Anxiety Disorder - Physical Symptoms

I’ve been constantly having anxiety for the past two days;
I mean all day.

Anxiety Question:

I’ve been having trouble breathing, rapid heart beats, and I’ve been totally out of breath whenever I do anything cardio such as even walking up a bunch of stairs.

I’m a totally healthy person as I exercise everyday, and now I feel this. I’ve been checked by a doctor and am 100% healthy and all it is is anxiety disorder.

But can anxiety cause you to feel totally lazy and winded and make your heart beat faster and tired? If this anxiety disorder continues, can I permanently damage my heart or lungs?

Anxiety Answer:

I hope I can help. Ordinarily, I am not a big fan of pharmaceuticals, but when I found myself in a similar predicament my doctor prescribed a low dosage anti-depressant and I was able to function until I could address the root cause of the anxiety disorder. A pill is by no means the answer, any more that a splint is the cure for a broken leg; but it can be of some temporary help.

Now, let’s address the underlying cause of anxiety disorder. You may be able to discern this on your own, but there is no shame in seeking the help of a licensed, skilled therapist that has a good local track record. Anxiety is often a physical symptom of the "fight or flight" response. In other words, an event has triggered an urge in your unconscious mind to either fight or run. Now the adrenaline is splashing your system and preparing you for a series of physical actions to carry out this urge. In opposition to this is the conscious mind, which stays this activity with the voice of reason: "If you poke this person in the nose, you will go to jail and be sued. If you run out on your family, or quit your job, you are an irresponsible loser. Stay put, settle down, and suck it up!"

It is the vicious loop caused by these contradictory commands that may be giving rise to your host of physical maladies. It is time to be your own best friend, and make the hard choices necessary to protect your health and mental well-being. Your body is telling you something. Listen! The wisdom of the unconscious mind is very profound. You may have to make some choices that temporarily appear to be a setback or an act of weakness; but in the long run, your health is important not only to you, but all of those who love you and wish the best for you.

Back from Anxiety Answer to Anxiety Questions

Dealing with Anxiety Advice

Enjoy The Gifts Of The Moment

"Remember this: you have always made it through every other challenge in your life. You will make it through what you are facing right now. Really! So settle into the truth. You will be all right. Get used to asking yourself 'am I living in the present right now?' To live in the present you must be conscious of the fact that you have everything your need in this moment, right now. Enjoy the gifts of this very minute, even if everything is not exactly the way you want it."

From the book titled "How to Stop Your Anxiety Now" by Dr. David Larson