[ChangingMyMind]

Does anybody else have anxiety created from physical well being?

Most if not all of my anxiety is driven by how I feel, if I have a sore throat or a dry throat I can start having anxiety thinking something huge is wrong with me and I'm going to die. That leads to a straight out panic attack. A big trigger for me is food/eating. For some reason, sometimes I feel like I physically can not eat. Not sure why or how to explain it really. Other times I have so much anxiety that I will choke that I can not eat. It gets really bad at times to where I can not even drink water.

Today is one of the bad days.

Anybody else have this issue?? I feel like i'm all alone in this. My T hasn't ever heard of it before but maybe I'm just not explaining it well.

[Frankbtl]

Hi ChangingMyMind, really sorry but I've not personally been where you are. But I will give it my best shot at replying.
To me although the anxiety sounds bad enough for you. might it be crossing over from other problems too?
If so just focusing mostly on the anxiety itself might not be as helpful as if you and your T were to explore other causes for it as well (if you're not already doing so!!). And maybe digging down deeper into "thought processes" even if these are unconscious thought processes might help?
That might or might not mean tracking it back to the beginning, but the more information you can throw out there to your T might help, so if you can just "open your mind" to everything/feeling that is making it harder for you at these times and write those down, they may in time "chip away" at the underlying issues.
I'm wondering if it might be just as/more helpful to see a pdoc as well though?? Do you think you could try this (if you're not already seeing one!)??
But you aren't alone in this, people do go through things like that (if it helps just a little) sometimes it can be as much about finding the help that's right for you.
Really hope today is going to be a bit better for you, but regardless we're here for you.
Alison

[SeekerOfLife]

Hi Changing. I had general anxiety about my appearance. I usually feel like I want to hide and never come out. But, I have to work. So, off I go, pretending I look normal. While all day I cringe inwardly about my appearance.
Sounds like you are afraid you may choke and die. It may bring you some peace to have a thorough physical check up. Also, I have known people who say they are choking when they only have a minor throat irritation. By saying over and over that they are choking they actually start to believe it. Best wishes.

[ChangingMyMind]

Originally Posted by Frankbtl

Hi ChangingMyMind, really sorry but I've not personally been where you are. But I will give it my best shot at replying.
To me although the anxiety sounds bad enough for you. might it be crossing over from other problems too?
If so just focusing mostly on the anxiety itself might not be as helpful as if you and your T were to explore other causes for it as well (if you're not already doing so!!). And maybe digging down deeper into "thought processes" even if these are unconscious thought processes might help?
That might or might not mean tracking it back to the beginning, but the more information you can throw out there to your T might help, so if you can just "open your mind" to everything/feeling that is making it harder for you at these times and write those down, they may in time "chip away" at the underlying issues.
I'm wondering if it might be just as/more helpful to see a pdoc as well though?? Do you think you could try this (if you're not already seeing one!)??
But you aren't alone in this, people do go through things like that (if it helps just a little) sometimes it can be as much about finding the help that's right for you.
Really hope today is going to be a bit better for you, but regardless we're here for you.
Alison

I do see a pdoc and stay up on my physical health with regular check-ups and annual physicals. Typically there is nothing wrong with me physically besides mild anemia. I am feeling much better now. The good thing about this is it doesn't happen very often.

Thanks for the response.

[Frankbtl]

Hi ChangingMyMind, really good news that you're feeling better now!! THANKS for the update!!
You might already be doing it, but do you think that it would help to keep a journal?
Other than it maybe helping your therapist, if you're recording the good days and how you're feeling on them in there too it might help to look back on those when you're feeling anxious. And maybe just seeing it right there in writing, that the feelings will pass could give you that little bit more faith/confidence. Because at the time I'm sure it must sometimes feel like it will never go away.
And you'll have checked all the relaxation techniques out there to try to help, I guess?!!
It is really good that you're keeping up with a pdoc though, every little helps!!
Best wishes
Alison