View Full Version : finding it hard to accept this as an anxiety symptom
I'm desperately trying to move on, to accept and a lot of time I can but with the off balance. Feeling, fuzzy head light headed and occasionally the complete dizzy spell its on my mind constantly, feel like I'm drunk at times a d when dizziness hits I automatically go into panic mode despite trying not to ,please advice would be so welcome i feel so close but yet so far from freedom
One of my longest and most difficult symptoms..
I've had the dizziness, drunk feeling, vertigo and weird dropping sensations for over 2 years now. Its really difficult to live with and like you I go into a panic every time it happens to me :(
Reassurance is only short lived here but i've had every test under the sun and its all been put down to anxiety.
paranoidjh
16-02-15, 12:42
I know the feeling I have exactly the same symptoms, am awaiting hormone tests to see if I am perimenopausal, have had the mri, blood tests the lot and all clear. It is so frustrating as when I can manage to put it out of my mind or have a drink with friends it is not there, it is a like a vicious circle, the more you think about it the worse it is. I hate it when my husband says forget about it there is nothing wrong, (I know he is right) but as the symptoms are actually in your head it is hard. I am trying to get through this without using the sertraline that they gave me as I did not like how they made me feel. It is really tough and am taking it one day at a time whilst waiting for the CBT. Good luck
Thank you ,I'm at that age 48 as well I think hormones have a lot to answer for,the fuzzy head but I nearly always feel wobbly,eyes also sometimes a bit flashy Urrrgh drives you insane ,in not on meds too scared to ,I just.need to come to terms and make sense of what's going on in my head
I try and take comfort that it seems to be a common symtpom of anxiety sufferes.
Im only 26 and mine all started of a series of panic attacks every night for 2 weeks whilst on a business trip in Japan.
I have to remind myself that I got dizzy then and no randomly.
Even though the dizziness now occurs randomly - thats what scares me. There doesn't ever seem to be an explanation of why it happens.
I also have to remind myself when I am truly distracted I have no symtpoms - this is classic in telling myself that its anxiety causing all of this.
I was due to start group therapy tonight but they've cancelled and moved it on a week, I reckon that why mine is so bad today.
Do you get weird eye shakes and sensations of dropping?
My eyes feel flashy can't focus on anything with pattern etc bright lights hurt they are so super sensitive,even if I try to forget I still feel light headed ,floaty,I also feel like low blood sugar shaky although I know I don't have an issue bloods ok except anaemia and taking iron for that ,also eye test was a fine ,its all about balance,head rushes full head feeling fuzzy dizzy so scared by it all yet hubby whose brilliant says I look fine I feel like I'm all over the place
Always-Worried
16-02-15, 13:14
I've been getting weird light headedness lately where I feel like I've had a drink - it comes on randomly and the more I think about it the worse it is.
I'm seeing my GP tomorrow - what tests have you guys had?
Ah I get the sensitivity thing.. I went on an esculator yesterday and thought I was about to collapse! Just couldn't deal with the movement and the lines... everything gets far to much if that makes sense?
I have the same issue, family and friends say I look great but inside I am suffering so much!
Ive had 2 MRI scans, blood tests, ECG's, 24 hour ECG, Caloric test, balance testing seen a neurosurgeon, 2 ENT's and about 12 different doctors.
But still I worry that everytime it happens - something bad will happen!!
Its incredibly frustrating!
helenclaire
16-02-15, 13:45
I get the same, seems to be a common problem with anxiety, I find it the worse symptom as although I always feel off balanced, sometimes the dizziness is so bad I am scared to leave the house... I have also noticed I am less aware of it when busy.
I have had it on and off for years, definitely seems worse when I am worrying and stressed.
Wish I knew to get rid of it!
x
paranoidjh
16-02-15, 14:01
I sometimes find it hard to focus in bright lights, and quite often feel lopsided or off balance. I can go to zumba though, I also feel pressure behind my eyes but have had my eyes tested twice. When I am truly distracted or had a drink though it all disappears. I am hoping it is hormones then at least I will have an answer for it. I have never had the room spinning dizziness just light headed woozy feeling like if you stand up too quickly. Fed up with it.
I've just had bloods and ecg but that was for palpatations always-worried let me know what they say,my Dr just says "let's keep an eye on things" and out I walk...no better off
i have had the same for nearly 8 years on and off. it completely goes when im busy at work or out with friends and distracted .then it comes back with a bang and i worry all the time causing dizziness,head ache/pressure,tinnitus,ear fullness, vision problems and panic.been to dr several times and ent had various tests but they say all down to stress and anxiety. i feel for you all going through this its awful
Lopsided is the best description ive heard in a long time!
I feel like im walking slanted if that makes sense and whem im sat down im lopsided!!
Its such a horrible feeling :(
I am really bad today and am petrified something bad is going to happen.
