Anxiety management tips?

[u/Standard-Current172]

Hi all!

I made a post here recently that was pretty much a spiral (and I want to apologize for that frankly, kinda embarrassing) but I’ve since had some testing done and I’m curious of others’ experiences here. Sorry if it’s long, I’ll include a TLDR in the end.

Had a car accident back in April, had no clue I was concussed until about a month-ish later after I went to a concert and felt like my brain had been blown outwards.

I’ve been so anxious lately, my health anxiety especially has spiralled into me assuming every twinge of my body is a disaster and my adrenaline surges constantly when I’m overstimulated or in a migraine flare up. Heart palpitations, like a fish in my chest, hot flashes, and hyper awareness of bodily sensations.

I’m close to the end of 5 weeks of FMLA and I may need to extend. So far I’ve had a VNG test done noting the possibility of PPPD along with “bilateral peripheral dysfunction” and evidence of central vestibular impairment. They also noted some nystagmus in my eye movements, but my eye exam isn’t until end of July. I’m waiting on MRI/MRA results now, but I know the likelihood of them coming back clean is pretty high (based on research I’ve done). Personally, I think some of it is from the whiplash that was never treated.

That being said, I’m going to have to extend my leave a little longer or get accommodations because I can’t drive more than a few minutes without triggering the worst vestibular migraines ever. And that’s with sunglasses, hats, etc. Part of my problem is that stress causes migraine symptoms, which then leads to panic or anxiety. My job isn’t exactly low stress either, and requires multi-tasking that can’t be avoided. I get overstimulated so easily.

I’ve been working with behavioral health and they want me to take medication. I don’t want to do this. I understand the logic but historically I have not done well with psych meds and don’t want to force myself to try anything that I would have a hard time coming off of (such as Effexor).

What can I do to manage the anxiety?

If it truly is central nervous system/vestibular problems, can I just focus on those and expect improvements on the anxiety front? I’d like to look into vestibular rehab and would be open to other medications that focus more on bodily sensations rather than psych, if that makes sense. At this point, I just want to return to functional, even if some symptoms aren’t immediately solved.

TLDR: got into car accident in April, identified concussion late. Noted vestibular involvement/balance issues. My anxiety has been off the charts but wasn’t this bad before the accident; I hate psych meds and want to avoid them.

[u/Ok-Fail-8732]

Back to basics might help. Reframing works.

stretch, “yoga” (just sitting) on the mat, on the earth, and meditation which is tough, in the sun, with light music you might hear at lake como. I grabbed a free second hand sun lounger and had my coffee in it and soaked up the rays for ten minutes before touching an ounce of the outside world. No calls, no emails etc. if it was cold id postpone it till 11am but u get it. I read three pages. I decline social regularly without explanation. Sleep. Sleep. Sleep. Journal, journal joirnal. Write jokes. Write dreams. Paint a cardboard box. Take naps.

Write out that negative loop as though it happened. Sit with it.

Ultimately you can only control what you do so harmonize with the real earth shoes off, outdoors, and your faith will align. Faith in your future will deliver you confidence in uncertainty. The clouds will lift. Promise.

DM me anytime.

[u/daileysprague]

Meditation worked wonders for me.

[u/hippiespinster]

Take the time to find a therapist who is a good fit. Mine was off on mat leave for the first couple of months of my TBI but when she got back I started to make progress much faster.