[jacq10]

Hi everyone,

I was just wondering ... does anxiety necessarily have to be linked to a fear of something specific? Maybe that seems like a retoric question, and I thought i knew the answer... but i'm questioning things now. I was reading an article in the newspaper (a research article) and it was talking about how anxiety is "evaluating ambiguous cues as negative" and an "unconscious perceived signal of threat, such as a brief facial expression of fear."

And I've always experienced a certain level of anxiety... but lately, i've been places and i've felt anxious for no apparent reason. I'm not going anywhere, meeting new people, presenting or writing a test... nothing like that. And its not an intense level of anxiety where I can't do anything because of it.. i manage to get through it ... but now i'm all confused. What would I be anxious about?

Anyone? Thanks...

[sabby]

Hi jacq10

Here is some info on anxiety and how they can come about. Hope it's helpful to you!
What causes anxiety disorders to develop?
New technologies are enabling researchers and scientists to learn more about the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence the development of an anxiety disorder. With a better understanding of underlying causes, better treatment and even prevention measures will be possible.

The following are all believed to play a role in the occurrence of anxiety disorders:

heredity
brain chemistry
personality
life experiences
Heredity and anxiety disorders:
There is clear evidence that anxiety disorders run in families. Studies show that if one identical twin has an anxiety disorder, the second twin is more likely to have an anxiety disorder than non-identical (fraternal) twins. These findings suggest that a genetic factor, possibly activated in combination with life experiences, predisposes some people to these disorders.

Brain chemistry and anxiety disorders:
Because symptoms of anxiety disorders are often relieved by medications that alter levels of chemicals in the brain, scientists believe that brain chemistry appears to play a role in the onset of anxiety disorders.

Personality and anxiety disorders:
Researchers believe that personality may play a role in the development of an anxiety disorder, noting that people who have low self-esteem and poor coping skills may be more prone. Conversely, an anxiety disorder that begins in childhood may itself contribute to the development of low self-esteem.

Life experiences and anxiety disorders:
Researchers believe that the relationship between anxiety disorders and long-term exposure to abuse, violence, or poverty is an important area for further study, as life experiences may affect an individual's susceptibility to these disorders.


sabby

[Perna]

A lot of unexplained anxiety can be chemical. My stepmother started having bad panic attacks as she got senile which I imagine was her brain and meds doing a number on her. If anxiety could always be explained, it could probably be solved but meds and therapy haven't managed to get rid of it.

I do evaluate the "threat" to me when I'm anxious and just "ignore" the ugly feelings until they go away if I don't see anything conscious and can't even "imagine" something (like the person I'm with is anxious and that's wiping off on me which can happen). It's been shown that some of the "wallflowers" at dances don't get picked because they're signalling their anxiety over being picked and in fact, pushing people away rather than "inviting" them to them. Anxiety is highly contagious.

[jacq10]

Thanks for the answers guys ... my anxiety was WAY overboard today... thinking about going back to the dr's and taking her up on the idea of meds to try and control it a little!

[jacq10]

Sorry, I have another question...

Today, I found myself in the situation, where i was so anxious, it almost felt like I lost track of reality... if that makes sense.

You know when you're sitting up, and you're half falling asleep, and you do the head tilt and you bolt right back up... kind of disillusioned? Everything is kind of blurry, and you're constantly trying to ground yourself?

Thats what I felt like today ... and I've felt like that before a couple times.

Is that normal?

[Perna]

For an anxiety attack, perhaps. I'd see your regular doctor and have a quick physical and make sure your blood sugar and other stuff is okay, just make sure you're in good physical health. Stress can do a number on one though, all sorts of "funny" reactions.

[jacq10]

Is that what it was, an anxiety attack? I thought that those had to involve not breathing well? ... sorry i'm still fairly new to this whole anxiety thing..

[Perna]

If you were breathing well, you wouldn't be feeling like you're passing out? You can also be unconsciously holding your breath so not breathing well in that sense. Have you ever fainted before? I almost did once in church when I was about 10 (stood up too soon or fast or long or something to sing a hymn) and first all the color went from my vision and then it got to be tunnel vision. It was especially frightening and confusing for me because I'd never had anything like it. I had to "infer" with my bright 10 year old self that maybe I was going to faint because it had never happened to me before. Could be, since you're "new to this whole anxiety thing" that some of your symptoms are adding to your anxiety, adding to the whole effect.

[jacq10]

well see this is the confusing thing.... the whole time i was feeling like that, I was focusing on my breathing.... but it didn't seem to help matters.... if anything it probably made them worse!

And actually yes, I have a history of fainting. I can remember clearly at least 7 times in the past.... 7 years maybe? Most times it had to do with pain though... or being sick.

[Perna]

I would try grounding yourself next time, on something outside your own body? I sit on my couch and rub my hand on the arm, it's a "rough" cloth. Or I go outside and really look at/watch the cars go by and see the other people in them, literally hug a tree, etc. Not something you can do in a class Maybe feel under the desk and see if there's gum under there or something :-) that will distract you from your problems wonderfully I imagine! I'd "scrape" my chair and process the sound, go ask the instructor a question? Just try to break yourself out of whatever is going on.

But if you faint every so often, I'd still go see your doctor and get blood/fluid tests to rule out anything wrong with you physically. You might be dehydrated or have a blood pressure problem or sugar problem, etc.

[jacq10]

lol, thanks Perna

I'm going to talk to my pdoc about this!

[Cyran0]

jacq, I have OCD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, but my constant anxiety is my biggest problem. In daily life I carry constant tension to the point that my hands always shake. This has been the case my entire life so it is largely chemical. My point is, nothing triggers me, I'm not worried about anything specific, I'm just always anxious (and through a variety of coping mechanisms, I've learned to live my life this way).

As to your second question, I don't know. I can't relate directly to the experience you describe but it does sound like you had yourself pretty worked up.

Oh, and I focused on my depression and PTSD for years so tackling the anxiety and OCD issues are pretty new for me as well.

Cyran0