Hey guys - I'm not a medical professional. But I've been on multiple sites like this after suffering many of the same terrible, terrifying symptoms. And I have some (hopefully) happy news.
First the great news: Every time this happens, you're going to be just fine. Every time you wake up out of the blue gasping for air, are sitting in a crowded area, or with a close group of family and friends, and start to worry and begin to feel like your throat is closing or you have a pain somewhere in your chest or back or stomach or head. Or if you start to feel warm all over, and your head starts to tingle, and your arms and fingers feel prickly. Or if your heart starts thumping, maybe its not thumping fast enough? Or did that feel like a heart swoop that took my breath away? You are NOT going to die. You are NOT having a heart attack. Your lungs are NOT collapsing.
I've felt and thought all of these things... and more. These things are almost certainly anxiety, panic attacks, etc. Anxiety can manifest itself in some of the most unexpected, and frankly terrifying ways imaginable. But the reality is, it is anxiety. And you can't die from anxiety. Isn't that great news? Think about that the next time you wake up out of breath and start to worry, or the next time your heart flutters and you wonder what could be terribly wrong with your body. You are going to be fine.
Now, the more difficult news. Anxiety is something that requires a LOT of hard work to get rid of. And, at least in my experience, doesn't feel like its something that will ever go away completely. But with tools to understand and manage it, you can take a LOT of the bite out of an attack, and eventually get it down to a degree where its managable or even gone!
I've done this. This isn't to say these feelings haven't come back, or that I haven't needed help from numerous arenas to deal with it. But when they do, I remember my rational truths. I'm not going to die. This is anxiety, a fight or flight reaction that saved my ancestor from getting eaten by a lion a long time ago. Now, there are no lions (lets hope). Just our jobs, and families, and kids, and homes, and new cars, and boy/girlfriends, etc., etc.
If you're like me, you're naturally a 1%-er. What I mean is, when my heart flutters, my first thought is, "is that a heart attack?". Rationally, there's a 99% (or more) that I'm just fine. But man, can I cling to that 1%! But the truth is, I am almost certainly going to be just fine.
Things that have helped me get by that may help you:
- The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook - Does a great job explaining your anxiety to you and telling you why you're ok
- Find a professional psychologist - Getting to the root of whats causing the feelings is the key to fighting them. They can help
- Consult your physician - to give you piece of mind nothing bad is happening, and determine if medication of some kind might help
My hope is that these words from a fellow anxiety sufferer will help someone else. I've had the bad days and nights, and I'm living an exciting, happy life now. You can too!
***edited by moderator*** web addresses not allowed
First the great news: Every time this happens, you're going to be just fine. Every time you wake up out of the blue gasping for air, are sitting in a crowded area, or with a close group of family and friends, and start to worry and begin to feel like your throat is closing or you have a pain somewhere in your chest or back or stomach or head. Or if you start to feel warm all over, and your head starts to tingle, and your arms and fingers feel prickly. Or if your heart starts thumping, maybe its not thumping fast enough? Or did that feel like a heart swoop that took my breath away? You are NOT going to die. You are NOT having a heart attack. Your lungs are NOT collapsing.
I've felt and thought all of these things... and more. These things are almost certainly anxiety, panic attacks, etc. Anxiety can manifest itself in some of the most unexpected, and frankly terrifying ways imaginable. But the reality is, it is anxiety. And you can't die from anxiety. Isn't that great news? Think about that the next time you wake up out of breath and start to worry, or the next time your heart flutters and you wonder what could be terribly wrong with your body. You are going to be fine.
Now, the more difficult news. Anxiety is something that requires a LOT of hard work to get rid of. And, at least in my experience, doesn't feel like its something that will ever go away completely. But with tools to understand and manage it, you can take a LOT of the bite out of an attack, and eventually get it down to a degree where its managable or even gone!
I've done this. This isn't to say these feelings haven't come back, or that I haven't needed help from numerous arenas to deal with it. But when they do, I remember my rational truths. I'm not going to die. This is anxiety, a fight or flight reaction that saved my ancestor from getting eaten by a lion a long time ago. Now, there are no lions (lets hope). Just our jobs, and families, and kids, and homes, and new cars, and boy/girlfriends, etc., etc.
