Constant unbalance feeling/head pressure/tingling/dizziness/shortness of breath. Very scared, help.

Hiya, sorry you are having all these symptoms. It's sounding like it is anxiety. Anxiety is such a strange thing and unfortunately we make ourselves worse. I also get lots of symptoms. Mainly at night when I'm relaxing. It's always when I start to wind down. You've done the best thing by going to the Drs, even if only to put your mind at rest. How long have you been having these symptoms? Did something happen to bring them on?

First off, thanks for the reply. I had all symptoms for months but they were rare... Now for the last month they are constant and even stronger than ever. Im also more anxious then ever before. Maybe my anxiety was "quiet anxiety" before because I didn't really know that I even have anxiety disorder. I didn't really feel anxious. Still, I have problems with breathing for 4 months now. But, the other symptoms were just added later on and became more and more frequent until now almost constant.

Hey I knso this post is pretty old but I was just wondering if the lightheaded dizzy/cloudy/foggy feeling ever subsided? This is my main symptom and im not anxious at all, until after this starts again it used to be 100% constant for 2.5 months then slowly starting becoming less but it's there everyday sometimes all day sometimes for a cpl hours usually when lying down it seems to subside a bit so it's similar to you. I know you said you had an MRI upcoming and was wondering if you'd share what it showed as my dr declined to give me any tests besides simple blood and urine and because I've had those done twice and they showed normal he chalked it up to as anxiety, problem is iv been on meds since September and havnt really made much progress as far as that symptom goes, the anxiety and most all other symptoms have gone except for this one and just so happens that this was/is the worst one for me overall and the kicker is usually when I'm super busy and don't have time to think I don't.l notice it but every second I have that I'm 100% occupied to the ceiling the thought of this is in my head almost like I'm anticipating it to come and it always does, I had a reffferal to neurologist but havnt gone and now have one to a physciatrist which I'm scheduling tmw but I really feel like a MRI is what I need which is prolly a sign of anxiety but I'm super freaked out that there's an issue with my brain and that thought once the symptom started in August had been the most constant and gives me the most stress. I know acceptance is a huge part of getting over the anxiety but when your not convinced it's only anxiety it's hard to accept it lol

I know exactly how you feel. I also thought that having MRI will make me feel more secure that "it is just anxiety". MRI results were all fine and there was nothing that they found wrong about my brain. Still, they told me to do MRA test just in case and this one was all fine too. You probably think that I was completely assured that now it really is just anxiety, but I wasn't. I found some relief, but the symptoms were still there... Recently I started going on CBT. I learned a lot of things and became less scared about my symptoms. There are days that are better and days that are worse. Symptoms like dizziness are less frequent now, but shortness of breath is still constant and also a couple of others. Trying to talk it out with my good friends also helped me to get some relief. I hope you get better as soon as possible. I am still fighting and a lot of times I don't believe doctors, but I am trying my best to trust them. If you have any other question feel free to ask me.

Thanks for the reply ! No I haven't tried it yet. I heard a lot of good things about those two so I might give it a try !

I'm not sure where in the country you are but I found some free meditation classes in my area. Maybe you could try having a look near you. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon. Remember anxiety is just an emotion, it can't hurt you. Kick it in the butt and don't let it win

Thanks again ! Meditation and kick it in the butt checked !

You can buy relaxation tapes. If you lay on your bed, headphones attached, hands on belly to feel your tummy rise and fall as you practice your breathing, you may well find yourself falling asleep!

Hahaha. Clare, you sound like a dork. Just like I am. Just listening to some of your replies, you been able to calm me down.

Which was weird you weren't even talking to me.

Sometimes during an attack, my mind will constantly beat itself up. Telling itself your different from everyone and no body likes you, you'll never find anyone. Give up on being you.

So it was nice to silliness in your replies. But still be serious as helpful. I wished you could be my mediation buddy. 😊

Loved your response to Happyguy.  Well done! I do look forward to reading your replies.

very good advice helen20833

Thank you so much ! Your reply really means a lot to me. The problem is that I still didn't have MRI and won't have it for months. My doctors believe there will be nothing special to see because of all the tests they have done to me so far... Which sounds great

The problem is that I have shortness of breath for more than 4 months now. Other symptoms were just added afterwards and have been becoming stronger and stronger as I was becoming more and more anxious. They also became constant now. 4 months ago I didn't really thought im anxious at all and I felt like I couldn't really inhale air (subconscious anxiety before maybe ?)

My problems with breathing just don't want to stop and that is making me really anxious. Still all the test show that my lungs work properly and my blood gets enough oxygen which gives some hope that treating anxiety will help.

Thanks again

Happy guy, please hear this, ALL OF HAVE SHORTNESS OF BREATH !! That is either going to relieve you, or you just aren't ready to accept that we are all in the same boat, dealing with the same stuff and have to, at some point realize these fears are only thoughts, and lying ones at that. On some level we do get to the point when in the midst of the wierdness of anxiety, we can at least begin to laugh at ourselves.

You are not alone and never will be as long as you have these wonderful, caring, dedicated, compassionate people who only want help AND to help each other. We have to trust somebody sometime, and this is a good place to start. We are glad you are here and glad to help. Soon you will be responding to desperate people, and assuring them. I just know it. Hugs

 

So many people try to find a reason for anxiety disorder without success. The first they are aware of it is when some strange and frightening physical symptom suddenly manifests itself. Then along with imagination running away with one, comes the fear.

