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HI There! I Am 2 Weeks Out Of An 8
Question: HI there! I am 2 weeks out of an 8 month period of constant stress and anxiety that was crippling. I have begun meditation and I can feel that my body is calming down. Panic attacks are mostly gone, I can calm down faster, and I don't feel overtaken by negative thoughts or a constant energy in my body... however... as I have gotten into meditation and calmed down my mind, I have noticed that other physical symptoms I've had have gotten worse. Dizziness, pressure in the head and eyes, off balance feeling, insomnia and headaches that are often sharp/stabbing/tingly around my eyes and forehead and temples and sometimes very specifically over one eye at the end of the day. I'm also still VERY excitable and over stimulated... the slightest stress, good or bad, makes me feel that energy in my body again and brings me near panic. The dizziness and head pressure is much worse in the mornings into the afternoon and the headaches begin in the evening if I get them. And the insomnia is that it's hard to get to sleep.. I will fall asleep and then wake up soon after with a 2nd wind... then I will fall back asleep eventually but wake up a few more times before finally falling back asleep for a few hours until around 9am.
I have heard that once stress passes, physical symptoms get worse before they get better, and they could last awhile if the stress was chronic. Mostly because of the way cortisol and adrenaline work. Is that true?
I just wanted a professional opinion and any thoughts on how to cope.
I have heard that once stress passes, physical symptoms get worse before they get better, and they could last awhile if the stress was chronic. Mostly because of the way cortisol and adrenaline work. Is that true?
I just wanted a professional opinion and any thoughts on how to cope.
HI there! I am 2 weeks out of an 8 month period of constant stress and anxiety that was crippling. I have begun meditation and I can feel that my body is calming down. Panic attacks are mostly gone, I can calm down faster, and I don't feel overtaken by negative thoughts or a constant energy in my body... however... as I have gotten into meditation and calmed down my mind, I have noticed that other physical symptoms I've had have gotten worse. Dizziness, pressure in the head and eyes, off balance feeling, insomnia and headaches that are often sharp/stabbing/tingly around my eyes and forehead and temples and sometimes very specifically over one eye at the end of the day. I'm also still VERY excitable and over stimulated... the slightest stress, good or bad, makes me feel that energy in my body again and brings me near panic. The dizziness and head pressure is much worse in the mornings into the afternoon and the headaches begin in the evening if I get them. And the insomnia is that it's hard to get to sleep.. I will fall asleep and then wake up soon after with a 2nd wind... then I will fall back asleep eventually but wake up a few more times before finally falling back asleep for a few hours until around 9am.
I have heard that once stress passes, physical symptoms get worse before they get better, and they could last awhile if the stress was chronic. Mostly because of the way cortisol and adrenaline work. Is that true?
I just wanted a professional opinion and any thoughts on how to cope.
I have heard that once stress passes, physical symptoms get worse before they get better, and they could last awhile if the stress was chronic. Mostly because of the way cortisol and adrenaline work. Is that true?
I just wanted a professional opinion and any thoughts on how to cope.
Brief Answer:
Yes it is true but partially
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
Although I do not have information about the kind of medication you are receiving it is often observed that initial few weeks of medications to deal depression and anxiety cause some sort of discomfort in form of neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms. To be precise most of the SSRI group of medications and SNRI group of medications, which are used for treatment of stress related disorders, can contribute to these symptoms.
Having said this, fortunately most of these physical symptoms are time limited and do not last longer in majority of cases. I mean to say that with passage of time, say 4 weeks, most of these symptoms disappear or decreased in intensity.
For time being analgesics can be used to manage the headache. In regard to other symptoms such as at verge of getting panic attacks, dizziness and off balance feeling we need to check whether any of them have any relation with medications. In case this turns out a case a more slow approach to medication can be used rather than sudden change in dose of medication or type of medication.
To conclude the most of physical symptoms are time limited and relook on the medications and symptomatic treatment of physical symptoms is enough to deal this stage of life.
I hope this helps you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
Yes it is true but partially
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
Although I do not have information about the kind of medication you are receiving it is often observed that initial few weeks of medications to deal depression and anxiety cause some sort of discomfort in form of neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms. To be precise most of the SSRI group of medications and SNRI group of medications, which are used for treatment of stress related disorders, can contribute to these symptoms.
Having said this, fortunately most of these physical symptoms are time limited and do not last longer in majority of cases. I mean to say that with passage of time, say 4 weeks, most of these symptoms disappear or decreased in intensity.
