[Anx2lng]

I am really struggling lately with anxiety symptoms. I have recently gone out on medical and that in itself has probably added to my stress level. My symptoms are tight shoulders, tight head, heaviness on the chest and lately I have experienced heat flashes throughout my upper body which leaves me light headed and of course send me into anxiety or panic mode. I really thought I was having a heart attack. On top of all of this I have high blood pressure so, I am constantly worrying about that. I am taking Lexapro but, I am not sure it is working for me. I am really scared about long term symptoms and the stress they may put on my heart. I have always been the nervous type but I am so tired of being afraid. Just looking for some support.

[SunshineGold03]

Hello There,
I too have an anxiety disorder and am on Lexapro. It took a few weeks for the Lexapro to be completely effective for me but I find that it combined with therapy has helped me quite a bit. How long have you been on the Lexapro? If you have only been on it a short time perhaps you want to discuss with your doctor taking a benzodiazepan such as klonopin, ativan, etc. while you are waiting for the Lexapro to fully take effect. Are you in therapy for your an anxiety disorder? If not have you considered doing this? It could help quite a bit in addition to the medication. Also, a few individuals on this site have posted great relaxation techniques that are certainely worth trying. Well good luck! And keep us posted!

Jennifer

[Anx2lng]

Thank you Jennifer for replying. I am new to using this type of support, actually to any type of support. I have always felt that I could conquer this illness myself and have often tried to ignore it all together. Well, I have finally come to the conclusion that I can't do it on my own. I have been thinking of what you have suggested and am ready to give it a try. Thanks once again.

[SunshineGold03]

Hello,
There is absolutely no shame or embarrasment in admiting you need a bit of help we all do. Reach out and get the help you need its okay. Don't waste time waiting for the perfect moment to get all the support you can from therapists, support groups, and medical professionals, etc. You can get better with all of these peoples help and your own inner strength you really can! I am glad to hear that you will look into this! I myself have felt 80 percent better than I did two or three years ago when I suffering from anxiety disorder. This improvement has come from medication, therapy, and the support of friends/family. I know you can do this too! Good Luck! Keep us all posted!

Jennifer

[Butterfly_Faerie]

Don't be afraid of your symptoms hon, they arent' going to harm you, yes they feel terrible but once you start to deal with the things that make you anxious they will start to go away.

Check out these websites on abdominal breathing (which is key when dealing with anxiety attacks)

Also learn how to do postive self talk, I can no talk myself out of anxiety , and I rarely get that or panic attacks for that matter, but it took me 8 years to get where I am now to be able to do that.

http://www.acu.edu/campusoffices/cou_med/counseling/help/anxiety.html
http://www.holisticonline.com/Remedies/Anxiety/anx_breathing.htm

If you feel you need more let me know and i'll send you more links, I hope this helps you relax more...

<font color=red>~Sundance~</font color=red>

<font color=blue>"Never react emotionally to criticism. Analyze yourself to determine whether it is justified. If it is, correct yourself. Otherwise, go on about your business."</font color=blue>

<font color=black>Norman Vincent Peale</font color=black>

[nervousnellie]

Hello all,
I have a question. Is anyone here using Celexa or Luvox for anxiety, and/or OCD? I have been on Celexa for 3 months and just added Luvox and wondering if this might help.

Thanks!

[SunshineGold03]

Hello There,
I have OCD and have taken Celexa and it worked very well for me. Also, Luvox is suppose to be one of the best medications for OCD because it target specifics OCD symptoms. Good Luck!

[nervousnellie]

Thank you Sunshine Gold03!!

I have been through alot of stuff, but finally admitting and getting help for OCD and my major anxiety over nothing was one of the toughest!!

[SunshineGold03]

Nervous,
Trust me when I tell you that you are not alone. Anxiety disorders are so tough but they can be managed and you can do it. I have faith in you. I know how tough it can be but remember every day is a new day. Good Luck!

[kama]

I am going through some of the same symptoms you are experiencing and I hate it. When I get nervous my throat closes up and I feel like I can't breath, I get dizzy, and hot. I also feel sick, which of course makes me even more anxious, and my heart beats fast. All I want to do when this happens is curl up in a ball and cry, but this isn't a good idea because this usually happens when I am in public. I am in therapy and it helps a little, but outside the office it is so hard to push myself to think happy thoughts and deal with my anxiety. Is there anyone else who feels this way? I would love any advice you can give! Thank you!

[SunshineGold03]

You don't always have to force yourself to feel happy thoughts during these times of anxiety sometimes it is enough to say to yourself I am okay, I will get through this, and I will get better. And you CAN do this time and practice. Best of luck to you and keep us updated. Thanks for your question!

Jenn

Jenn