Anxiety Stories? First experiences and symptoms?

In my case, it struck me by surprise. Im still having trouble believing that i am suffering from it. Symptoms of ongoing lightheadedness, spaced out and unreality feeling, fatigue, unsteadiness, gastritis & acid reflux, sinus & ear popping/blocking & aches over the body - these are the symptoms i experienced for over 3 months and currently still experiencing.

I thought something was seriously wrong with me. I went to numerous doctors who performed over 10 blood tests on me in 3 months. I also had nearly every scan possible and saw so many specialists to rule out any conditions. All results came back normal and thats when i had no choice but to believe i was suffering from or something related to anxiety.

I was a happy, confident, funny and social person before it happened. I had a great social life and my jobs were not stressful. First experience happened while i was at the movies. Felt like a mental cloud came over me. It was horrible.

Feel free to share your stories here.

By the way, im 26 yrs old male.

April 6, 2006, that's when I had my first anxiety attack. Felt like I was losing control, couldn't catch my breath, etc. I had just taken a flight to Sugar Land, TX and was spending the weekend there. I don't know if I had the attack because of all the stress involved (thinking of relocating, being away from my wife and daugther for the first time, fear of flying, grandma was ill) but it happened.

About two months after that I went to the doctor because my anxious feelings were unbareable. I was always thinking I was going to have a panic attack.

Here we are a year later. I don't really have panic attacks, but the anxiety is still there. It does suck to think that only 1 year ago I didn't know anxiety existed like this, but it is what it is, ya know?

For me it's a contstant thought. I don't neccessarily feel bad, or feel anxious all day, but the actual thought of anxiety sticks with me every day. I do feel like I'm walking in a fog for most of the day, but I'm confident that over time it will get better. At first I would avoid going somewhere or doing something because I was scared I would have an anxiety attack. You learn though, that avoiding situations because of your fear will make things worse. If you are going to overcome anxiety, which is very possible, you need to face the fears head on.

Check out this website, especially the forum. It's a great place to go when you are having a bad day:
http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/

Also, read this book, it helped me out a lot:
http://www.amazon.com/Self-Help-Nerves-C...

Take care.

the first time I think I rember was when i was 5 years old in school and they gave shots in school back then. I passed out . everything went black and down I went. from then on everytime we had shots in school I passed out. When I got older and started smoking it covered up the axiety. then i quit. and wow. down I went. couldn't go for walks couldn't take my child to school. With medication treatment I am much better. I know I still have them and if I had to have a shot or go to hospital. Or like I got bit by a dog 4 weeks ago I started to get weak and layed down. But I am much better I can have a life again. And barely have to take medication anymore. Just remeber if you feel faint or like things are starting to go black. get down close to the floor. so you don't brake anything if you pass out.

I get anxiety attacks with the kids fighting and when my daughter always gets into things and makes constant requests. My heart pounds and everything goes blank. Eventually it comes back on line. I have to remind myself that I can handle this is if I separate the kids and do what needs doing one step at a time. Sometimes I get that way when I have flashbacks over stupid mistakes I've made. I have to remind myself that these things don't define me. A new day can change everything. It's just a circuit overload. This too shall pass.

well Im 14 years old and i have a story to tell i guess...Well last year i went through all your symptoms which was really bad...I went to over 10 hospitals and only one knew what was wrong with me...I spent my whole summer in the hospital i went though so many shots....I cryed the whole step of the way...They told me I have anxiety and panick attacks and they told me they were bad ones...I reallized i inherated it from my mom and her sister and my pappaw and so up....I was so mad.....when i started getting appointments with people we couldnt aford it and i was getting sicker so my mom took me to her doctor and everything is working out so far.....Ive had a few attacks this year i also got out of homeschooled in febuary and im so happy for that...But last friday i got sick again and it was bad i was at school in the gym and i had to be took home.....I feel sad every know and again cause like my career i want to be an airforce pilot but someone like me and u and everyone else cant do it...I just dont know anymore im just not happy with myself anymore its like im already wanting to die and get my life over with but I think im just going to say alive and just fight this and hopefully ill win......well i guess thats all i have to say......but ones more thing how old are u???// well i gots to goes laters
Brittany

I have had them most of my life. I can not pin point any certain time or thing. In my twenties I went to my doctor and they put me on Effexor. It really helped.There are other things but this helped me best. It not only helps anxiety attacks but depression too. You may need something only temp.. Things help me like taking walks, reading, watching tv, blogging. Anything to keep my mind off things that trigger it. Counseling may help too.
I am 52 now and they have greatly reduced the medicine over the years, so go now before it controls your life like it did mine.