I read your post very carefully. Whatever anxiety inducing gremlin lurked it appears it induced breathlessness in you. This is frightening. Then the fear induced added symptoms. It's like  a vicious circle I know . I understand.

Had the doctors any concerns believe you me you would not be awaiting months for an MRI. The lack of urgency suggests it is being done more for your peace of mind as opposed to any physical threat to your health and safety.

Most of the things we fear, such as tumours and the like, have symptoms that are apparent to doctors and this results in the speedy execution of necessary tests. We might all grumble and complain about doctors but they are not fools. They would swiftly pick up on anything untoward.

Like as not your breathlesness will plague you until your MRI is completed and your mind put at rest. Until then reassure yourself that the tests you have thus far had show you have nothing to fear but fear itself!

Your lungs are fine! Your blood is fine. This is good news. Try to gain some comfort from that. See the breathlessness as a pain in the ass but don't give it any importance or let it take over who and what you are. Horrible as it is, keep going, keep moving about to burn some of the adrenalin off. This will not worsen your breathing if you take it nice and slow and rest inbetween if it frightens you. Don't let it win. You can do it! I know you can. Just have a little faith.

People with anxiety/panic disorder are far from cowards. They suffer vile symptoms and what do they do? Do they scream and cry?  Do they give in?They do not. They carry on regardless, brave soldiers that they are They come to this site to support each other!

You're in the "army" now

Hugs from Helen

One of the best summations ever!

Aw shucks! Ize blushing, lol. I'm just a mouthy ole hag is all. Got an opinion on everything, that's me.

Joking apart, I remember when I first stumbled along the stony path of anxiety disorder...and very frightening it was too. I'd get rid of one symptom and another would pop up. I call it my gremlin. I don't like it, that gremlin. On the other hand neither does it like me.

i know just how poor Happyguy feels! Frightened, confused and terrified he has no control over what is happening to him. Once he comes to grips with the situation it will be more bearable. We've just all got to push him further along that road and give him the confidence to walk tall. He'll get there with our help, I'm sure.

I love that you put the adrenaline comment in. I think a lot of poeple don't know that their adrenaline is pumping out of control, keeping them in fight or flight mode, and the stress that that produces causes it to continue, and the vicious circle goes round and round. I have a whole new understanding of the often used term, "vicious circle."

i look forward to reading more of your gems, and agree that Happyguy will keep coming on through, with our help, as we have both come through with the help of these wonderful people who "get it." Lots of love to you, Helen, and blessings.

Thanks a lot for all theses words. You're awesome ! I didn't know that shortness of breath is common for others too. Small relief right here

Thanks a ton ! I really respect the time you took to write this and help me out. You're are amazing ! Your words will definitely help me

Hello dear friend

I have been catching up on the comments and something struck me. Here's everyone rushing in to help, bless them, and I realized that the basic tool we need in our box to fight anxiety disorder is some measure of control.

One of the worst things when in the throes of anxiety is the feeling of helplessness.The "Why is this happening to me! " The inner voice that pleads for help whilst the body is assaulted by one or many grim symptoms.

Taking pro-active steps is vital and after reading the army of "helpers" comments I hope Happyguy realizes that. We are not totally lacking in control. We don't have to look to the doctors alone for a lifeline. True medication is the first step. I personally don't believe finding out what triggered it helps at all but that's just me. It's there and it's here to stay Unless we  grab it by the scruff of the neck and take a measure of control back.

Baby steps. Medication. Learning how to control our breathing. Not allowing the physical symptoms, no matter how awful, to batter us into a feeling of helplessness and submission. If they are there let them flow over you. They will pass if panic is not added to the mix. Distract one's self because the worst possible scenario is to slump in a chair and dwell upon them.

It's a long hard journey but deciding to take back some control, no matter how small, is a huge step forward.

Yes, there will be setbacks. We all suffer those. At such times this site and those who unselfishly "give" their support, is our lifeline.To read and re-read will reassure us.

And whilst I may well sound ludicrous, The Anxiety Army, as I like to think of us all, will march forward, in step, together.

You are very welcome. I had the latest trying to catch my breath episode just a few minutes ago. Indeed it does help tremendously to know it's not just you going through going through something. It ha saved my butt often. Hugs to you, Happyguy

Hi Sweetie,

Glorious summation. I can't tell you how I enjoy reading a gifted writer, expecially when their comments are right on target. If I didn't believe I was basically in charge of my own life, body and mind, I would be dead today.  I was told many years ago while in a hospital, that I was going to die, and when. I told them that if they believed that, then the fact that I didn't believe that and would not die would look like a miracle, because I intended to be one. Here I am 40 years later. Now you see why I loved your message. I agree 100%

You sound like a terrific person, wise, self assured and with a terrific sense of humor,,, and able to laugh at yourself, and life itself. What a gal.

Hugs and smoochies to you, dear one

Hmm, just as well I have a sense of humor! For years I have had my hair in a chin length bob and then, feeling down and having a bad day, I went mad and had a pixie cut

I hate it!

My sons, my extended family tell me they love it. It's modern. It makes me look younger they say.

They lie so beautifully because they love me. Truth is I look like a demented hedgehog. Like I haven't got enough to worry about with my anxiety disorder now I've got at least six months of bad hair days to contend with and stress over!.

Whoever said short hair is easy wants flogging. I get up in the morning and look like I've been plugged into an electrical socket overnight.

Oh woe is me? Anyone out there got a wig going cheap? Sob...

Just curious what type of medication you are refering to. Thanks!

Thank you Helen for your advice . Also helped me ! It's nice to know , that everybody here can count on support people like you ! Thank you 🌞