If you're like me, you're naturally a 1%-er. What I mean is, when my heart flutters, my first thought is, "is that a heart attack?". Rationally, there's a 99% (or more) that I'm just fine. But man, can I cling to that 1%! But the truth is, I am almost certainly going to be just fine.
Things that have helped me get by that may help you:
- The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook - Does a great job explaining your anxiety to you and telling you why you're ok
- Find a professional psychologist - Getting to the root of whats causing the feelings is the key to fighting them. They can help
- Consult your physician - to give you piece of mind nothing bad is happening, and determine if medication of some kind might help
My hope is that these words from a fellow anxiety sufferer will help someone else. I've had the bad days and nights, and I'm living an exciting, happy life now. You can too!
***edited by moderator*** web addresses not allowed
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okay so im 21 nd have had all of these sypotoms my whole life and i think what you might all have is asthma no joke, just get a cup off really hot balck coffee, and a pop siycle, take a drink then much do this till there both gone you should feel alot better
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Ask your doctor to check you for pulmonary hypertension..i had your symptoms went to er was told too it was panic attacks a year later having worsened symptoms I again returned to er was seen by different doctor who ran all tests and found i have this NOT cureable disease...all it takes is an echo to test the air rpessure and blood pressure in your lungs..best to find out early as if you let it go it can take your life in 2 years untreated......
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Ditto. Would wake up gasping for air. But the worst of it was passing out after getting out of bed. Strong thumping heart beat and weird squeamish feelings and lightheadedness. Had it for about one month.. Then seemed like those symptoms became weak enough that I could manage them, then BAM, it all happened again. I nearly passed out again. I would be lightheaded for days at a time. My doctor prescribed Citalopram, but I have not taken it yet. So far, I've tried daily exercise, St Johns Wort, and one multi-vitamin a day. And I drink more fluids. Can't say that any of it really helped - although I am getting in better shape due to the exercise, at least. Drinking more seems to help slightly. Listening to music via headphone helps to fall asleep at night - only because it drowns out the thump-thump of my heart. It's usually at 90 BPM, when it *should* be 70. OK and this is weird, but I mention this because I want to know of this helps anyone else out there with similar symptoms. Here we go.. uh.. out of frustration at being lightheaded ALL the time - I hit my head with my hand a few times - just mildy (nothing crazy!). And I swear it made the lightheadness go away. Am I onto to something or is it all in my proverbial head? Personally, I think it increases blood flow into my brain, but even if its all psychological - it works, and I much prefer it over taking SSRIs. Hope this helps.
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I know exactly how you feel. i have had lots of experience, even tho im 13. they are right, its just a panic attack. calm down and stop worrying. u feel like ur goin to die and have a heart attack. take a hot bath and dont drink caffeine before bed, tht could also be the problem. maaybe drink something hot like tea. its all about calming and soothing yourself. watever calms u then do it.
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I hope this helps someone out and I'm sorry if it's long. I still have trouble believing it (guess I'm a 1% too) but the answer is most likely anxiety for every symptom I read above. Even if you don't feel stressed, for no apparent reason and it can manifest itself in so many different ways. I fist felt a choking or being strangled feeling, couldn't get enough breath when I was around 21 years old. It eventually faded and I never felt better. Surprise!!!! I'm 35 now and it suddenly came back, worse than ever but without the choking, strangled feeling and lots of new symptoms.
I recently went to the doc about persistant back pain, he game me painkillers (opioids) among other things. I woke out of a dead sleep 2 days later feeling like I couldn't breath and even after getting out of bed I though my brain wasn't sending signals to breath. This lead me to the ER, calls to the doc at 3 am and ALOT of research. I've have opioids plenty of times in the past without trouble but central sleep apnea may be caused by them, though usually after an OD or long term use. So I was sure somehow that had something to do with my condition. My thinking is much different now, 4 weeks+ after the symptoms came out of nowhere one night and have persisted to some extent to this very day. Another post mentions hitting himself in the head to stop the dizzyness, I actually did this out of anger and frustration, he's right, it works.