Each time it happens I feel like im going to collapse or die. Ive eaten, drunk and tried to stay fit and active but this just takes over :(
I am as well fedup36 even if I lay down I still feel out of focus,fuzzy and off ,walking I feel like I've had a couple of bottles and if I move my head too quickly I have fleeting dizziness in turn I then feel sick to the stomach panic :(
---------- Post added at 14:19 ---------- Previous post was at 14:15 ----------
I even feel it when I'm out,in shops or school pick up I'm so Fed up
paranoidjh
16-02-15, 14:23
It helps knowing that there are others who fee like it, and we have all been told the same thing, stress and anxiety, we should all take comfort from the fact that all our doctors can't be wrong!!! I am really reluctant to take anything for it and have a brilliant husband who helps a lot. Common sense also says that if we all forget about it when we are distracted or have had a drink - it must be anxiety!!!
helenclaire
16-02-15, 14:37
I could of easily of wrote any of these posts, this is exactly how I am feeling.
Even sitting down I feel like I am leaning over to the left.
Bright lights definitely make it worse, hate supermarkets I always feel like I am going to fall to the ground so i hold on to the trolley for dear life. Then I can't get through the check out quick enough and get out!!!
Ahh the supermarket!!
I feel like as soon as I walk in there the floor shifts and im walking on a blooming trampoline... I remember when I was really bad I just ended up sitting on the floor!!
When I was having balance therapy she said because our senses are heightended due the the anxiety its basically sensory overload. Like you though I hold onto the trolley for dear life and then want to run out of there... and surprisngly enough I sit in the car and I feel fine again.
I always use examples like that to tell myself it all falls down to anxiety. It wouldnt just come and go...
Its when im sat there literally not doing anything and i suddenly feel like im dropping and the room starts to spin for about 10 seconds and then im fine again. The last one happened a couple of weeks ago and was literally sat there watching TV... just horrible and thats when it freaks me out.
I find it hard to listen when everyone is talking in a room, its like overload of every sense including smells. I get the light headiness, dizziness, and an almost whooshing sounds that can get louder than the people talking. I have severe social anxiety too, which is completely debilitating. Im house bound because its got that bad that I cant walk when it gets to overwhelming I simply freeze, and feel as though someone is going to hurt me.
It makes no sense, having had a few sessions of CBT, I still don't know what I'm so frightened of? All I know is I cant face any sort of social situations alone or even answer my own phone, even if its someone I know well, I just cant. I ignore knocks on the door and only feel safe in the upstairs of my home.
My problem is I need to return to work!! But how can I go back to work if I cant interact socially or use transport of any kind? I feel completely stuck and frustrated. I cant see away of this stopping and it feels like this is it forever!
Fed up36 what else did your balance therapist say perhaps we can all learn a lesson ,I've not seen anyone but what u mentioned about sensory overload makes sense ,I too have that our of blue dizziness scary problem is I last had it about 10 days ago but can't let it lie I go over and over it in my head which makes everything worse i know xx
---------- Post added at 16:03 ---------- Previous post was at 15:59 ----------
Devita75 Have you tried reading at last a life by Paul David I think it could help you?:hugs:
---------- Post added at 16:04 ---------- Previous post was at 16:03 ----------
Devita75 Have you tried reading at last a life by Paul David I think it could help you?:hugs:
My balance therapsit was actually very helpful....
Basically when we go into fight or flight our eyes are more aware of movements and whats happening (i.e. to spot a tiger in a forest) however when we walk into Tesco we get the fight/flight response as we have got dizzy there in the past and we know theres a lot going on... therefore things like bright lights, blinds, too many colours, lots of people / items puts us into sesoary overload!
She also did different excecises when i stood on a balance board and flung my head around - really helped after a bit of practise.
Also just hold a word card infront of you at arms length, move your head and keep your eyes on the word....
All the above exercises just get your vestibular system working and doing the different movements etc all really helps.
It turns out that I had nothing wrong with my vestbular system however the exercises really did help.
Hope this helps some people :)
Thank you fed up36 how are you tonight?
I got really fed up at work earlier and had enough....
So my husband thought it would be a good idea to go for a run... Ended up running 3k and feel so so much better for it. Exercise can really help! And I find running outside much better than the gym, for some reason I get dizzy at the gym.
The only thing I can think of that can cause it at times is my neck... It's so tense and full of knots and sometimes when I get my husband to rub it it can cause vertigo symptoms. I'm not sure if I'm stuck in a vicious circle....
How's everyone else coping with the dizziness?
helenclaire
17-02-15, 08:17
It is very frustrating isn't it?
You are doing well to exercise, I have been told it helps but I am too scared in case it makes my dizziness worse, some days its all I can do to stumble around the house.
I am trying to find a job at the moment but all I can think about is this dizziness its with me 24 hours a day.
I do get moments when I am busy that i don't think about it but generally its always on my mind because i am so scared of it happening.
I have often wondered if my neck could be a cause as it feels very stiff and achy a lot of the time and turning my head in certain positions can make me dizzy.
Helen x
paranoidjh
17-02-15, 09:34
I could have written all your posts and the balance specialist ideas are some that I am going to look into. I have received results of my blood test which have said that I am borderline menopausal and have to go for a second test next week. That will answer many of my symptoms when I look it up. I am only 43 though - this could go on for years. So fed up of it, have headache nearly every day. :(
helenclaire
17-02-15, 10:50
I went through the menopause at 42 and have to say I never had dizziness before then, so could well be some connection.
