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Suggest Treatment For Severe Anxiety And Depression
Question: Ok let's play with this for now. Got up this morning focused for a great day. This was because last night I was relaxed and no breathing issues.
Went to work and while doing my opening functions, I started to get anxious. Then I began thinking of all the times that made an impact on my memory negatively of breathing harder when I would climb stairs. To combat that I chose all the moments during that same period when I climbed stairs and it had no negative effects. The day proceeded without incident except that my anxiety level managed to continue
When day ended, I did my 30 minute ride home. I stopped for pizza for the family. Right after ordering I had a recurrence of a breathing difficulty that has occurred on and off over the past two years. What happens is the following. I am not an anatomy expert but I assume that the area of lung I call upper is above the bottom rib the lower lobe is both above and below that last rib as I inhale I can only feel my lungs filling from below the bottom rib and it only lets a limited inspiration then stops If I pull my stomach and abdomen in, I can get a bit more air in. I am maybe 25-30 pounds over my goal
I have failed to fully explain that I have quite a bit of stress and anxiousness as I am trying to organize a non destructive divorce. One where I will leave and move home. The stress of this marriage has burdened my XXXXXXX for two years
I have told you of the PFTs that have remained basically the same. And that they mentioned small airways obstruction/ very mild ventalatory defect, again very mild not mild. That has been in the back of my thoughts for 15 years as a lung issue
So to conclude, I have had an attack, chose to confront it with cognitive thought that were negative to the thoughts panic. Then I had a super tight chest/ limited breath issue. To combat that I will look to see if the body can be so stimulated from excess panic hormone release in my body, that it will cause chest to tighten up when needing to be flexible and expand when inhaling or do I have another issue.
I know that my anxiety is at continued increased levels until I remove myself from this living arrangement
I once had anxiety and panic issues that convinced me that I was having a heart attack. Sensations seemed real and painful. I overcame that
Now I have to understand this completely and to know of all the sensations and physical symptoms that panic and stress can cause upon my breathing.
I will continue to confront my symptoms one at a time. The most frightening to the least in that order
Can you list all the symptoms or sensations or physical events that can happen. Also include ones that can occur simply because the body has been stressed for so long that simple things can set it off.
This was a lot. Hopefully you can answer it. I guess anything you overlook or don't know I want some feedback on , I can ask again.
Went to work and while doing my opening functions, I started to get anxious. Then I began thinking of all the times that made an impact on my memory negatively of breathing harder when I would climb stairs. To combat that I chose all the moments during that same period when I climbed stairs and it had no negative effects. The day proceeded without incident except that my anxiety level managed to continue
When day ended, I did my 30 minute ride home. I stopped for pizza for the family. Right after ordering I had a recurrence of a breathing difficulty that has occurred on and off over the past two years. What happens is the following. I am not an anatomy expert but I assume that the area of lung I call upper is above the bottom rib the lower lobe is both above and below that last rib as I inhale I can only feel my lungs filling from below the bottom rib and it only lets a limited inspiration then stops If I pull my stomach and abdomen in, I can get a bit more air in. I am maybe 25-30 pounds over my goal
I have failed to fully explain that I have quite a bit of stress and anxiousness as I am trying to organize a non destructive divorce. One where I will leave and move home. The stress of this marriage has burdened my XXXXXXX for two years
I have told you of the PFTs that have remained basically the same. And that they mentioned small airways obstruction/ very mild ventalatory defect, again very mild not mild. That has been in the back of my thoughts for 15 years as a lung issue
So to conclude, I have had an attack, chose to confront it with cognitive thought that were negative to the thoughts panic. Then I had a super tight chest/ limited breath issue. To combat that I will look to see if the body can be so stimulated from excess panic hormone release in my body, that it will cause chest to tighten up when needing to be flexible and expand when inhaling or do I have another issue.
I know that my anxiety is at continued increased levels until I remove myself from this living arrangement
I once had anxiety and panic issues that convinced me that I was having a heart attack. Sensations seemed real and painful. I overcame that
Now I have to understand this completely and to know of all the sensations and physical symptoms that panic and stress can cause upon my breathing.
I will continue to confront my symptoms one at a time. The most frightening to the least in that order
Can you list all the symptoms or sensations or physical events that can happen. Also include ones that can occur simply because the body has been stressed for so long that simple things can set it off.
