Physical symptoms of anxiety?
Original post by Community Leader Becky:
I was speaking to a friend of mine the other day who suffers from anxiety and she told me that when she is extremely anxious, she tends to get cold, experiences palpitations, and shakes. We talked about the thoughts that go through our heads when we experience anxiety, and we tend to have a lot of the same thoughts. But my physical sensations of anxiety are so different from hers. I tend to get dizzy and feel like I’m suffocating.
What physical symptoms do you all have when experiencing anxiety? Have you developed coping strategies for dealing with these physical symptoms?
Signature
Becky
Anxiety and Depression Community Leader
Response by PaulaWKY:
I’ve been getting anxiety a lot lately when I go out and there are a lot of people. I’ve become somewhat of a home body since the kids were born and I’m getting where I hate going out. I take the kids out because I know its important for them to get out and be exposed to other people besides their parents and family. However, lately I’ve been having anxiety every time I go out but especially if I’m alone. The other day I was at Walmart and it was so crowded. The lines were long and I started getting extremely anxious. I had to call my husband and get my mind off what was going on around me because honestly I felt like the walls were closing in and I was to the point of just leaving my full cart and walking out. My main feeling is just a feeling of suffocation (like the walls are closing in) like I have to get away from whatever the situation is. I didn’t feel really ok until I got in the car. Sometimes I call my husband on my cell or take my kids with me as either one will take my attention away from being where I am and I can cope better. Christmas shopping is going to be a problem and I’m dreading it for this reason alone, though I love buying gifts I just can’t stand all the people.
Signature
Paula W.
Community Moderator
ADHD, Autism, Cancer, Parenting & Children’s Health, Diet, Weight Loss and Nutrition Communities
Response by Becky:
I have the exact same problem. For years, it was hard for me to go to the grocery store by myself. For some reason, while I’m standing in that line, I start feeling dizzy and short of breath and like I need to run away from the situation. Literally! I want to leave my shopping cart in the line, like you said, and run away.
I think a lot of anxiety feelings stem from a loss of control; loss of control over your personal space, freedom to move, etc., can drive you into a panic.
I’ve gotten much better. I often cite Edmund Bourne’s Anxiety and Phobia Workbook on these boards, but that is because it was of a tremendous help to me when I couldn’t afford to see a therapist. He explains exactly how to desensitize yourself to these kinds of confining situations, and helps you to come up with ways of negating the anxious thoughts you contend with when standing in line. He uses the grocery store as an actual example.
I often try to visualize what I am actually afraid of in these situations. For instance, I am afraid of passing out or needing to leave the line, or of just going crazy and causing a scene. Now, I have never passed out from panic and most people never do. And even if I did pass out, people would probably just help me up, give me some water or orange juice from the beverage section of the store, and might call me a cab. And if I make a scene or leave the line, who cares? I will probably never see the people in line again, so if they think I’m strange, I don’t care!
Visualizing these “worst case scenarios” and reminding yourself that they are not that terrible is really helpful! It helps also to remember that you are stronger than you think and that any situation can be dealt with. It’s not always pleasant, but anxiety rarely has disastrous results in the short term!
Signature
Becky
Anxiety and Depression Community Leader
Response by PaulaWKY:
Becky that is interesting and since I love to read I’ll see if I can find the book you are referring to.
I’m not sure that I’m afraid of something happening at the store. My issues revolve more around my personal space being invaded. I don’t like people getting to close to me and definitely have issues with people touching me without invitation. This was a big problem for me while I was pregnant as every woman I came across wanted to touch my belly and I had a hard time not showing my irritation. It got to the point when I was getting close to delivery that I refused to go out because I felt like I was being touched all the time. I almost wanted to get a shirt that said (Yes I’m pregnant, the baby is due in June, yes it is only one baby (even though it looks like I’m pregnant with twins), and the baby is a girl, and no you may not touch my belly). Maybe I’m the only pregnant woman who felt that way but even before pregnancy I had issues with touchy people or people invading my personal space.
I’m an absolute nightmare to go Christmas shopping with as my anxiety over all the people (being so close) causes me to get extremely agitated. My temper gets short and I basically make the entire experience miserable for all involved. I do wish there was some way I could get a handle on it as I would love to go to the day after Thanksgiving sales and get some good bargains, but I just can’t deal with the people anymore.
Signature
Paula W.