I'll list the symptoms I have had for you to compare and what worked best for me (I put it in check years ago and am doing pretty well now). Just before writing this I had tried taking a nap and kept waking up just as I fell asleep gasping for breath. I've had mild to sever dizzy spells and even fell to the floor, felt like I couldn't breath and sometimes had yawning spree's often feeling like the yawn wasn't fullfilling. Either tingling, warmth or numbness in the face, arms, legs, hands, feet, head but not always at the same time. Heart pounding at times and other times so weak I didn't know if it was even beating. After hours of being scared to death I even had the shakes so bad I couldn't hold a glass of water. Significant lack of sleep at night and SCARED TO GO TO SLEEP due to previous gasping episodes. I was pretty sure I was dieing and the docs didn't know what they were doing and didn't care. Even reading these posts might make a symptom appear. If I missed anything, let me know, It's hard to find info even on the net about this and nobody should suffer with this alone.
What has helped me. First of all, I never and still don't feel stressed but long-term and rapid issues may have helped trigger it. The day before I went to the doc I was laid off and wanted to get checked as my insurance ended in two days, had bills building up and live in a not-so-great area that keeps me on edge a little. #1. really, I mean really inventory yourself to find stressors, they don't even have to be dramatic or recent. And find ways to lessen them if possible. I'm a man, I don't talk much about things that bother me, turns out that shortly after contemplating jumping out my window (100' in the air) to stop this constant nightmare, I talked. Talking with my girlfriend (thank you L) and just being listened to about things as far back as my childhood, REALLY REALLY helped!! I actually broke down to tears (not sure where that came from) but I was able to breath and sleep that night. I learned not to smoke or drink caffine before bed (about 2 hours+) and leave the tv on something boring for sound and dullness. I set the sleep timer as I only need the tv to get to sleep now. Mild excercise and drinking plenty of water throughout the day seem to help sometimes. And when the episodes came on horribly strong, out of nowhere, I know it sounds bad but I tried to relax, and before watching boring tv in bed to keep my mind occupied, I decided, fine, nothing I can do worrying about it, if I die in my sleep, thats what happens. I won't miss anything cause I would be dead. And although, it's a sad thing (and a bit mental) to do to yourself, it turns out that might just be what your mind needs to put the stress aside for a bit. (I would prefer a different way if you find any, let me know) but it works. And if your still not sure if it's anxiety, panic, stress. If you wake up gasping, especially while your falling asleep, try this. You wake in a panic and inhale probably through your mouth like you were being suffocated, by now you are aware, don't try to catch your breath, avoid the temptation to breathe fast and let yourself continue to breath in a very slow, relaxed manner. If you were truely unable to breath (Sleep Apnea or something else) you wouldn't be able to control your breathing so well as your brain will force you to up your O2 levels. Hopefully, your panic subsides, letting you breath normally although you will still be nervous to try sleeping again. At least you can relax a little knowing it's anxiety, you ARE NOT going to die and you WILL get back to normal with a little work.
Yes, it's in your head. Accepting and Knowing that WILL make things better starting right now.
Hang in there, if your reading this your at your worst and can only get better from here.
I recently went to the doc about persistant back pain, he game me painkillers (opioids) among other things. I woke out of a dead sleep 2 days later feeling like I couldn't breath and even after getting out of bed I though my brain wasn't sending signals to breath. This lead me to the ER, calls to the doc at 3 am and ALOT of research. I've have opioids plenty of times in the past without trouble but central sleep apnea may be caused by them, though usually after an OD or long term use. So I was sure somehow that had something to do with my condition. My thinking is much different now, 4 weeks+ after the symptoms came out of nowhere one night and have persisted to some extent to this very day. Another post mentions hitting himself in the head to stop the dizzyness, I actually did this out of anger and frustration, he's right, it works.
I'll list the symptoms I have had for you to compare and what worked best for me (I put it in check years ago and am doing pretty well now). Just before writing this I had tried taking a nap and kept waking up just as I fell asleep gasping for breath. I've had mild to sever dizzy spells and even fell to the floor, felt like I couldn't breath and sometimes had yawning spree's often feeling like the yawn wasn't fullfilling. Either tingling, warmth or numbness in the face, arms, legs, hands, feet, head but not always at the same time. Heart pounding at times and other times so weak I didn't know if it was even beating. After hours of being scared to death I even had the shakes so bad I couldn't hold a glass of water. Significant lack of sleep at night and SCARED TO GO TO SLEEP due to previous gasping episodes. I was pretty sure I was dieing and the docs didn't know what they were doing and didn't care. Even reading these posts might make a symptom appear. If I missed anything, let me know, It's hard to find info even on the net about this and nobody should suffer with this alone.
