damianjmcgrath
23-09-15, 17:13
I've posted a few times, mainly because I'm scared and want reassurance or answers. This isn't one of those posts, although I am still suffering with symptoms that to my mind are getting worse and starting to affect my job. However, this post isn't about seeking answers or to debate whether it is actually anxiety. This post is to get people's opinions on what works well for them in the hope I'll learn some new coping strategies.
I've tried CBT and it hasn't made a big impact.
I've tried deep breathing but always struggle with doing it slowly and when I take too big a breath in, it sometimes hurts my ribs. I'm more conscious of my heart beats during this time too.
I've reached the stage where the majority of chest pains can be ignored. I don't fear them. In my head, assuming it is anxiety, the worst that can happen is it gets worse then I'll take a painkiller.
However there are some symptoms that I really struggle to deal with so I'd love people's tips:
- Dizziness. This happens occasionally and I could be sat in a chair or standing up. I worry that I can't stop it, that I'll faint and there's nothing I can take for it. As I get more dizzy, the panic rises.
- Certain chest pain that doesn't actually hurt, but it's more of a pulsing pain or pinching pain. This worries me as it feels like someone squeezing my heart. I'd prefer more pain than the horrible squeezing tightening sensation.
- Jittery feelings. I never drink coffee but I imagine drinking 10 cups makes you feel similar to the jittery feeling I get. It's like an internal car engine running, or an internal shakiness or constant quick vibration. It really bothers me, makes me feel on edge and I don't know how to reduce it.
I often get symptoms at work or at home. At work, people talk to me constantly and I'm needed to do presentations or lead meetings. At home, I have a 2 year old who demands my attention. I need coping strategies that I can do to help myself while I'm also dealing with life. I can't really go and lie down.
Does anyone have any tips?
I've tried CBT and it hasn't made a big impact.
I've tried deep breathing but always struggle with doing it slowly and when I take too big a breath in, it sometimes hurts my ribs. I'm more conscious of my heart beats during this time too.
I've reached the stage where the majority of chest pains can be ignored. I don't fear them. In my head, assuming it is anxiety, the worst that can happen is it gets worse then I'll take a painkiller.
However there are some symptoms that I really struggle to deal with so I'd love people's tips:
- Dizziness. This happens occasionally and I could be sat in a chair or standing up. I worry that I can't stop it, that I'll faint and there's nothing I can take for it. As I get more dizzy, the panic rises.
- Certain chest pain that doesn't actually hurt, but it's more of a pulsing pain or pinching pain. This worries me as it feels like someone squeezing my heart. I'd prefer more pain than the horrible squeezing tightening sensation.
- Jittery feelings. I never drink coffee but I imagine drinking 10 cups makes you feel similar to the jittery feeling I get. It's like an internal car engine running, or an internal shakiness or constant quick vibration. It really bothers me, makes me feel on edge and I don't know how to reduce it.
I often get symptoms at work or at home. At work, people talk to me constantly and I'm needed to do presentations or lead meetings. At home, I have a 2 year old who demands my attention. I need coping strategies that I can do to help myself while I'm also dealing with life. I can't really go and lie down.
Does anyone have any tips?