For time being analgesics can be used to manage the headache. In regard to other symptoms such as at verge of getting panic attacks, dizziness and off balance feeling we need to check whether any of them have any relation with medications. In case this turns out a case a more slow approach to medication can be used rather than sudden change in dose of medication or type of medication.
To conclude the most of physical symptoms are time limited and relook on the medications and symptomatic treatment of physical symptoms is enough to deal this stage of life.
I hope this helps you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
Yes it is true but partially
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
Although I do not have information about the kind of medication you are receiving it is often observed that initial few weeks of medications to deal depression and anxiety cause some sort of discomfort in form of neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms. To be precise most of the SSRI group of medications and SNRI group of medications, which are used for treatment of stress related disorders, can contribute to these symptoms.
Having said this, fortunately most of these physical symptoms are time limited and do not last longer in majority of cases. I mean to say that with passage of time, say 4 weeks, most of these symptoms disappear or decreased in intensity.
For time being analgesics can be used to manage the headache. In regard to other symptoms such as at verge of getting panic attacks, dizziness and off balance feeling we need to check whether any of them have any relation with medications. In case this turns out a case a more slow approach to medication can be used rather than sudden change in dose of medication or type of medication.
To conclude the most of physical symptoms are time limited and relook on the medications and symptomatic treatment of physical symptoms is enough to deal this stage of life.
I hope this helps you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
Yes it is true but partially
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
Although I do not have information about the kind of medication you are receiving it is often observed that initial few weeks of medications to deal depression and anxiety cause some sort of discomfort in form of neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms. To be precise most of the SSRI group of medications and SNRI group of medications, which are used for treatment of stress related disorders, can contribute to these symptoms.
Having said this, fortunately most of these physical symptoms are time limited and do not last longer in majority of cases. I mean to say that with passage of time, say 4 weeks, most of these symptoms disappear or decreased in intensity.
For time being analgesics can be used to manage the headache. In regard to other symptoms such as at verge of getting panic attacks, dizziness and off balance feeling we need to check whether any of them have any relation with medications. In case this turns out a case a more slow approach to medication can be used rather than sudden change in dose of medication or type of medication.
To conclude the most of physical symptoms are time limited and relook on the medications and symptomatic treatment of physical symptoms is enough to deal this stage of life.
I hope this helps you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
hi. sorry... not medication. meditation. so theres no medication. im using natural tools to calm down... but as i do... the ohydical symptoms seem to be worsening.
hi. sorry... not medication. meditation. so theres no medication. im using natural tools to calm down... but as i do... the ohydical symptoms seem to be worsening.
Brief Answer:
Sorry for the error
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up and extremely sorry for obvious error.
The answer will partially change only.
First of all I like to inform you that meditation does not worsen the physical symptoms. It is the unmasking of physical symptoms which often takes place during the initial few weeks when the psychological symptoms are slightly under control.
The alternative thinking is that when if we fail to acknowledge the psychological issues and unable to deal them effectively they often manifest in form of physical symptoms otherwise known as somatization. It does mean that there is false sense of well being and the psychological symptoms remain their in alternate form otherwise known as physical symptoms.
In case the physical symptoms remain there even after 4-6 weeks of meditation I feel we need to look for alternative treatment options in addition to meditation such as cognitive behaviour therapy, psychotropics such as anti anxiety medications.
In regard to few of the symptoms such as head pain I feel medication on need basis is perfect option. I often recommend Ibuprrofen for such cases unless there is any contraindication for it.
In regard to other physical symptoms I feel they are likely to respond over the period of time with meditation itself provided there is effective control over psychological symptoms. As communicated above both the theories exist but I feel you are right as you can sense calming down of your body and meditation is doing excellent job.
I hope this answers you.
Thanks again.
Sorry for the error
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up and extremely sorry for obvious error.
The answer will partially change only.
First of all I like to inform you that meditation does not worsen the physical symptoms. It is the unmasking of physical symptoms which often takes place during the initial few weeks when the psychological symptoms are slightly under control.
The alternative thinking is that when if we fail to acknowledge the psychological issues and unable to deal them effectively they often manifest in form of physical symptoms otherwise known as somatization. It does mean that there is false sense of well being and the psychological symptoms remain their in alternate form otherwise known as physical symptoms.
In case the physical symptoms remain there even after 4-6 weeks of meditation I feel we need to look for alternative treatment options in addition to meditation such as cognitive behaviour therapy, psychotropics such as anti anxiety medications.
In regard to few of the symptoms such as head pain I feel medication on need basis is perfect option. I often recommend Ibuprrofen for such cases unless there is any contraindication for it.