What has helped me. First of all, I never and still don't feel stressed but long-term and rapid issues may have helped trigger it. The day before I went to the doc I was laid off and wanted to get checked as my insurance ended in two days, had bills building up and live in a not-so-great area that keeps me on edge a little. #1. really, I mean really inventory yourself to find stressors, they don't even have to be dramatic or recent. And find ways to lessen them if possible. I'm a man, I don't talk much about things that bother me, turns out that shortly after contemplating jumping out my window (100' in the air) to stop this constant nightmare, I talked. Talking with my girlfriend (thank you L) and just being listened to about things as far back as my childhood, REALLY REALLY helped!! I actually broke down to tears (not sure where that came from) but I was able to breath and sleep that night. I learned not to smoke or drink caffine before bed (about 2 hours+) and leave the tv on something boring for sound and dullness. I set the sleep timer as I only need the tv to get to sleep now. Mild excercise and drinking plenty of water throughout the day seem to help sometimes. And when the episodes came on horribly strong, out of nowhere, I know it sounds bad but I tried to relax, and before watching boring tv in bed to keep my mind occupied, I decided, fine, nothing I can do worrying about it, if I die in my sleep, thats what happens. I won't miss anything cause I would be dead. And although, it's a sad thing (and a bit mental) to do to yourself, it turns out that might just be what your mind needs to put the stress aside for a bit. (I would prefer a different way if you find any, let me know) but it works. And if your still not sure if it's anxiety, panic, stress. If you wake up gasping, especially while your falling asleep, try this. You wake in a panic and inhale probably through your mouth like you were being suffocated, by now you are aware, don't try to catch your breath, avoid the temptation to breathe fast and let yourself continue to breath in a very slow, relaxed manner. If you were truely unable to breath (Sleep Apnea or something else) you wouldn't be able to control your breathing so well as your brain will force you to up your O2 levels. Hopefully, your panic subsides, letting you breath normally although you will still be nervous to try sleeping again. At least you can relax a little knowing it's anxiety, you ARE NOT going to die and you WILL get back to normal with a little work.
Yes, it's in your head. Accepting and Knowing that WILL make things better starting right now.
Hang in there, if your reading this your at your worst and can only get better from here.
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RE - The Gasping For Air during sleep. It feels like I'm disappearing into non-existence when I wake, like my head isn't attached to my body and I have to get my brain back in my body again. It's so uncomfortable - is this the feeling? I then just end up lying back down, and sometimes a shiver or chill comes over me, and it happens again...very frustrating. In fact, I'm feeling so tired and depressed about it today, it definitely has a lasting effect. I don't want to go to sleep tonite! I told my husband to watch me tonite.
Sometimes during the day I will also get little dizzy spells - but more like my body "drops" for a second. Then, I think to myself that I kept myself from falling over or a stroke my merely shaking my head as it happens! Don't know how rational that thinking is!
Any more comments??
Sometimes during the day I will also get little dizzy spells - but more like my body "drops" for a second. Then, I think to myself that I kept myself from falling over or a stroke my merely shaking my head as it happens! Don't know how rational that thinking is!
Any more comments??
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I too had/have those symptomes you have. For me it started on a vacation, it was at night, and I was about to go to sleep, but then suddendly I just couldn't get enough air in to my body. I felt terrible and just couldn't breath enough air in to my body(or this is what my mind thought). And after that strange panic attack, other symptomes like lightheaded, fatigue, derealization, depression, tireness, racing hearth while sleeping, muscle cramps, etc etc. I then went to the doc, and all the test went out normal.
Now one year later I feel much better, but the attacks sometimes hits me, and I can get lightheaded and feel like fading. I do feel very. Some people get this by experience some kind of terrible thing, some by much stress and some by nothing special.
