Dealing with Anxiety/Worry?

Just recently, I was diagnosed with having an Anxiety Disorder. The feeling I experience I am unable to describe, but my doctor said it was normal. A lot of the time I worry about my health. Its almost a constant worry. Does this qualify as anxiety? I worry that I have a brain tumor, or something serious along those lines. The only reason I worry is because I DO feel physical symptoms.. but my doctor told me I am very healthy.

I use the computer daily, and I was wondering if the headaches, pain behind eyes, and neck pain could be all caused by constant use of the computer? If it is, how long would it take to heal? I have been noticing these symptoms for almost a month now, and that has been then time when I mostly use the computer.

Any input would help me out a lot, because I figure if I can deal with the symptoms, my anxiety will eventually go away. It is impacting my sleep patterns, such as I wake up early almost every day, and then fall back to sleep. Thanks.

Well, did you see an eye dr? Sounds like you have eye strain to me. I have anxiety attacks and believe me you'll know when your having one.

I used to be the same way. I used to get panic attacks, which are awful. So I went to my doctor and he put me on Paxil, which takes about six weeks to start working. Now I feel fine.

there are different sorts of anxiety disorder

it sounds like you may have health anxiety. i have it too. whenever i get a pain anywhere, i worry it may be cancer.

not sure what you like to do, but ive found that going for a walk alone each day, for an hour or more, really helps.

it helps me feel healthier, both physically and mentally

also, by doing exercise each day, you should be more tired by bedtime which helps with sleep

you can email me if you like. good luck

I'm guessing the person who diagnosed you also suggested trying medication? It sounds to me like you have been overcome with worry and paranoia, and just aren't thinking clearly. I'm sure this is difficult, but I don't think you have any medical problems, your doctor confirmed that. I suggest trying Paxil, Lexapro or another medication, give it a couple months and see if your perspective changes. I have anxiety and used to be angry at strangers and feel paranoid that no one liked me, etc. After being on Paxil I'm happier and I'm not stressed and paranoid, I'm actually getting along with people and making friends, it really helped me!

Good luck!

It is very possible that the use of the computer is causing your symptoms. For instance, if the monitor or your keyboard aren't at the right height it may cause your neck and possibly back to hurt. If the chair you sit in isn't supporting your properly then it could also add to your discomfort. If you stare intently at your monitor and the lighting isn't the best or there is a glare that causes you to squint, it may lead to a headache. I would research ergonomics on line and get some possible suggestions for making your computer station more user friendly. I would think that if you aligned everything ergonomically, some of the discomfort would cease immediately (eye strain & headaches) while neck and back pain might take a week or so to lessen and go away completely. Keep in mind, you probably wouldn't get any of these problems unless you spent several hours a day at your computer (more than 3 hours daily).

You may also want to consider taking time to stretch every half-hour or hour for 10 minutes or so. That may help in lessening your symptoms. Things like shoulder shrugs, neck rotations, wrist rotations, etc can make a big difference in making you more comfortable. You can find dozens of stretches for office workers on line.

Hi Gray,
This is what I live with too, but I'm managing being on Prozac. I used to have anxiety bad and now I have that under control, happy to say!
Yes, being on the computer can surely cause the pains you feel, and stress in your life complicates it too! yes, anxiety ties in with worrying!
There is no telling when your aches will heal, but you can exercise, apply heat and ice packs to the areas, use a pillow when at the computer, try to always sit up straight AND be aware of your wrists with typing and all. You can by a pad your wrists can rest on so that you aren't stretching the nerves and tendons, etc. that do occur when typing without support there.

Just "monitor" your anxiety because yes, it can eventually go away, but if it doesn't and persists, you might need to be on a medicine for a short time, which REALLY helps "curb" anxieties!
Stay in touch with your Dr. and he can recommend a Specialist in the area of anxieties and worry, or you just might need to talk with an LCSW. (Counselor).

Anyway, DO stay away from Tranquilizers if this is ever a suggestion from your Dr. I have a Dr. who tries to tell me I need one but I always refuse because I don't need a "crutch"., there are many natural ways to fall asleep and stay asleep without stupid tranquilizers!

Be well and I hope you will continue to be ok!

I would start by going in for a general eye check up. The pain you are feeling could very well be caused from extended computer time.
I understand what you are going thru, as I suffer from anxiety attacks myself. Let me give you a small hint as to how to cope.
As bad as this sounds, get off the computer. Take an art class, yoga, martial arts, or some other form of "be active" type class. It encourages the brain to use parts we do not normally use in daily life. Cake decorating is another good one, but I prefer ceramics as I do not gain weight from the ceramics!
Change your music. If you are listening to country, change to classical, rock, classic rock... anything other than country. I love country music, but it is one of the most depressing forms of music there is. I keep AC/DC and Creed in my cd case just for the days when I feel I'm in a funk.
Excersise. Get up and get moving. Take a walk, ride horses, go 4 wheeling, anything...just get active. The more you are stagnent, the worse you will feel. There are days I have to force myself out of bed. I have the benefit of horses, which have to be taken care of daily. Sitting on my bum is not an option, and it should not be for you.
Most importantly. TAKE TIME FOR YOU!!!!!!! Once a week, go get your nails done, a hair cut, eat a nice meal out. Anything that makes you feel good inside. Make it a point to treat yourself. Mine is a new CD once a week. I love music and I enjoy bopping in the car to a new CD, ( my feel good).
A lot of people will tell you to go on meds. Meds are a personal choice, and for me a non-choice. I did not fair well and had to find other ways to cure myself. If you can take meds, I would suggest you talk to your doctor. They may be instrumental in helping you.