I think I am going insane, Please HELP!?

Question

I have been feeling really really wierd lately. I am struggling with anxiety mixed with depression. I feel really out of it, like dizzy, floating along and just plain wierd. I have been taking nerve pills called atarax whenever I feel a panic attack or just really nervous before it starts. But for the past few days, I feel terrified that I am going insane, I am terrified of dying. I am now afraid to lay down at night to go to sleep because I fear a panic attack and think that I hear things. Am I just overreacting or is there something serious here? Plus, my chest has been very painful, I feel like someone is pushing on it. Is it gas, something simple? I just need answers, I need reassurance that I'm okay. I know no one is probally a doctor, but please help me. I need somethings to think or do to help me relax. I am 20 years old and a female by the way, if that helps explain the chest problems or whatever else. Thanks everyone!!!

My vision seems a little blurry too at times, kinda like my eyes are really tired, but I am not tired at all.

Answer 1

this is anxiety and alot of people go thru it,its the way you feel when you have an anxiety attack.also,Atarax is not the best med.for you,sounds like.talk to your doctor and get something else.like xanax or klonopin.and go talk to a counselor to help you get your feelings out,talk to your friends,parents,anyone.
have your doctor check your thyroid,it can do this to you.i had it.you're not going insane,even if it feels like it sometime.all your symptoms sound like anxiety.i'm a nurse.

Answer 2

Sounds like anxiety disorder. For some reason, your body is producing too much adrenalin. Anxiety disorders and depression are very common and often go together.

Adrenalin makes you feel terrified. You are terrified that you are terrified. That feeling really sucks. Sorry you are in that space.

Family doctors/ General Practitioners are now allowed to diagnose this problem and prescribe medications--either anti-anxiety drugs or anti-depressants.

Atarax is for anxiety and it's an antihistamine. Sounds like it's not working. Tell your doctor it's not working. Tell you doctor how bad you feel.

Do not allow yourself to continue in this state without seeking additional medical help. Sever anxiety causes nerve damage, making anxiety more likely and creating a viscious cycle.

There are things that you can do for some immediate relief--although they may not provide the entire answer ...

#1. Stop drinking caffeine--right now. This includes coffee, tea and soda's.

#2 Exercise can help burn off some of that extra adrenalin. Do take some nice long brisk walks.

#3 There's a lot of time pressure on everyone these days. We tend to just go-and-go-and-go-and-go until we drop. Your nervous system will feel a lot better if you go for 2 hours and then take a 15 minute chill out. This could be a nap, or listening to some music, or talking with a friend (about somethiing calm/pleasant/relaxing).

#4 Anxious people tend to be real go-getters. They tend to over-commit or commit to too many things. Once they've made a committment, they feel an enourmous pressure to complete the task. Take a break from some of your committments. Tell people that you are not feeling well and then some of these things are going to be put on hold for awhile. Or, see if you can get someone else to complete for you. If you've got too many classes, looking into dropping a couple. Everyone has limits, iknow yours and respect them.


Best of wishes in this difficult time. Go see your doctor!

Answer 3

Crazy Insane

Answer 4

It sounds like you just have really bad anxiety. I suffer from this to, and even when theres nothing wrong, I get these butterflies in my stomach that start to grow over nothing. I try to cope with things like watching tv or movies, playing video games, hanging out with friends. Unfortunately when those things end the anxiety comes back almost imediately. Its a horrible feeling. And then I get the same anxiety you do over things like why my chest hurts or not breathing if I go to sleep. I am far from crazy lol. But I think you need to talk to your doctor about a different medication. Some medications can make symptoms worse. There are other things that may be able to help you better.

Answer 5

Just from what you are describing, I would be willing to bet that the chest pains, dizziness, and irrational fears are spawning from severe anxiety and panic attacks. I had horrible post-partum anxiety after my daughter was born, and I couldn't even leave the house without passing out. The chest pressure and fear of dying or "losing it" was there, too. With a combination of medication (I take Lexapro) and therapy, I have made a complete recovery and feel amazing. I would seek the help of a psychiatrist (for your meds if nothing else), and a psychotherapist (they are more effective in treating anxiety). It will be a rough ride for a while, but it will be well worth it!!

All my best...

Answer 6

You have just perfectly described all of the symptoms of a panic attack: chest pain, dizzy, fear or losing control or going crazy, fear of heart attack etc etc.

The best solution for panic disorder is to get on an antidepressant because they are not addictive and they PREVENT the attacks.

Where as atarax or xanax and the like treat the attack after it started..and they are addictive. Most ppl take an anti depressant and have the xanax as a back up which is seldom ever needed. Also some counselling. So get back to the fam doc and tell him you want comprhensive treatment for panic disorder and get started on it.

You are not going crazy; panic disorder just makes you feel like you are. You need some seratonin!

Answer 7

Candace - YOU ARE NOT GOING INSANE! Relax.

You are just feeling extreme anxiety. Anxiety is basically another word for FEAR. When you feel fear (stressed) your body produces adrenaline. Adrenaline is the "Fight or Flight" hormone, which can 'pump' you up so you can fight or give you more energy so you can run. When stressed your body also shuts down functions other than the 'fight or flight' so you are able to move quickly and increases your tolerance to pain (you may feel numb). For example, under stress your body will stop digesting food and more blood will flow to your arms and legs. Under stress due to extra adrenaline you might have racing heartbeat, chest pain, cold hands and feet, muscle twitches.

After the stress is over and your adrenaline levels begin to drop, you may experience adrenaline withdrawal - like a hangover after drinking. Some symptoms of adrenaline withdrawal are dry mouth/tickle in throat, numbness, dizziness/lightheadedness, trembling, trouble breathing, stiffness.

The effects of the adrenalin cycle can feel as bad as the stress and anxiety and scare you as much as the original stress.

To ease your anxiety (fear) please try EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) or 'emotional tapping,' In EFT you apply gentle acupressure tapping to specific body points to release blocked emotions. It's very easy to learn (you can learn the basics in less than one-half hour). You can use it anytime, anywhere for any physical or emotional issue. To learn EFT please go to the Emotional Freedom website (www.emofree.com) and download the FREE EFT Instruction manual.

I used to be stressed out a lot. Did the whole therapy thing with dubious results. I learned EFT and now use it every day (morning and evening). It is amazing.

Answer 8

Will add more later just wanted to say something now try not to worry.........Everything you ve said has an explanation...add later gotta go now....

To add a spiritual dimension to this,the pain in your chest could be your heart chakra opening if it is in the middle of your chest,if on left hand side it could be just anxiety,its seems for some reason your sensitive at the moment,and picking alot of stuff up,if you hear noises this could be spirit try not to worry they cant harm you,I hear them alot also,
You could be becoming psychic .....sorry thought this was religion and spirituality

Answer 9

sounds like u have panic disorder. to put your mind at ease go to the dr and get tests done and eliminate some of the things your fearing. get a complete blood work up done. go to a heart dr get and echo, ekg done, get a chest x-ray done and a head ct. it will help to diganose any problems. after u get results that noting is wrong u can deal easier with your anxiety and panic less bc youll know for sure you are healthy. also ask for xanax for your nerves. take it with caution bc its addicting but works great to calm. good luck!

Answer 10

i definitely felt the same way last year. it's horrible. at night i would always feel like someone was pushing on my chest, and i told someone about it and they said i was hallucinating. i was so confused. i knew i was feeling it, i couldnt possibly be hallucinating. that made me feel even more crazy. literally everyday i felt like i was going crazier & crazier. all of the other symptoms you explained, i have experienced as well. it is seriously the worsttt. talk to a therapist! get meds if possible too!