[Smithlew2]

Hi, I'm new to this and just need to speak to someone that has gone through what I've been through and came out the other side smiling.

I have been suffering since May 2011. I was beginning to feel tired quite often, mostly at work and felt overworked. It was then suggested to me by a colleague that I may have have diabetes. That was when the anxiety kicked in. I began worrying about all illnesses under the sun and this made me very nauseas.

I had very bad panic attacks. After having various blood tests and seeing several doctors they decided there was nothing wrong with me however I was told I had anxiety with mild depression. I was given citalopram to take. After going on and off this for about 9 months I finally started feeling a lot better (however not fully cured). I still felt extremely tired.

If I went out drinking with friends the hangovers would last days despite me not drinking huge amounts. I have little energy to do anything these days.

My partner and I have had a baby boy 2 weeks ago now and the anxiety and tiredness has hit me hard now. I need to remain strong for my family now.

I have had acupuncture and taking some Traditional Chinese medicine. This is helping slightly but I'm still not cured.

I'm 23 years old and work in quite a stressful job. I smoke and drink on occasions. (However rarely drink at the moment). I'm slightly overweight but find it extremely difficult to get to the gym.

I have not had any extremely bad situation that had caused this (abuse etc), I just want to know why I am feeling like this and how to get back to my usual happy self. I should be enjoying my 1st child's 1st few weeks but I am struggling. PLEASE HELP!

Hello and congrats on your new baby
I'm not sure what anybody could tell you that one of your doctors hasn't considered already. Except maybe that depression and anxiety could cover any and all of those symptoms.
Has your doc mentioned postpartum depression? That isn't something I know much about but I'm sure there are people here who do know it well.
I wish you well.

[AmbiguityofMind]

This sounds a bit familiar to me too. I have started always believing that theres something wrong with my heart. it used to be worse when i lay down to sleep I would wake up suddenly really freaked and sweating. its especially bad of course when I have palpitations even though i know those aren't always a bad thing and actuallly are usally because of diet changes. I also hate it when my migraines change and i didn't change anything in my lifestyle that might cause it. it is hypochondria the fear that theres also something wrong with your health i live with this constantly. its a part of anxiety and i dont know where it comes from.

[Smithlew2]

Thanks for your replies. I don't think it's postpartum as it was happening before the birth.

It's such a strange feeling, after being told by loads of people that there is nothing wrong with me. All blood tests coming back negative etc

My body and mind are still detecting something is wrong and it's hard to think different

I understand. If it is hypochondria I think that is an anxiety type issue and just as valid as any other mental health issue. It seems that with generalized or free floating anxiety the mind wants a reason for the anxiety. It may be that if it can't find a reason it assigns one and that may take the form of health concerns. The depression would account for the lack of energy.