PTSD and anxiety?

Question

To anyone who's had problems with either... I was wondering if you could share what it felt like.

I'm feeling weird, and nervous about what it is. My chest seems tight, and I feel dizzy and light-headed and unable to concentrate on anything... and just generally kind of anxious. I think mostly about what's wrong with me... anyway, it's uncomfortable and kind of freaking me out. And it's been happening for months.

Does this sound like anxiety? I'm nervous that I'm just being lazy, or... going crazy, or something. I got sexually assaulted in February, so I'm sorta hoping it's just anxiety from that. But I don't know.

Anyway, if anybody'd be up for sharing, or advice, I'd really appreciate it!

Answer 1

I am terribly sorry that happened to you in February. The symptoms you describe definitely sound as though they could be anxiety and it could be as a result of the stress from what took place in Feb. You need to go see a Psychiatrist and S/he would be able to tell you for sure what is going on and give you some meds to help your nerves if this is the case. You will need to talk to a therapist or Psychiatrist and try and talk about what happened and the feelings you are having as much as possible because ultimately that will help you the most. I understand that all of this is all very scary and it may seem and feel as if you are going crazy at first because of the fear behind the feelings and overwhelming anxiety but you are not going crazy. I too suffer PTSD and anxiety and meds and therapy have helped me a great deal. I hope you are feeling better soon and I wish you the best~

Answer 2

If you have been having this only after the trauma, I would assume it could be PTSD and the anxiety or panic is a symptom of it. You may also have flashbacks, trouble trusting anyone and getting out in public or when you are alone or in the same type of environment. It's only been a few months since the assault. You may also notice you are more jumpy than you used to be, especially if someone seems to come up behind you. I would highly suggest if you have not already and you live in the U.S., call the sexual assault hotline, call and find out from a newspaper or nearby karate studios if there are some free self-defense classes in the neighborhood, and purchase a canister of mace to help yourself feel more empowered. I would also suggest you look up the symptoms of PTSD versus anxiety and/or panic alone and if you feel you need something to help you sleep or relax, to call someone who can diagnose you and prescribe something to help you feel better if you have not already done that either.
Some people never ever get over being raped. It can take years to begin truly healing and trusting again and then just when you think you are healed, the past comes right back and you have the symptoms again. Also try to tell someone in authority if you have not already to get this guy or the people involved to pay for their crime. I've heard that if they are not incarcerated, most men will do it again to someone else either if they are not prosecuted or if they are released from jail.
Another thing you can try is to find sexual abuse survivors or rape survivors forums where you can post what you feel comfortable with letting out. You may have to go through a period of mourning or the stages of grief. Everything should be at your own pace and your own time because each person is different, and there is always a chance that you can completely heal from this to become a survivor and not a victim. As you go through the healing process, you may find yourself opening up more and helping others who have gone through this too. Or you may just decide to leave it behind once you get complete healing. But never give up on the idea of being healed from it.

Answer 3

yes it sounds like anxiety, you can learn to control that too, by yourself, but it takes time and the will to get over it. You can also go and see a professional about it, and maybe take some medication to calm it down for now, til you learn to deal with the stress, and that in your life that is causeing you the anxiety. I had a book that was written by a doctor that worked with people with that anxiety, really bad. I use to have to pull off of the road side. Well basically what she said in her books, was you have to learn to let all of that go, and float over you, or pass you, and not let it bother you. That is hard to do, at first, but everytime i pulled off the side of the road i did that, and now i do not have it any more. Maybe once in a while normal anxiety that everyone has, but nothing that would be doing that to you, or medication needed. Plus the fact that you got sexually assaulted in Feb. well yes that would be cause anixiety i would think. And maybe you should go see a therapist, and work on that issue, cause yes that too could be the cause for your anixiety. And no you are not going crazy.

Answer 4

You should talk with your doctor about what medication would be best for you, or if you go see a therapist, ask them. There are a lot of medications nowadays to help with these kinds of things. Such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc. I hope you start feeling better and find the right medication for yourself!

Answer 5

I wasn't diagnosed with PTSD, but I've dealt with a ton of anxiety in my life - I mean a ton. And following some pretty traumatic experiences, I had problems adjusting to normal everyday life at times myself. As for whether you are dealing with anxiety or PTSD, it sure sounds like it. And honestly, there's nothing wrong with you - this is just a natural reaction to something that was very traumatic. And of course, the most basic suggestion you'll probably get is that you should seek help, definetely counseling at the least. Trust me, it works. I've done it at times and it really does help! To put it simply, seek professional help. As for everyday suggestions that'll help you through you anxiety, just take a step back every now and then and tell yourself things are going to get better. Do something relaxing like go for a walk, exercise, or yoga. Ultimately though, these little things that may help you in the short term will not substitute the benfits of professional help. Good luck and I assure you that things will get better!

Answer 6

your not going crazy although I know it feels like you are.Yes definetly this is anxiety and most likely pstd. I went through a ton also and i am the same way.nervous all the time afraid to go out,panic attacks, nightmares alot of depression,laying on my bed thinking im nuts now i will never be the same,I wonder if others can tell and they do. so I cant even hide it anymore like i used to but you need to see a therapist and physciatrist,you must get this out and they can give you meds to help the anxiety,but if you would like to go the natural way,accupuncture,vitamins,fish oil,excersise,stay away from caffeine,drink lots of filtered water,or you can combine them both thats what I try to do. good luck to you in every aspect of your life and i truly mean it i know its really rough and im sorry at what happened to you also im not surprised you would be suffering this way at all.

Answer 7

Whether it is PTSD or not, it is clear you need help. If possible, see a psychiatrist or a doctor for help. If that is not possible for some reasons and or if you are willing to try alternative systems, email me. I feel I can help you. And yes, you don't need to pay me any thing.