topic Re: Feeling Anxious? in Wellness

Feeling Anxious?

Starpolisher — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 15:12:41 GMT

I don't know why but for the past 6 months or so, I feel very anxious whenever I have to leave the house, have company over(that I'm not used too)or driving where I'm not familiar. I never had this problem before. I get short of breath, my stomach gets in knots, my palms become sweaty and I start stressing for no apparent reason. It's getting so I hate to leave the house. I have to say, once I get whenever I'm going, I'm fine. It's getting there that's the problem. I went to see my Primary doctor and he gave me an anti anxiety medication. I turned 70 in December. Is it due to age? Does anyone else feel this way? Why is this happening?

Re: Feeling Anxious?

rockygems123 — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 15:14:56 GMT

@Starpolisher wrote:
I don't know why but for the past 6 months or so, I feel very anxious whenever I have to leave the house, have company over(that I'm not used too)or driving where I'm not familiar. I never had this problem before. I get short of breath, my stomach gets in knots, my palms become sweaty and I start stressing for no apparent reason. It's getting so I hate to leave the house. I went to see my Primary doctor and he gave me an anti anxiety medication. I turned 70 in December. Is it due to age? Does anyone else feel this way? Why is this happening?

@Starpolisher

Could be age or biologic related but good for you to talk about it.

Anxiety is no fun and it's always good to rule out anything else too. To be on the safe side maybe have some routine blood tests done if you haven't had those yet.

This sounds so trite but if you exercise that can help a lot with general mind & body fitness.

I don't have a big routine but when I can I stand on my tip toes like when putting on my makeup, cooking, etc. Stretch my legs out like a modified lunge. Simple short movements but they add up.

Who knows you may already exercise an hour a day lol.

Re: Feeling Anxious?

KingstonMom — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 15:19:20 GMT

I certainly do! It's gotten to the point that I rarely leave home, unless it's a Dr. appt., labs, etc.

DH even does the grocery shopping for me, since I'm not in the best physical shape.

Re: Feeling Anxious?

goldensrbest — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 15:26:07 GMT

Actually yes,and i do have reasons to feel this way, too much problems.

Re: Feeling Anxious?

Starpolisher — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 15:34:27 GMT

@KingstonMom wrote:
I certainly do! It's gotten to the point that I rarely leave home, unless it's a Dr. appt., labs, etc.

DH even does the grocery shopping for me, since I'm not in the best physical shape.

This is me also. My DH also does the grocery shopping! 🫤

Re: Feeling Anxious?

KittySoftPaws — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 15:39:34 GMT

@Starpolisher Sorry to hear, and I'm sure it isn't easy to admit or talk about. I think a lot of people go through this, so don't feel bad or alone. I have a friend who has a lot of anxiety and then feels anxious about that. I feel anxiety on occasion, not to the extent you do, but after my car accident years ago I had an anxiety attack and felt as you described. We just moved to a new state and that's not easy either. I do know that for me when I feel this way it makes it worse when I dwell on it and don't get out of my comfort zone. Getting out in the fresh air and sunshine and taking my walks is good medicine. I also take this time to pray, connect, and clear my head as well. The simple free things in life can be the best medicine sometimes. I cannot comment on the prescription side of it because in my opinion it only addreses the result and not the cause of the problem. But whatever helps you, is worth trying.

Re: Feeling Anxious?

Shelbelle — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 19:58:26 GMT

I am 71, I find I am much happier to spend time in the house than ever before, same for my DH, I dont go out of my way to go out too much anymore, especially at night. But, I still do go to work 3 days a week and have no problem with that. Is it Xanax that you got the RX for, I have had low dose RX fo that for 30 years when I feel a bit anxious or even a little light headed.

Re: Feeling Anxious?

pinkcrystal — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 15:37:01 GMT

So sorry you are going through this. I've been there too. It started in my mid thirties and it got so bad, I could barely make it to work. Turns out it was depression, which you would not really associate with being anxious. When I was put on antidepressant medication, all the anxiety was gone.

Re: Feeling Anxious?

River Song — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 15:38:06 GMT

Years ago, I was taking Claritin for allergies and didn't realize how it was making me feel anxious until I stopped taking it. Prescription and OTC medications can bring on anxiety even though it's not listed as a side effect.

Re: Feeling Anxious?

fthunt — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 15:40:01 GMT

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Re: Feeling Anxious?

JudyL — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 15:44:00 GMT

@Starpolisher wrote:
I don't know why but for the past 6 months or so, I feel very anxious whenever I have to leave the house, have company over(that I'm not used too)or driving where I'm not familiar. I never had this problem before. I get short of breath, my stomach gets in knots, my palms become sweaty and I start stressing for no apparent reason. It's getting so I hate to leave the house. I have to say, once I get whenever I'm going, I'm fine. It's getting there that's the problem. I went to see my Primary doctor and he gave me an anti anxiety medication. I turned 70 in December. Is it due to age? Does anyone else feel this way? Why is this happening?

@Starpolisher - Know exactly how you are feeling and it's not fun. I go through this too. Sometimes it's not as bad and sometimes it is. I've always had anxiety issues to some degree but have noticed it's more now that I'm retired and stay home a lot. Don't know what the solution is. I just keep going out and trying to do things but, as you said, it's getting going and going out that is the problem. Once I get to where I'm going, I'm fine. That's what I try and remember as I'm getting ready to go out - that once I get to where I'm going I'll be ok. That helps get me past the initial anxiety. It's good that you are talking about it as that helps too. The other thing I try and do, is make myself leave the house even if all I do is drive around for a bit. Just so I get out for a bit. Sending you hugs as I know this is difficult and scary when this has never been an issue before.

