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20 y/o and first-time having anxiety, how do I cope?

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lesley7512
lesley7512

I'm a 20-year-old girl and absolutely miserable. It all started when I studied abroad in Spain this past summer. I had my very first panic attack within 4 days of being there (of course at the time I believed I was having a heart attack as I had never experienced something that horrific and terrifying before). I never figured out what caused it since I loved Barcelona more than anything and was traveling with a fellow sorority sister of mine. I had friends, I loved the city, what went wrong? For the remainder of the month I had general anxiety. I was prescribed Ativan, which helped tremendously but I hated having to depend on it to curb my uneasiness. Oddly enough, as soon as I got back to America I felt normal again. WHAT A RELIEF. So now, fast forward four months. I'm driving back home from college and suddenly feel my face tingly. I recognize the feeling, and immediately stress myself out about the impending attack. I ended up calling 911 as I thought I was having a heart attack again, what with my chest pains and all. They did an EKG, my heart appeared normal other than my fast heart rate. I went to the doctor later that week as I had been having the general anxiety again, the first time since being back home. I got a blood test done to check my thyroid levels yesterday, but don't know the results. I also haven't had my period in three months and I have chest pain every day now. Is this anxiety or something words? The doctor said I was fine but I'm having a difficult time believing it. To make things worse, my mom doesn't understand anxiety. She yelled at me tonight for telling her I was having chest pains again. She tells me to stop dwelling on it but I'm not! I was watching Netflix, my mind completely distracted from all worries, and the pain just suddenly came back (this time in the center of my chest as opposed to the right side previously). I just don't know what to do. When does this stop? When can I start living life to the fullest again? I came here for help, comfort and advice as I know I'm not the only one in this boat of misery.

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • btyrad13
    btyrad13 lesley7512

    Posted

    Hi Lesley. You are def not alone. These were the same symptoms I had at the start. Just think to yourself you've been to the hospital. They checked out your heart and everything is fine. Really try to distract your mind with either reading or watching a good show/movie. 
    • lesley7512
      lesley7512 btyrad13

      Posted

      That's what I've been trying to do. Except today I started getting chest pains while watching one of my favorite shows. It's just all so confusing to me right now. And what's worse is the constant uneasiness I feel just running errands around town -- I'm surprised I can even drive without having an attack now.
    • btyrad13
      btyrad13 lesley7512

      Posted

      Oh so familiar!  So your experience is exactly how mine started. Now I did got to Dr and get put on sertraline 25mg for only a month but it did help. It's a serotonin uptake drug and it does help w anxiety that your having. But, I actually got off as I just dont like the dependency and migraines for me with it. So now what I've been doing is focusing on diet. Start a food log. Start eating a very balanced diet w def a vitamin regiment. Get outside in the sun. Let it warm your face and try to relax and clear your mind. I also used long hot showers anytime I got anxiety as its a great distraction and escape from your current state.  

      I'm still getting all the things u are going through but just learn to recognize and find comfort in there are others experiencing exactly what your going through. 

      Feel free to reach our anytime

    • lesley7512
      lesley7512 btyrad13

      Posted

      That is so good to hear. Just knowing that I'm not alone helps a lot! Yeah, I definitely don't want to get out on medication just because of the possibility for dependency. I did go to the beach yesterday and I felt great there. It's things like shopping and eating out where I really start to feel the anxiety build up. I manage to keep it low by distracting myself but I still sense it. 

      Last night was weird though. I woke up two hours after I fell asleep in a state of panic. Now I wasn't having a full attack, but I could tell my anxiety level was high, for no reason at all it seemed. I managed to get back to sleep within a half hour, but hopefully it doesn't happen again.

  • anahita.p
    anahita.p lesley7512

    Posted

    lesley all you said r coz of anxiety.you r in a new part of your life.i was same like u when I was in my first days of universty every thing was great but I couldnt get why I was like that.u just need some time n u will be ok.meditation n exercise will help you with that.
    • lesley7512
      lesley7512 anahita.p

      Posted

      It's strange because I'm a third year so nothing should be new to me. I would like to figure out the reason behind it though to help myself get over it quicker. How long did it take you before you got over the anxiety? 
    • anahita.p
      anahita.p lesley7512

      Posted

      yea then you should fine the reason sometimes it sounds there isnt any reason for being nervous but there must be sth in our mind n we cant get whats bothering.i was like that almos two weeks.it needs some time then u will start ur normal life.
  • shamika17081
    shamika17081 lesley7512

    Posted

    hi Lesley I am off your age and I can understand what you are going through anxiety sucks when we get panic attack we really can't do anything unless it foes the worst part you never know why and where it triggers and what u should do coping with anxiety is difficult when you can't tell anyone about it
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