Community Moderator
ADHD, Autism, Cancer, Parenting & Children’s Health, Diet, Weight Loss and Nutrition Communities
Response by Kori:
I totally relate to you Paula. I get where I can’t go out for the same reasons. I get short of breath and paniky and have chest pains. I get really grouchy when I’m like this. When my husband and I go overseas, the flight over usually is enough to set it off. When we get there, my husband knows to try to keep people from smooshing me in the way to get off or on transportation or even out of the plane. I have been know, sadly but funny all the same in hind sight, to just stop where I’m standing and say (evidently loudly according to my husband), “If one more person bumps me, I’m going to smack them!” I’ve learned that I can’t do the stay up to try to get yourself on their time thing. I have to go and take a nap, then I’m usually calmed down enough to enjoy the rest of the day. Medication helps me too.
Signature
Kori
WEGO Health
Migraine and Mental Health
Community Moderator
Response by PaulaWKY:
to just stop where I’m standing and say (evidently loudly according to my husband), “If one more person bumps me, I’m going to smack them!”
OMG Kori I have done something very similar to this as well. I’m normally a very nice person and don’t like to get into any kind of altercation with people especially in public. I’m known to keep food and not complain even though its not cooked right, or something doesn’t taste right. I hate to rock the boat or do anything to embarrass myself or especially anyone with me. I say this to show you how out of character this is for me.
The worse I ever got was at the airport. I was at baggage claim standing around the carousel waiting for my bags. It was crowded and I was extremely agitated but able to keep it in check until… some crazy woman comes barging through several people and runs straight into me (almost knocking me down) to get her bag. That was the end of niceness for me. I let this woman have it right there in the airport with everyone watching. She made things worse by calling me honey and telling me to calm down. I tried to explain to her I was calm and not to call me honey as it was just making the situation worse. She said all she was doing was trying to hurry and get her bag like everyone else. She just wants to get home. I said so does everyone else but you don’t see us acting like animals pushing each other down to get our bags, only you did that. Everyone actually cheered for me that was standing around us and the person I was with was in shock. This was so out of character for me he didn’t know what to say. For once I stood up for myself and he didn’t have to come to my rescue. Once I got in the car I was fine but me and this woman come dangerously close to having it out. I also have been known to say things like you are talking about, especially around Christmas time when the stores are crowded. Afterward I feel awful about it and I’m so embarrassed and ashamed, but sometimes it is like I can’t stop myself.
I have definitely been in the situation your talking about but never really saw myself suffering from anxiety until I joined this community. My mother did have an anxiety disorder that she had to be medicated for but I honestly never saw that in myself.
Signature
Paula W.
Community Moderator
ADHD, Autism, Cancer, Parenting & Children’s Health, Diet, Weight Loss and Nutrition Communities
Response by SarahLiz:
It’s nice to see that there are so many other anxiety sufferers who deal with the “I’m-so-nice-until-I’m-pushed-too-far” line. I am completely non-confrontational until I’ve been pushed too far. I am traveling to San Diego in a week and am already nervous about dealing with those people at the airport and whatnot.
To help me get through times like these, I try to remember that they may also be anxious and reacting in the opposite way that I do. Anxiety “symptoms” show themselves in so many ways that maybe being pushy and over-excitable is just their personal reaction. I also do a lot of deep breathing exercises while I’m so overwhelmed.
In non-pressing situations (especially right after my divorce) I found myself saying “five minutes at a time” to get through rough times. Even now when I get overwhelmed I tell myself; “get through the next five minutes and you’ll be fine.” Don’t have five minutes? Get through the next 60 seconds. smile
Signature
~ Sarah
WEGO Helath Mental Health & Women’s Health Community Leader
Response by Becky:
Wow! It is amazing to see how much we all have in common! In fact, I was just having a conversation the other day with a few of my coworkers, all of whom said that while they do not suffer from panic attacks, they have experienced panic while in line at the grocery store! The grocery store is definitely a huge trigger for me. And it is the place where my grandmother (an anxiety sufferer) had her first panic attack.
There is something about the close quarters of the grocery store, the airport, the mall...you start thinking that you literally might suffocate. And I agree, Paula, Christmas shopping, if I’m not careful, will send me over the edge!
Signature
Becky
Anxiety and Depression Community Leader
Response by Mathias78:
Here are some Anxiety Symptoms:
-physical symptoms do you all have when experiencing anxiety?
-Sweating - Perspiration
-Trembling or Shaking
-Shortness of Breath - Breathlessness - Difficulty Breathing
-Difficulty Swallowing
-Sharp Pains in the Chest or Chest Discomfort
Signature
http://www.mamaherb.com
I was speaking to a friend of mine the other day who suffers from anxiety and she told me that when she is extremely anxious, she tends to get cold, experiences palpitations, and shakes. We talked about the thoughts that go through our heads when we experience anxiety, and we tend to have a lot of the same thoughts. But my physical sensations of anxiety are so different from hers. I tend to get dizzy and feel like I’m suffocating.