In regard to other physical symptoms I feel they are likely to respond over the period of time with meditation itself provided there is effective control over psychological symptoms. As communicated above both the theories exist but I feel you are right as you can sense calming down of your body and meditation is doing excellent job.
I hope this answers you.
Thanks again.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
Sorry for the error
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up and extremely sorry for obvious error.
The answer will partially change only.
First of all I like to inform you that meditation does not worsen the physical symptoms. It is the unmasking of physical symptoms which often takes place during the initial few weeks when the psychological symptoms are slightly under control.
The alternative thinking is that when if we fail to acknowledge the psychological issues and unable to deal them effectively they often manifest in form of physical symptoms otherwise known as somatization. It does mean that there is false sense of well being and the psychological symptoms remain their in alternate form otherwise known as physical symptoms.
In case the physical symptoms remain there even after 4-6 weeks of meditation I feel we need to look for alternative treatment options in addition to meditation such as cognitive behaviour therapy, psychotropics such as anti anxiety medications.
In regard to few of the symptoms such as head pain I feel medication on need basis is perfect option. I often recommend Ibuprrofen for such cases unless there is any contraindication for it.
In regard to other physical symptoms I feel they are likely to respond over the period of time with meditation itself provided there is effective control over psychological symptoms. As communicated above both the theories exist but I feel you are right as you can sense calming down of your body and meditation is doing excellent job.
I hope this answers you.
Thanks again.
Sorry for the error
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up and extremely sorry for obvious error.
The answer will partially change only.
First of all I like to inform you that meditation does not worsen the physical symptoms. It is the unmasking of physical symptoms which often takes place during the initial few weeks when the psychological symptoms are slightly under control.
The alternative thinking is that when if we fail to acknowledge the psychological issues and unable to deal them effectively they often manifest in form of physical symptoms otherwise known as somatization. It does mean that there is false sense of well being and the psychological symptoms remain their in alternate form otherwise known as physical symptoms.
In case the physical symptoms remain there even after 4-6 weeks of meditation I feel we need to look for alternative treatment options in addition to meditation such as cognitive behaviour therapy, psychotropics such as anti anxiety medications.
In regard to few of the symptoms such as head pain I feel medication on need basis is perfect option. I often recommend Ibuprrofen for such cases unless there is any contraindication for it.
In regard to other physical symptoms I feel they are likely to respond over the period of time with meditation itself provided there is effective control over psychological symptoms. As communicated above both the theories exist but I feel you are right as you can sense calming down of your body and meditation is doing excellent job.
I hope this answers you.
Thanks again.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks! Can I ask one other question... it seems that when I got stressed out and anxious... now everyday, and I mean everyday... from around 1030am-1pm... I get very dizzy/woozy, nauseous, and my head feels pressure and prickly/stabby pain on one side of my head and temple (it switches back and forth between sides) and my diaphragm tightens and its hard to breathe and my BP is slightly high and I am VERY quick to panic or over excitable, good or bad. It doesn't matter if I am sitting my couch or out walking. But the symptoms on their own are sometimes crippling. I ate, I drank and I honestly am not thinking overly anxious... sometimes I just wonder if the symptoms will happen but nothing like super fearful thoughts that I can tell. Sometimes I'm just looking forward to the day..
And the sensations lessen naturally as the day goes on, again, doesn't matter what I do... the pattern is every day... but, it also leaves me a little wiped out and feeling tense for awhile after.
Usually for breakfast I have a protein shake or a protein bar... and some almond milk. And typically I am most active during this time, exercising and taking long walks... but, lately, its overwhelming so I am less active.
I have had blood work done multiple times this year, EKGs, ultrasounds, MRI done in April for vertigo but it was all normal. The only abnormal blood test was ESR... it was high and I guess showed inflammation.
What do you think this is? Could my cortisol / adrenaline be set too high? Did I train my body to be very stimulated at this hour of the day? I know cortisol is highest mid morning... I just don't know how to manage this because I wake up feeling ok, and once this time of day passes, I'm also pretty ok, though definitely affected by the intensity of the sensations. This spike just seems to make everything pretty hard!
And the sensations lessen naturally as the day goes on, again, doesn't matter what I do... the pattern is every day... but, it also leaves me a little wiped out and feeling tense for awhile after.
Usually for breakfast I have a protein shake or a protein bar... and some almond milk. And typically I am most active during this time, exercising and taking long walks... but, lately, its overwhelming so I am less active.
I have had blood work done multiple times this year, EKGs, ultrasounds, MRI done in April for vertigo but it was all normal. The only abnormal blood test was ESR... it was high and I guess showed inflammation.
