new to this site.... YOUNG AND ANXIOUS! Cant SLEEP!!

[robzybob]

Im only 22years old. Ive had anxiety since I was 18. Its not the kind of anxiety that I can avoid. For example, its not about planes... clausterphobia.... those are avoidable. My anxiety is based on my anxiety. I fear my anxiety. The symptoms I experience make me feel like Im going to die. CHEST PAINS, constantly... b/c Im ALWAYS thinking about it! Especially at night. Im alone, gathering my thoughts... I start shaking, heart is pounding, I CANT sleep! And FINALLY when I manage to somehow fall into dreamland, I JOLT awake the second before I get to dream. So as Im nodding off, I jolt, making me even more scared. Heart arrythmea??? Here comes the anxiety again. Its one big uncontrollable circle.
I know its all in my mind, Im healthy.... the doctor tells me repeatedly. But his word is not good enough. I need more?! I need comfort. I am like an anorexic person: they know they need to eat, but they just CANT for whatever reason. Well with me, I KNOW Im healthy... but I just cant help but think of dying!

What can be done?!?! Im sick of living like this, for once I would like a GOOD nights rest.

Oh.... and I took an online anxiety quiz.... and was diagnosed as having "severe anxiety" - how comforting

[MistaVega]

On those days were I can't sleep and I'm feeling anxious as hell, here's what I do:

Take a cap of night quill.

Grab a blanket, lay down and watch t.v.(something that interest you).

And before you know it you're asleep.

It works because the t.v. takes your mind off of what you're worrying about, not only that but even if you try to worry you're going to be to tired to contemplate on it.

By the way I wouldn't recommend doing this everyday, just when you absolutely need rest. Nyquill has like 10% alcohol. Not only that, but you don't want to be dependant on it to go to sleep.

Hope this helps meha.

[jerryilliniwek]

 
Robzybob,
Take a look at my response to Obie in the post below.  I was very much like you, and I waited much too long to go to a psychiatrist and get checked out.  The diagnosis took about ten seconds, as I expect it will with you.  Don't be like I was.  Don't be afraid what anyone thinks but you, don't be afraid to try medication, and do believe that you can feel a thousand percent better (and for good). 

Keep posting here, keep looking for answers, and let us know how you are feeling and what you are doing about it.  Your notes help us as much as (hopefully) our notes help you.  We're here for support from people like us, because most of us don't live on a street full of people who understand anxiety disorders.

Regards,
JerryIlliniwek