot too if you can point me in the right direction.

Cyran0

[Seshat]

Hi Cyran0.

Sure. The book is called "Ten Minute Relaxation for mind & body", written by Jennie Harding.
http://www.amazon.com/TEN-MINUTE-REL.../dp/B000SD0RSE

I forgot to say I recently heard auto-massage might worsen extreme physical conditions like cancer, but I'm not sure. Better to ask the GP. Thought I'd mention this for everyone to know, just in case.

[Cyran0]

Thanks for the link!