I'm a healty 29 year old boy, and live an active life. Yesterday I went for swimming, and then suddendly while swimming I had a panic attack. I felt like floating out of my body, and got lightheaded, and had to stop because I felt like passing out. But I guess its best not to think too much about it, but instead thank God for every new day you get, and lean on him, when you need help.
Now one year later I feel much better, but the attacks sometimes hits me, and I can get lightheaded and feel like fading. I do feel very. Some people get this by experience some kind of terrible thing, some by much stress and some by nothing special.
I'm a healty 29 year old boy, and live an active life. Yesterday I went for swimming, and then suddendly while swimming I had a panic attack. I felt like floating out of my body, and got lightheaded, and had to stop because I felt like passing out. But I guess its best not to think too much about it, but instead thank God for every new day you get, and lean on him, when you need help.
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I have had the samethings going on. I went to many doctors and all have tested my heart and so on saying I'm normal till I found a doctor who wouldn't stop testing till he got an answer and I mean a real answer. He did a simple blood test for A1AT google that to get the full name. I tested early stages of the A1AT which is something missing in your blood which then attacks your liver and lungs. If you drink or smoke its even worst. I have a major problem with my breathing I get light headed dizzy even acid reflex "very rarely but still" I goto sleep thinking will this be the night I won't wake up in the morning because so many times my breathing gets so bad I more or less stop so wake up gasping. I need to yawn but no air sucks in. My light headedness is behind my eyes and forehead. Some days are worst than others but considering there is no cure for A1AT. Becareful when asking your doctor to test your blood for A1AT as if you are found to have it your medical insurance drops you and so does your life insurance. Most hospitals and doctors know this so they use a code rather than a name. As I said there is no cure but it can be treated!
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I too suffer with some of these problems. I have Only once awoken with the gasping for air thing (that I can remember) I was 21 at the time didn't have anything to be worried about really other than the day to day things that everyone has to worry about, but My first time was the scariest. I've never experienced the tingling/numbness of the throat and other places that some of you guys have mentioned but have experienced on many occasions gasping for air, my heart beating way too quickly or to slowly, nervous type shaking and of course that horrible messed up feeling of "I'm going to die". I often used coughing and forced yawning to try and get my breathing and heart beat back to normal also without really being able to stop myself getting up out of bed or the seat I'm in and just walking around aimlessly, I also try to remind myself of all thats good in my life such as my daughter. I guess I try to trick my brain to get it to stop thinking DEATH and start thinking happy thoughts. The reason I have discovered this forum and am writing this is because I have had another episode tonight...this has probably been my longest yet. I have gotten a headache after this one which is new...has anyone else gotten this before?
I have suffered with this for about a year now and I hate it, I really for sorry for you guys that have going through it for longer I really don't know how you do it! I seem to spend most of my time after a attack now wondering how I got to be like this I mean I used to be normal, I could take anything the world thew at me and ask for seconds, but now I feel so fragile like the next big thing could be the last thing. I know these attacks aren't going to kill me but it's hard to tell yourself that when you can't breathe. My appendix burst recently and went untreated for two days whilst my doctors argued over which part of my body was infected instead of realizing what was actually wrong with me, this lead to a major operation that left me bed ridden for some time but now I am better I have gained a lot of wight and I am starting wonder if the wight gain has something to do with my recent attacks (can anyone shed some light on this?)
Anyway thanks for reading this and you guys are right it does make you feel a little better just to have a bit of rant about it. I hope everyone feels better or at least finds some comfort in these posts. Good luck!!!
I have suffered with this for about a year now and I hate it, I really for sorry for you guys that have going through it for longer I really don't know how you do it! I seem to spend most of my time after a attack now wondering how I got to be like this I mean I used to be normal, I could take anything the world thew at me and ask for seconds, but now I feel so fragile like the next big thing could be the last thing. I know these attacks aren't going to kill me but it's hard to tell yourself that when you can't breathe. My appendix burst recently and went untreated for two days whilst my doctors argued over which part of my body was infected instead of realizing what was actually wrong with me, this lead to a major operation that left me bed ridden for some time but now I am better I have gained a lot of wight and I am starting wonder if the wight gain has something to do with my recent attacks (can anyone shed some light on this?)
