I've kept the panic attacks away, but...

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
I've kept the panic attacks away, but...
7
Mon, 03-20-2006 - 2:50pm

instead I've had this dull headache for nearly a week now and it simply will not go away no matter how much Tylenol I take (not that I take handfuls of Tylenol at a time, mind you). And when I'm at work (the source of my anxiety), I am apparently clenching my jaw without realizing it because it hurts even to open my mouth or to chew. Gah! So frustrating. My therapist says that because I tend to refuse to deal with things emotionally, my emotions present themselves in physical ways.


Speaking of my therapist, I'm freaking out a little bit because she's going on a long vacation (3 weeks). This week's session is the last I will have with her until she comes back. How do you handle it when you have to go so long without a session? These days, I'm barely making it one week. I don't know how I will handle three.


Laura

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Mon, 03-20-2006 - 4:20pm

It's good to hear from you, Laura. Wish it was under better cicumstances): Physical symptoms with no basis is an indicator of anxiety.

 

 


 



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Registered: 03-22-2003
Mon, 03-20-2006 - 5:26pm

Laura, I clench my jaw when I am anxious, also.

Sheri Ann

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Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 03-21-2006 - 2:19pm

Thanks, Jan.


I've always had physical symptoms of stuff rather than let myself deal with things on an emotional level. I'm having a hard time in general with stuff. I am really struggling at my job. I know I'm not performing at my best, and my job is the reason why my panic attacks flared up again in the first place.


And I'm having problems with my parents right now. My birthday is next week, so I'm already kind of weirded out about that (i.e. another year has gone by and I haven't managed to improve my life any) and my mom got really nasty with me about my birthday, giving me guilt trips, etc.


You know, I'm like a walking poster child for "Don't do this to your body." I don't take care of myself very well. I don't get enough sleep, exercise, balanced diet, etc. I do drink caffeine. About the only thing I don't do is smoke. I do have allergies, but these headaches feel different. I really think they're stress related. Migraines, perhaps? I get migraines so rarely and when I do get them, I don't have a lot of the symptoms most people associate with them (blurred vision, etc.).


I'm trying to remind myself that my therapist needs a vacation too and that I shouldn't feel so dependent on the sessions to cope with things. I am just going to take things very slowly and use my meds if I need them.


Laura

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Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 03-21-2006 - 2:25pm

Sheri! Oh my goodness, I hold my breath too. I've never been one to do that before, but as I've said this job is wreaking havoc with me mentally and a few months ago I got to where I was feeling dizzy and nauseous all the time. I finally figured out it was because I would sit at my desk and hold my breath for prolonged periods without even being aware of it. Work is the only place this happens to me. I have to occasionally remind myself to breathe because my lungs aren't doing that gasping for air thing to get my breathing going again. It's so subtle that I have to stop and make an effort to take deep breaths.


I'll try to stop by the board more often in the coming weeks. I don't always post much because it seems weird to be here when my panic attacks have subsided for the time being. I wish there were a "Screwed Up in General" board. Bleh.


Laura

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Tue, 03-21-2006 - 5:28pm

Wishing you a happy birthday in advance, Laura! I will most surely forget by next week:) I want you to know, that in spite of what your mom says, you have held down a job for the past year. You may be stressed & unhappy there, but you didn't quit or move back home or any number of things folks do who are irresponsible. You keep on truckin' even though things are crappy. Please give yourself some credit. You are a good, deserving person.


This is a note to you & everyone reading. In our lives, anxiety waxes & wanes. So does people's visits to our board. That is why we're here 24/7. When you need us, we're open for business. When you don't, there's no reason to feel guilty for not posting. Sheri Ann & I know that life gets in the way. If you're doing well & don't need us, we wish you the very best. But, if the need to vent or seek support arises again, we want you to think of us first. It's no shame to be doing well & not posting to the board. Sheri Ann & I wish that was possible for everyone of you.


Now, Laura! You must start taking care of yourself. Do you want me to have to come over there??? LOL Good luck with the headaches. I have never had a migraine & from what I have heard, I don't need any! (((hugs))) jan


 

 


 



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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2003
Tue, 03-21-2006 - 5:47pm

I don't know how much pain medication you are taking for your headaches, but one thing to keep in mind, are the rebound headaches. I have migraines, and I have hydrocephalus, and I see a neurologist regularly.

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  &nb

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Tue, 03-21-2006 - 8:11pm

(((Laura)))

Sheri Ann