Re: Feeling Anxious?

dimin — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 15:44:17 GMT

I do too, I think I do? For instance I will be stressed out for a week because I have to drive 30 minutes to the airport. Anything out of my routine.

Re: Feeling Anxious?

CelticCrafter — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 15:47:36 GMT

I don't like driving anymore but it's because of the overbuilding in this town and the traffic that comes with it.

When I do go out, I will take as many back roads as possible to say off state and local highways, even if it means adding extra time to my trip.

Re: Feeling Anxious?

Othereeeen — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 15:52:08 GMT

You don't need medication.

You need the OFF button on the remote.

Turn the Teevee OFF.

Turn OFF and delete So Shull ME ME ME ME Media.

Stop reading headlines, eyeball grabbing headlines, outrage stories.

Stop hating everyone who doesn't look like YOU.

I know it sounds trite. I had the same symptoms til I took my own advice.

And YES I discussed it with my doctor. He said he would not recommend drugs. I take no medications now, and I really don't want to start, so I try any other means.

We are absolutely bombarded with negativity today. Because....positive, feel good, touchy feely doesn't sell or attract eyeballs and advertising dollars.

I evaluated my life. I own my home outright, and my car. I can afford to live where I live. I buy the best food I can to stay healthy. My weight is where it should be. I take NO medications at 68, because I work on and control what goes into my body ( instead of being "sold" garbage).

I do exercise....but winter makes that harder to do outdoors. I am SO grateful after hip replacement last summer that healed in no time, a negative colonoscopy, and a negative mammogram, and no findings on my annual Ob/Gyn exam.

One more year of positives that I intend to enjoy. ...because all that can change in ONE test or heartbeat.

However, I will say I STILL have anxiety when out around crowds or in stores.

My fear? Getting executed in Aisle 6 while out buying a loaf of bread.

THAT makes me anxious.

We have SO much.

We need to stop complaining...and for ME, that started with:

Turn OFF the TeeVee (ESPECIALLY what passes for "news"....bimbo-vision I call it).

Unconnect from negativity ( So-Shull me me me me media)..

Stop spending your(my) life looking for the worm in the apple.

Re: Feeling Anxious?

rockygems123 — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 15:54:28 GMT

@CelticCrafter wrote:
I don't like driving anymore but it's because of the overbuilding in this town and the traffic that comes with it.

When I do go out, I will take as many back roads as possible to say off state and local highways, even if it means adding extra time to my trip.

@CelticCrafter

I do the same thing. Before it was get there as fast as you can now it's get there more peacefully

Re: Feeling Anxious?

cheriere — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 15:58:19 GMT

@Starpolisher wrote:
I don't know why but for the past 6 months or so, I feel very anxious whenever I have to leave the house, have company over(that I'm not used too)or driving where I'm not familiar. I never had this problem before. I get short of breath, my stomach gets in knots, my palms become sweaty and I start stressing for no apparent reason. It's getting so I hate to leave the house. I have to say, once I get whenever I'm going, I'm fine. It's getting there that's the problem. I went to see my Primary doctor and he gave me an anti anxiety medication. I turned 70 in December. Is it due to age? Does anyone else feel this way? Why is this happening?

I'm so sorry you're experiencing these feelings. I've been a very anxious person all my life. Panic attacks are something I'm unfortunately very familiar with too.

As I've spent more time alone and at home, I notice these feelings seem to be a lot worse when having company and especially having to go out. I try and make myself do these things more, even though they're extremely difficult and stressful. Supposedly, this will help me. At least that's what the dr says. They will not prescribe anything for anxiety or panic attacks here, regardless of how bad they are.😔

Re: Feeling Anxious?

CelticCrafter — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 16:09:10 GMT

@cheriere you need to find a new doctor if they won't prescribe something to help you with the panic attacks.

Re: Feeling Anxious?

SilleeMee — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 16:10:19 GMT

Increased anxiety is a natural part of aging. It becomes problematic when it gets in the way of daily life functions where medication might be needed but not always. Treat your problems as adventures instead of dealing with them as your fears. It helps me a lot that way.

Re: Feeling Anxious?

cheriere — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 16:20:12 GMT

@CelticCrafter wrote:
@cheriere you need to find a new doctor if they won't prescribe something to help you with the panic attacks.

I know. Unfortunately, dr's are but a few here these days. It's mostly Nurse Practitioners and they don't want to prescribe anything. Sometimes the panic attacks are really bad too. I don't sleep well either. It seems as though I stay nervous about something.

I need to search out of my small town for another family practice I guess. It's just difficult when you're unsure if the new Dr will be any better or not.😔

Re: Feeling Anxious?

FLGranny — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 16:16:05 GMT

Im 70. My husband of 46 years died in 2019 so ive been alone since then. Thats when i started reacting the same way youre describing to leaving the house. And the pandemic didnt help either! I was always wanting to be out doing something or going somewhere, then i did a total 180. Its taken time and alot of pushing myself to start getting my life back. Youll know when youre ready but if you can do one simple thing and build on it before you know it youll succeed. Just dont depend on a pill to do it for you. You are stronger than you think!!