This was a lot. Hopefully you can answer it. I guess anything you overlook or don't know I want some feedback on , I can ask again.
Brief Answer:
Private Followup
Detailed Answer:
I think your approach to this first situation you describe was very helpful. You clearly identified a time when you were feeling panicky, and were able to utilize your rational faculties to calm yourself down. This is the essence of cognitive therapy.
It is also apparent to me that you are very concerned that there is something physically wrong with your lungs or chest. You feel a tightness in your chest and you are worried that this will somehow lead to a breathing problem with serious complications. I can assure you this is NOT the case. Anxiety creates a real sensation of chest tightness, but this is not real or harmful. Accepting this is crucial to convincing yourself during panic episodes that everything will be okay.
Panic can cause all of the following symptoms, and this is not an exclusive list:
Shortness of breath or hyperventilation.
Heart palpitations or a racing heart.
Chest pain or discomfort.
Trembling or shaking.
Choking feeling.
Feeling unreal or detached from your surroundings.
Sweating.
Nausea or upset stomach.
To answer your second post, this sensation is very clearly anxiety and panic. There is absolutely nothing physically wrong about your lungs, nothing life-threatening in any way. Your PFTs do not show any real problem. This is anxiety.
What are your thoughts about what I've said?
Dr. Sheppe
Private Followup
Detailed Answer:
I think your approach to this first situation you describe was very helpful. You clearly identified a time when you were feeling panicky, and were able to utilize your rational faculties to calm yourself down. This is the essence of cognitive therapy.
It is also apparent to me that you are very concerned that there is something physically wrong with your lungs or chest. You feel a tightness in your chest and you are worried that this will somehow lead to a breathing problem with serious complications. I can assure you this is NOT the case. Anxiety creates a real sensation of chest tightness, but this is not real or harmful. Accepting this is crucial to convincing yourself during panic episodes that everything will be okay.
Panic can cause all of the following symptoms, and this is not an exclusive list:
Shortness of breath or hyperventilation.
Heart palpitations or a racing heart.
Chest pain or discomfort.
Trembling or shaking.
Choking feeling.
Feeling unreal or detached from your surroundings.
Sweating.
Nausea or upset stomach.
To answer your second post, this sensation is very clearly anxiety and panic. There is absolutely nothing physically wrong about your lungs, nothing life-threatening in any way. Your PFTs do not show any real problem. This is anxiety.
What are your thoughts about what I've said?
Dr. Sheppe
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
What have I thought about what you've said?. I believe that
A. Yes I am very concerned with physical wrong-will go into a bit of detail shortly. B. your assumptions/diagnosis are 100% on (with the Data you have been given). C. That i am filled with anxiety.
I Gave you my PFT Results from all 6 PFTS over a 13 year period. I know that the results found on a pft are accurate when they are correctly administered and the patient gives a real attempt. Since I know both of those are accurate with my tests, I know that the results are real. What is missing are some comments added over the years that have festered in my brain. Maybe its time some one gives me an outlook to what they mean to the future.
1. 2002 - Very mild Obstructive defect without significant abnormality of lung volumes or diffusion.
2. 2013 - Mild airway obstruction with decreased midflow rates. Asthmatic Bronchitis-
3. Not part of PFT but diagnosis from trip to hospital last summer had a note of abdomen - distention noted. Not sure what caused by but I assume it is part of lower area upward pressure on lungs.
Those are the notes from Drs. that I think about. Because of info gathered while my mother progressed thru COPD, I have considered how these comments above, apply to me and progressive COPD if I have that.
I mentioned above that my abdomen is distended and it presses on my lungs, I wonder if this is from the stress and anxiety slowing my digestion? I never have pain or gas, just a fullness or pressure on lungs. Since I do not recognize my upper lungs as I once did but just my lower because of the pressing, I wonder if the upper is dealing with the stress so that it doesn't expand as it should. or as I think it should. I noted a limited inspiration-very limited when i do certain mild physical exertions.
Yes I am over thinking this but when I think i may have headway to improving this, something sets me back. I guess I need feedback on each symptom so that I can put each piece to bed.
I would like to put together a concise, detailed summary report of this since it began and use it for answers. Boy that would help jumping around from one symptom to another.
A. Yes I am very concerned with physical wrong-will go into a bit of detail shortly. B. your assumptions/diagnosis are 100% on (with the Data you have been given). C. That i am filled with anxiety.