I am 49 now though so if it is menopausal I don't know how long it will go on.
I also have thyroid issues so could all be connected.
I am praying for the day I wake up and all the dizziness has vanished and I can start living a normal life again!!!
Helen x
Always-Worried
17-02-15, 14:50
I went to see my GP today and she says I have benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. She did a manoeuvre (Dix-Hallpike test) to bring on the vertigo.
Of course I was happy with that for five minutes, and am now thinking "what if she's wrong?"!!
I went to see my GP today and she says I have benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. She did a manoeuvre (Dix-Hallpike test) to bring on the vertigo.
Of course I was happy with that for five minutes, and am now thinking "what if she's wrong?"!!
She did the "Hallmark" test to diagnose your vertigo. While I imagine it can be a PITA at times, it's not serious at all and can be treated with specific exercises.
There's no reason whatsoever to doubt this.
Positive thoughts
Always-Worried
17-02-15, 15:20
Thank you Fishmanpa, that makes me feel better (for now!! :blush:)
I am so glad that others have the same symptoms, I keep saying to myself it's got to be anxiety it just has to be but the days/weeks/months go by and I still feel like I have woken up with a hang over. So spaced out and tipsy feeling daily it's so frustrating, I have a very challenging job and this symptom is causing me to make silly mistakes, mistakes I can't afford to make in my role!
I was debating going gp tomorrow to ask if I had vertigo but after hearing this I don't think I do I think It is just a horrible side effect of the anxiety!
There must be a way of managing it though as no amount of pain killers or sudafed work!
I know what you mean about making mistakes at work! My head is consumed with how I feel rather than focusing on what I have to do! It makes it very frustrating....
I've been tested for positional vertigo but it was in conclusive. I think it comes from tight muscles and anxiety. I notice when I'm anxious I wear my shoulders as earrings which is never good.
Last year I was feeling woozy and hungover type sensations every day. Thankfully my dizziness comes in about 2 hour waves and then the odd zap/spin.
As my anxiety has got better the dizziness has lessened which surely shows something :)
Also went for another run tonight and feel fantastic :)
paranoidjh
17-02-15, 21:38
I've been to Zumba tonight and feel great, my only worry is that exercise makes my head even more fuzzy. Husband says that's because I have even more adrenaline flowing which kind of makes sense. My anxiety definitely makes my light headedness I'm sure of it. Still going along that route rather than drugs though.
Yes I've avoided medication....
Regarding the exercise, I get really dizzy at the gym or doing weights... I think it's things that affect my neck. For some reason running outside makes me feel so much better :)
its good that we are getting out there and doing things... I didn't leave my house last year for about 3 weeks and was to scared to drive for about 2 months so can see an improvement :)
I hope this will help. Ive had 3 episodes of the lighthead,Vertigo,Dizzy in 15 years.First time lasted 8 months, second time 4 months and this time its been couple months.
Mine comes from over tight neck and Trapezius muscles.Physio did it for me to loosen everything up.
How is everyone feeling?
I am having a terrible day today... my neck is all stiff and im feeling so woozy/drunk and keep having the odd dizzy jolt :(
Trying to not let the panic take over, but its easier said than done...
My ears seem to be really sensitive and so do my eyes, they just want to close and I just want to go to sleep!
Even writing this I keep getting weird sinus pressure which is causing me to jump, not sure if thats adernaline :(
helenclaire
11-03-15, 12:27
I am still really struggling with this,
I have been feeling really off balance and feel like I am leaning even when sitting down.
I literally feel like I will fall over.
Its not really spinning dizziness but my head feels full of pressure and very lightheaded/whoozy. also the back of my neck is stiff and achy.
I tried marching on the spot with my eyes closed as I have heard this is what the doctor does when doing a balance test and I was all over the place which just confirms that there must be something wrong!!
I know I should go to the doctor but I cannot face sitting in the waiting room, it makes me feel even worse.
I do get occasional relief from it but even then it is on my mind waiting for it to start again as I know it will.
:shrug:
I am having very similar symptoms. Of course I googled and came across brain tumor ... and now I am convinced I have one...
Today I started focusing on my ears, because I read ringing in the ears can be a symptom of it.. so now I am just hyper-aware of what I "hear" in silence... is it ringing? are they ringing?
Drives one insane.
I read your posts and for an instant I felt relieved. I could NOT for the life of me explain what I was "seeing" to my husband. This is exactly how it's been for me...
sometimes the panic attack happens first and sometimes the "symptom" happens first and then causes panic. It's a vicious cycle. I can't seem to break it.
In my 20s, I ran to SO many doctors during times of high anxiety... it drove me, my family and my now husband insane. I am trying SO SO SO hard not to go down that road again. I have a full-time job and a 1 year old. I can't be losing control like I did in the past.
Your support here is priceless. thank you for sharing your stories.
Do any of you take any meds for this? I feel the same symptoms and. And it is a physical feeling so I ca't just not feel it...
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