What physical symptoms do you all have when experiencing anxiety? Have you developed coping strategies for dealing with these physical symptoms?
Signature
Becky
Anxiety and Depression Community Leader
Response by PaulaWKY:
I’ve been getting anxiety a lot lately when I go out and there are a lot of people. I’ve become somewhat of a home body since the kids were born and I’m getting where I hate going out. I take the kids out because I know its important for them to get out and be exposed to other people besides their parents and family. However, lately I’ve been having anxiety every time I go out but especially if I’m alone. The other day I was at Walmart and it was so crowded. The lines were long and I started getting extremely anxious. I had to call my husband and get my mind off what was going on around me because honestly I felt like the walls were closing in and I was to the point of just leaving my full cart and walking out. My main feeling is just a feeling of suffocation (like the walls are closing in) like I have to get away from whatever the situation is. I didn’t feel really ok until I got in the car. Sometimes I call my husband on my cell or take my kids with me as either one will take my attention away from being where I am and I can cope better. Christmas shopping is going to be a problem and I’m dreading it for this reason alone, though I love buying gifts I just can’t stand all the people.
Signature
Paula W.
Community Moderator
ADHD, Autism, Cancer, Parenting & Children’s Health, Diet, Weight Loss and Nutrition Communities
Response by Becky:
I have the exact same problem. For years, it was hard for me to go to the grocery store by myself. For some reason, while I’m standing in that line, I start feeling dizzy and short of breath and like I need to run away from the situation. Literally! I want to leave my shopping cart in the line, like you said, and run away.
I think a lot of anxiety feelings stem from a loss of control; loss of control over your personal space, freedom to move, etc., can drive you into a panic.
I’ve gotten much better. I often cite Edmund Bourne’s Anxiety and Phobia Workbook on these boards, but that is because it was of a tremendous help to me when I couldn’t afford to see a therapist. He explains exactly how to desensitize yourself to these kinds of confining situations, and helps you to come up with ways of negating the anxious thoughts you contend with when standing in line. He uses the grocery store as an actual example.
I often try to visualize what I am actually afraid of in these situations. For instance, I am afraid of passing out or needing to leave the line, or of just going crazy and causing a scene. Now, I have never passed out from panic and most people never do. And even if I did pass out, people would probably just help me up, give me some water or orange juice from the beverage section of the store, and might call me a cab. And if I make a scene or leave the line, who cares? I will probably never see the people in line again, so if they think I’m strange, I don’t care!
Visualizing these “worst case scenarios” and reminding yourself that they are not that terrible is really helpful! It helps also to remember that you are stronger than you think and that any situation can be dealt with. It’s not always pleasant, but anxiety rarely has disastrous results in the short term!
Signature
Becky
Anxiety and Depression Community Leader
Response by PaulaWKY:
Becky that is interesting and since I love to read I’ll see if I can find the book you are referring to.
I’m not sure that I’m afraid of something happening at the store. My issues revolve more around my personal space being invaded. I don’t like people getting to close to me and definitely have issues with people touching me without invitation. This was a big problem for me while I was pregnant as every woman I came across wanted to touch my belly and I had a hard time not showing my irritation. It got to the point when I was getting close to delivery that I refused to go out because I felt like I was being touched all the time. I almost wanted to get a shirt that said (Yes I’m pregnant, the baby is due in June, yes it is only one baby (even though it looks like I’m pregnant with twins), and the baby is a girl, and no you may not touch my belly). Maybe I’m the only pregnant woman who felt that way but even before pregnancy I had issues with touchy people or people invading my personal space.
I’m an absolute nightmare to go Christmas shopping with as my anxiety over all the people (being so close) causes me to get extremely agitated. My temper gets short and I basically make the entire experience miserable for all involved. I do wish there was some way I could get a handle on it as I would love to go to the day after Thanksgiving sales and get some good bargains, but I just can’t deal with the people anymore.
Signature
Paula W.
Community Moderator
ADHD, Autism, Cancer, Parenting & Children’s Health, Diet, Weight Loss and Nutrition Communities
Response by Kori:
I totally relate to you Paula. I get where I can’t go out for the same reasons. I get short of breath and paniky and have chest pains. I get really grouchy when I’m like this. When my husband and I go overseas, the flight over usually is enough to set it off. When we get there, my husband knows to try to keep people from smooshing me in the way to get off or on transportation or even out of the plane. I have been know, sadly but funny all the same in hind sight, to just stop where I’m standing and say (evidently loudly according to my husband), “If one more person bumps me, I’m going to smack them!” I’ve learned that I can’t do the stay up to try to get yourself on their time thing. I have to go and take a nap, then I’m usually calmed down enough to enjoy the rest of the day. Medication helps me too.