I Gave you my PFT Results from all 6 PFTS over a 13 year period. I know that the results found on a pft are accurate when they are correctly administered and the patient gives a real attempt. Since I know both of those are accurate with my tests, I know that the results are real. What is missing are some comments added over the years that have festered in my brain. Maybe its time some one gives me an outlook to what they mean to the future.
1. 2002 - Very mild Obstructive defect without significant abnormality of lung volumes or diffusion.
2. 2013 - Mild airway obstruction with decreased midflow rates. Asthmatic Bronchitis-
3. Not part of PFT but diagnosis from trip to hospital last summer had a note of abdomen - distention noted. Not sure what caused by but I assume it is part of lower area upward pressure on lungs.
Those are the notes from Drs. that I think about. Because of info gathered while my mother progressed thru COPD, I have considered how these comments above, apply to me and progressive COPD if I have that.
I mentioned above that my abdomen is distended and it presses on my lungs, I wonder if this is from the stress and anxiety slowing my digestion? I never have pain or gas, just a fullness or pressure on lungs. Since I do not recognize my upper lungs as I once did but just my lower because of the pressing, I wonder if the upper is dealing with the stress so that it doesn't expand as it should. or as I think it should. I noted a limited inspiration-very limited when i do certain mild physical exertions.
Yes I am over thinking this but when I think i may have headway to improving this, something sets me back. I guess I need feedback on each symptom so that I can put each piece to bed.
I would like to put together a concise, detailed summary report of this since it began and use it for answers. Boy that would help jumping around from one symptom to another.
Brief Answer:
Private Followup
Detailed Answer:
I think I'd suggest altering your approach just a bit here, in a way that might be more helpful. Rather than focusing on each symptom and rationalizing how it is actually safe, I think you should recognize that your brain is going to create an XXXXXXX number of ways to think that something is seriously wrong.
This is moving from new symptom to new symptom, from worrying about your heart to your chest muscles to the top of your lungs to the bottom of your lungs to now your abdomen.
This process will go on forever and ever unless you recognize that your amygdala will create any number of symptoms -- UNLESS you recognize that you are a healthy person with no significant breathing problems, and this is all physical sensations of anxiety.
It looks like we've reached the end of this thread. Open up a new one. For the next thread, I want to focus on your mother's battle with COPD. I think this is a very significant factor here, and talking about it will help you process your fears. Tell me about her, and your experience of her struggles.
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
OR
https://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=70684
Dr. Sheppe
Private Followup
Detailed Answer:
I think I'd suggest altering your approach just a bit here, in a way that might be more helpful. Rather than focusing on each symptom and rationalizing how it is actually safe, I think you should recognize that your brain is going to create an XXXXXXX number of ways to think that something is seriously wrong.
This is moving from new symptom to new symptom, from worrying about your heart to your chest muscles to the top of your lungs to the bottom of your lungs to now your abdomen.
This process will go on forever and ever unless you recognize that your amygdala will create any number of symptoms -- UNLESS you recognize that you are a healthy person with no significant breathing problems, and this is all physical sensations of anxiety.
It looks like we've reached the end of this thread. Open up a new one. For the next thread, I want to focus on your mother's battle with COPD. I think this is a very significant factor here, and talking about it will help you process your fears. Tell me about her, and your experience of her struggles.
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
OR
https://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=70684
Dr. Sheppe
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
I think I will get one more to you before we move, If You do not hear from me immediately, it is because I have been frozen for a short time. Anyway, rethinking what you said makes more sense in regards to each issue. I agree with the statement that I will just keep finding a new symptom. Lets deal with mom. Tell me what you want to focus in on and I will put a detailed doc together then paste it in
Brief Answer:
Private Followup
Detailed Answer:
I want to focus on the course of her illness, and you emotions and experiences surrounding her illness. Focus on your reactions to what happened to her, emotional and mental. Just tell me her story and your place in it, and we can move on in more detail from there.
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
OR
https://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=70684
Dr. Sheppe
Private Followup
Detailed Answer:
I want to focus on the course of her illness, and you emotions and experiences surrounding her illness. Focus on your reactions to what happened to her, emotional and mental. Just tell me her story and your place in it, and we can move on in more detail from there.
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
OR
https://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=70684
Dr. Sheppe
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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