pervasive anxiety
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pervasive anxiety
| Wed, 01-10-2007 - 10:03pm |
I frequently have some sort of anxiety that appears with no warning -- for instance, I live in NYC and every time a train goes by or shows signs of approaching, I picture limbs being pulverized or my head in between cars getting destroyed. Several times a day on the train, although I am trying to distract myself with books and/or music, I picture the train having a head-on collision with another train and creating a massive fire, or else a bomb going off suddenly, or the train falling off the tracks (half of my commute is on an elevated train). The other day, there was that smell of gas in Manhattan, and everyone in my office was rather calm about it and making jokes, but when I saw the news report about gas in Manhattan, I felt as though I might possibly die within a few hours, and I had to leave the office, even though I was really embarrassed because everyone else was making jokes about it. I also have periodic cold chills during the afternoon because I think I might have cancer or a fatal disease, and I get convinced of the possibility. I used to have actual panic attacks, like where you go to the hospital because you think you're having a heart attack, but that hasn't happened in a couple of years.
Anyway, what can I do? I am also pretty depressed, I think, and I can't afford a therapist.
Thank you for reading this long post.
Anyway, what can I do? I am also pretty depressed, I think, and I can't afford a therapist.
Thank you for reading this long post.

I used to get the cold chills at the onset of my panic attacks - I hate those. I also have the weird train thoughts too.
I'm sorry you can't afford a therapist because that would be my first suggestion. Are you religious at all? If you attend any type of church, synagogue, mosque, etc most religious professionals are trained in counseling.
I am currently taking Lexapro and that has helped immensely. Meds aren't for everyone, but therapy alone wasn't cutting it for me.
Does your employer have any type of employee assistance program? There are some therapists who use sliding scale fees. Are you sure your insurance doesn't cover it? Sometimes they cover half. My insurance just requires a copay if the provider is in network.
Hello, Barbara! I am glad you found us. Not so glad that you're so distressed): The thoughts that you are having are common to anxiety sufferers. I want you to know that you are NOT alone. Does your employer have some sort of assistance program? Do you have health insurance to cover a doctor's visit? Internists & family doctors deal with anxiety everyday. Having a physical check-up is always helpful, because there are medical illnesses out there that can cause symptoms like this. Meds may be an option. There's financial help in that area that your dr. can suggest. There is help & hope for what you are experiencing. We just can't diagnose you.
As for what others *thought* about you when the gas odor was present. Ignore it. This is NOT a flaw in your character. This is a flaw in your chemistry. You cannot control what you experience, but you can learn to deal with it more effectively. TBH, I would have been nuts that day. Having anxiety & panic attacks for 36+ years, I can tell you that I am driven out of department stores because I imagine the new merchandise is giving off toxic odors. But, I have learned to accept this as part of me. I reassure myself that I am unique, however anxiety will never be the sum of all my parts. You are so much more than your fears. Please check out our *coping tips & tricks* folder below. Even without therapy, you can teach yourself techniques to reduce stress, *what if* thinking & relaxation.
Please take care of yourself. We care about you & will be glad to support you in your quest for finding balance. Join us in chats. Post anytime. Good luck & GBU! (((hugs))) jan
Hi & welcome.
Sheri Ann