Anyway thanks for reading this and you guys are right it does make you feel a little better just to have a bit of rant about it. I hope everyone feels better or at least finds some comfort in these posts. Good luck!!!
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I have the same exact sypmtoms...dizziness, heart pounding in the chest, being nervous and a feeling that I am going to die any moment. Went through ER twice in a month, mri of the brian, echocardiogram, ekg 3 times, stress test, blood work, CT scan all came normal. Even went to ENT for ear exam, eye exams.
Nothing helped with my anxiety, only advise I can give you just rely on your Faith and pray to GOD. It helped me a lot. I was going to be on lexapro (antidepressent) but decided not to due to side effects. I still have the same feelings but not like before. Just try not to think about it at all and keep your self occupied.
I really hope everyone who is suffering from this anxiety\panic attacks disease will be fine soon.
Nothing helped with my anxiety, only advise I can give you just rely on your Faith and pray to GOD. It helped me a lot. I was going to be on lexapro (antidepressent) but decided not to due to side effects. I still have the same feelings but not like before. Just try not to think about it at all and keep your self occupied.
I really hope everyone who is suffering from this anxiety\panic attacks disease will be fine soon.
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This has been the first time this has happened to me in the middle of the night. I have had extreamly bad anxiety and panic attacks before and this was one of them. I wake up scared out of my mind for no reason, back hurting for a couple of days and then it's gone. I feel shaky, no one can help me and like i'm going to throw up. Also when I had this panic attack it brought up my fear ( pregnancy) and made it 15times worse. I am 16 and I don't know what to do I am and i get so scarred that I like you said I don't want to go back to sleep. I have to stay up and have something like music or my boyfriend talk to me. This is the 1st time this has happened and I am clueless on what to do.
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I just started having episodes where about 2 times a week I wake up right as it seems I fall asleep and I feel like there is no air in my chest. Its almost as if I forget to breath as I sleep and my brain says to me "wake up or die" and I sit straight up in bed and gasp for air and I always have a nervous feeling in my stomach whenever it happens. After about 5 mins I am able to lay down and try to go back to sleep. Sometimes it happens more than once in a night. I dont know what is causing this to happen but its getting old, FAST. These issues started about a month ago, I have been in Afghanistan for 4 months now and I am wondering if it is a anxiety issue, even though I deployed to Iraq for 15 months and never had anything like this happen then. If anyone has any ideas or ways to help please let me know. THANKS.
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i also have same trouble even when im sleeping deeply feels like someone is chocking me and cant breathe for a minute and it does it to me when im awake also bu what scares me the most it happens when no one is around and i get scared cause at times it is hard to get something to drink i also have blood pressure seizures and im diabitc any body got any clues why this goes on with out doctors knowing
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i have been dealing w/ anxiety disorder all my life...sometimes to the point i won't leave my home and i am even to tired to speak...at times my brian knows waht i want to say but my mouth can't even get the words out...i also wake up gasping for air and feel exhausted most of the time...i have had every test in the book...blood tests...stress echos on my heart..sleep study..2 of those...my oxygen is low when i am at rest by otherwise normal...i get out of breath and racing heart apon standing...i have been diagnosed w/ narcolepsy,sleep apnea,high cholesteral,low vit d,...i also have fibromyalgia...which i think is a crock....i can tell u that xanex in a small does at night does help me sleep better and is a quick fix for a panic attack...however i can only think of 1 point in my life that i did not have these syptoms at all for a period of 3 yrs...i moved to the country in a small town (brazil indiana) i worked full time,was involved in my kids school programs and i was REALLY happy...my mind was sharp and i felt sane and normal...since i moved back to indpls its all been down hill...so i believe that most of this is stress related and the rest is simply because i have not taken care of myself....i am 38 and a mother of 7...smoker for 20 yrs...i have gained 40 lbs since i got married in jan this yr...the moral of the story is...les stress diet exercise and keep yourself busy!!!! i can't stress enough how important it is 2 get up out of the bed...i laid here for mths n finally i made myself get off my ass..even if its just 2 clean and cook dinner...i still have sum rlly bad days but i also have some o.k ones in between...hope this helps...good luck
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