I have recently begun University, which has triggered a lot of anxiety . Anxiety and panic disorder is something that runs in my family, though I feel mine is different - it s not so that I get panic attacks, its that I worry about everything that is given to me/ assignments/ social settings etc. I am a total perfectionist, which could also have triggered it, and throughout high school, I have struggled with this (I would feel overwhelmed with assignments, procrastinate, get upset if I didn t get over 90% etc). My body image is also something I struggle with. Lately however, I have become even more depressed ,stressed, and have been upset/crying for days.My head has been hurting for over a week (and I have booked an appointment with a doctor to look at that) and have minor chest pains as well. I am finding it even more difficult than usual to concentrate, read (I have to constantly re-read things just to understand them) and write/ say things (like the words are there but I just can t communicate them).I also have moments (like right now) where I am full of energy. I feel as though my mind is always racing with thoughts that I can t control, and I know I shouldn t look to the internet for answers, but I was wondering if anyone has had an experience like this and can share some advice. Please help!
Hi, welcome to Chat Doctor it seems that you are suffering form GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER which is also an anxiety disorder like panic disorder. Your experiences are not unique; most of the patients of GAD feel the same. Like panic disorder it is also treated by antidepressants as sertraline, fluoxetine, Escitalopram etc. you mood swings may be related to co-existing bipolar disorder in which persons have shifts of mood from depression to mania or hypomania. So consult a psychiatrist, and start treatment. Very soon you will be free of symptoms. Best of luck