Signature
Kori
WEGO Health
Migraine and Mental Health
Community Moderator
Response by PaulaWKY:
to just stop where I’m standing and say (evidently loudly according to my husband), “If one more person bumps me, I’m going to smack them!”
OMG Kori I have done something very similar to this as well. I’m normally a very nice person and don’t like to get into any kind of altercation with people especially in public. I’m known to keep food and not complain even though its not cooked right, or something doesn’t taste right. I hate to rock the boat or do anything to embarrass myself or especially anyone with me. I say this to show you how out of character this is for me.
The worse I ever got was at the airport. I was at baggage claim standing around the carousel waiting for my bags. It was crowded and I was extremely agitated but able to keep it in check until… some crazy woman comes barging through several people and runs straight into me (almost knocking me down) to get her bag. That was the end of niceness for me. I let this woman have it right there in the airport with everyone watching. She made things worse by calling me honey and telling me to calm down. I tried to explain to her I was calm and not to call me honey as it was just making the situation worse. She said all she was doing was trying to hurry and get her bag like everyone else. She just wants to get home. I said so does everyone else but you don’t see us acting like animals pushing each other down to get our bags, only you did that. Everyone actually cheered for me that was standing around us and the person I was with was in shock. This was so out of character for me he didn’t know what to say. For once I stood up for myself and he didn’t have to come to my rescue. Once I got in the car I was fine but me and this woman come dangerously close to having it out. I also have been known to say things like you are talking about, especially around Christmas time when the stores are crowded. Afterward I feel awful about it and I’m so embarrassed and ashamed, but sometimes it is like I can’t stop myself.
I have definitely been in the situation your talking about but never really saw myself suffering from anxiety until I joined this community. My mother did have an anxiety disorder that she had to be medicated for but I honestly never saw that in myself.
Signature
Paula W.
Community Moderator
ADHD, Autism, Cancer, Parenting & Children’s Health, Diet, Weight Loss and Nutrition Communities
Response by SarahLiz:
It’s nice to see that there are so many other anxiety sufferers who deal with the “I’m-so-nice-until-I’m-pushed-too-far” line. I am completely non-confrontational until I’ve been pushed too far. I am traveling to San Diego in a week and am already nervous about dealing with those people at the airport and whatnot.
To help me get through times like these, I try to remember that they may also be anxious and reacting in the opposite way that I do. Anxiety “symptoms” show themselves in so many ways that maybe being pushy and over-excitable is just their personal reaction. I also do a lot of deep breathing exercises while I’m so overwhelmed.
In non-pressing situations (especially right after my divorce) I found myself saying “five minutes at a time” to get through rough times. Even now when I get overwhelmed I tell myself; “get through the next five minutes and you’ll be fine.” Don’t have five minutes? Get through the next 60 seconds. smile
Signature
~ Sarah
WEGO Helath Mental Health & Women’s Health Community Leader
Response by Becky:
Wow! It is amazing to see how much we all have in common! In fact, I was just having a conversation the other day with a few of my coworkers, all of whom said that while they do not suffer from panic attacks, they have experienced panic while in line at the grocery store! The grocery store is definitely a huge trigger for me. And it is the place where my grandmother (an anxiety sufferer) had her first panic attack.
There is something about the close quarters of the grocery store, the airport, the mall...you start thinking that you literally might suffocate. And I agree, Paula, Christmas shopping, if I’m not careful, will send me over the edge!
Signature
Becky
Anxiety and Depression Community Leader
Response by Mathias78:
Here are some Anxiety Symptoms:
-physical symptoms do you all have when experiencing anxiety?
-Sweating - Perspiration
-Trembling or Shaking
-Shortness of Breath - Breathlessness - Difficulty Breathing
-Difficulty Swallowing
-Sharp Pains in the Chest or Chest Discomfort
Signature
http://www.mamaherb.com
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Lori Ann Deener on -
Hello, my name is Lori and I have an anxiety disorder and here is a list of some of my physical symptoms when anxiety kicks in: I experience feelings sometimes like I am going to pass out when anxiety kicks in. I will sometimes start to black out, get dizzy and weak. Other times, I start to hyperventilate or my legs and arms will start to get real shaky. Most of the time I will get butterflies in my stomach or even nauseous. I have had what felt like tightness in the chest. I read an earlier posting from Becky where she says that sometimes she literally feels like running from a situation when she gets dizzy and short of breath. I have been also diagnosed with panic attacks and I would wake up in the middle of the night and feel this tremendous fright and I would also feel lightheaded and would be gasping for breath and I as well felt like I literally had to dart out of bed and just run somewhere, like I had to run away from myself or something but my doctor says that is a normal part of a panic attack, it affects the nervous system.
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