Fear of physical symptoms

Posted , 5 users are following.

I avoid certain situations as I'm so terrified of revealing my physical symptoms.My whole body will start to shake & my voice quivers.It's held me back all these years.I feel so embarrassed by it.Missed out on so many social events etc....I'll find some excuse to avoid the event.I think about future events for days/weeks on end.I'm on propranolol, but don't really see a significant improvement.I've used alcohol as a crutch, but know that's not the answer.Just can't seem to think rationally.Any advice would be gratefully received.Thank you.

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    Using alcohol as a prop for anxiety-related disorders is common, but it never works, and in any event it is a dangerous habit to get into.

    My advice would be for you to go back to your doctor and truthfully explain how you really feel.

    The doctor may well think it appropriate to review/ change/ augment the medication that you are currently taking.

    I cannot over-emphasise that when you speak to your doctor you need to be completely honest, frank and open about what is going on, for without the absolute truth how can your doctor be expected tp help you?

  • Posted

    Just wanted to ask how often your shakes are. Because I've been suffering the same for about 6 months and it's constant. Certain symptoms have alleviated since mentally came to the conclusion that I will be normal again one day and knowing that it's all a by product of my anxious feelings
    • Posted

      Hi Roots.I've had this now for roughly ten years.It's more of a constant internal trembling which turns into external when I'm under stress.I also have heart palpitations.I've had a couple of ECG's, which have come back normal.I know a lot of it is in my head, but it seems so real.I wish you well.
  • Posted

    Viper, I just want to let you know that you are not alone.  I actually quit a great paying job of thirteen years because of my anxiety.  That was six  months ago and I still haven't returned to work.  Anxiety can really control your life.  I think that is what makes it so frustrating to all of us.  We all know that rationally this dreaded thing we fear when we leave our homes is not going to happen but this insidious desease I call anxiety overrides our rational thinking side.  I also love to travel but everyday as I watch the news I think what would happen if I was trapped with my special needs daughter in that hurricane, terroist attack etc.  The fear is so overwhelming that most days I have to push myself just to go to the shops with my daughter.  Just aside my daughter is very well behaved and despite the fact she is nine and non-verbal and I need to take care of all her needs she is physically quite healthy and loves going out so it is all on me not her.  I don't really have any advice for you because I just started my meds less then a month ago and has yet to go to my first therapy session but I just want to let you know you are not alone.  Don't let anyone think your feelings are stupid either.  I have a Masters of Justice and consider myself reasonably intelligent yet I'm still gripped by anxiety.  There has been one good thing that has come from me quitting my job, other then spending more time with my daughter, next year I'm going back to university to study Occcupational Therapy so I can work with special needs children.  I've been wanting to do this for years but couldn't previously rationalise quitting a well paying, government job to do so until my anxiety forced me to.  I just hope my meds are working well by then as I'll need to leave home to attend lectures as the univeristy I've chosen doesn't have a distance or online option.
    • Posted

      Hi SkyeBeth & thank you for your kind words.It really is so frustrating.Even meeting up with friends can be a chore.I have a good friend to talk to, but I think it's something I've got to deal with myself.I wish you well.

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