What do you think this is? Could my cortisol / adrenaline be set too high? Did I train my body to be very stimulated at this hour of the day? I know cortisol is highest mid morning... I just don't know how to manage this because I wake up feeling ok, and once this time of day passes, I'm also pretty ok, though definitely affected by the intensity of the sensations. This spike just seems to make everything pretty hard!
Thanks! Can I ask one other question... it seems that when I got stressed out and anxious... now everyday, and I mean everyday... from around 1030am-1pm... I get very dizzy/woozy, nauseous, and my head feels pressure and prickly/stabby pain on one side of my head and temple (it switches back and forth between sides) and my diaphragm tightens and its hard to breathe and my BP is slightly high and I am VERY quick to panic or over excitable, good or bad. It doesn't matter if I am sitting my couch or out walking. But the symptoms on their own are sometimes crippling. I ate, I drank and I honestly am not thinking overly anxious... sometimes I just wonder if the symptoms will happen but nothing like super fearful thoughts that I can tell. Sometimes I'm just looking forward to the day..
And the sensations lessen naturally as the day goes on, again, doesn't matter what I do... the pattern is every day... but, it also leaves me a little wiped out and feeling tense for awhile after.
Usually for breakfast I have a protein shake or a protein bar... and some almond milk. And typically I am most active during this time, exercising and taking long walks... but, lately, its overwhelming so I am less active.
I have had blood work done multiple times this year, EKGs, ultrasounds, MRI done in April for vertigo but it was all normal. The only abnormal blood test was ESR... it was high and I guess showed inflammation.
What do you think this is? Could my cortisol / adrenaline be set too high? Did I train my body to be very stimulated at this hour of the day? I know cortisol is highest mid morning... I just don't know how to manage this because I wake up feeling ok, and once this time of day passes, I'm also pretty ok, though definitely affected by the intensity of the sensations. This spike just seems to make everything pretty hard!
And the sensations lessen naturally as the day goes on, again, doesn't matter what I do... the pattern is every day... but, it also leaves me a little wiped out and feeling tense for awhile after.
Usually for breakfast I have a protein shake or a protein bar... and some almond milk. And typically I am most active during this time, exercising and taking long walks... but, lately, its overwhelming so I am less active.
I have had blood work done multiple times this year, EKGs, ultrasounds, MRI done in April for vertigo but it was all normal. The only abnormal blood test was ESR... it was high and I guess showed inflammation.
What do you think this is? Could my cortisol / adrenaline be set too high? Did I train my body to be very stimulated at this hour of the day? I know cortisol is highest mid morning... I just don't know how to manage this because I wake up feeling ok, and once this time of day passes, I'm also pretty ok, though definitely affected by the intensity of the sensations. This spike just seems to make everything pretty hard!
Brief Answer:
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.
Although it can not be said conclusively with available limited information but the description points toward the anxiety spectrum disorder. I understand that you do not feel anxious during this time but the symptoms are clearly of anxiety rather than anything.
I also assume that there is something which is stressful for you. It may be known to you or unconsciously affecting you causing variety of symptoms. My assumption is based on the fact that anxiety symptoms are often aggravated by any sort of conflict.
I hope this helps you further.
Thanks again.
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.
Although it can not be said conclusively with available limited information but the description points toward the anxiety spectrum disorder. I understand that you do not feel anxious during this time but the symptoms are clearly of anxiety rather than anything.
I also assume that there is something which is stressful for you. It may be known to you or unconsciously affecting you causing variety of symptoms. My assumption is based on the fact that anxiety symptoms are often aggravated by any sort of conflict.
I hope this helps you further.
Thanks again.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.
Although it can not be said conclusively with available limited information but the description points toward the anxiety spectrum disorder. I understand that you do not feel anxious during this time but the symptoms are clearly of anxiety rather than anything.
I also assume that there is something which is stressful for you. It may be known to you or unconsciously affecting you causing variety of symptoms. My assumption is based on the fact that anxiety symptoms are often aggravated by any sort of conflict.
I hope this helps you further.
Thanks again.
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.
Although it can not be said conclusively with available limited information but the description points toward the anxiety spectrum disorder. I understand that you do not feel anxious during this time but the symptoms are clearly of anxiety rather than anything.
I also assume that there is something which is stressful for you. It may be known to you or unconsciously affecting you causing variety of symptoms. My assumption is based on the fact that anxiety symptoms are often aggravated by any sort of conflict.
I hope this helps you further.
Thanks again.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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