What’s Going On With Me? Am I Just Overly Anxious?
(20 years old, no medications, rare marijuana use, no other substances) Right now, I’m experiencing quite a bit of shakiness, and it’s making it hard for me to type. There’s a strange bright spot in my right eye, similar to the effect of someone briefly shining light in it and then pulling it away. Additionally, I have this unusual sensation in my head, as if it’s being constricted by a band around my chin and crown, although it’s mainly focused on the top of my head. I also feel a sense of nausea and can sense heat waves coursing through my body. Just yesterday, I took a dip in Lake Ontario up to my waist, which probably wasn’t the best idea, but outside of that, my daily routine has been quite stable. Could it be that I’m just overreacting?
Answers (1)
6/19/2025, 3:01:27 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing a number of distressing symptoms, including shakiness, visual changes with a bright spot in your eye, a constricted feeling in your head, nausea, and a sensation of heat. While anxiety can manifest with physical symptoms, the range and nature of what you're describing suggest that it may be important to look deeper into these concerns.
These symptoms could potentially stem from a variety of causes, such as anxiety or stress, but they may also indicate something that requires attention. Let’s break it down clearly and I’ll guide you on practical next steps.
Explanation
-
Shakiness and Physical Symptoms: Anxiety often leads to physical symptoms like shaking, but these can also be caused by other factors, such as dehydration, low blood sugar, or even an adverse reaction to something like cold water exposure.
-
Visual Disturbance: The bright spot in your vision could be akin to a visual migraine, but it’s also wise to rule out other ocular issues. Changes in vision can be concerning, especially if they are new or sudden.
-
Head Pressure Sensation: The tight sensation in your head could relate to tension headaches or anxiety; however, it is necessary to evaluate this further considering you also have other alarming symptoms.
-
Nausea and Heat Waves: These sensations can accompany anxiety but may also relate to physiological responses to external conditions or even strain from the cold water.
Next Steps
-
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to ensure that dehydration is not contributing to your symptoms, especially after swimming.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of when your symptoms occur, their intensity, and any triggers you notice. Make a note of how you feel over the next few days.
-
Practice Calming Techniques: Engage in relaxation methods, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or gentle stretching to see if these alleviate some of the shakiness or pressure you’re feeling.
-
Limit Stimulants: Avoid caffeine or other stimulants, as these can aggravate anxiety and contribute to shakiness.
-
Seek Prompt Attention if Symptoms Persist: If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, particularly your vision changes, it’s essential to seek evaluation from a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues.
Please take care of yourself, and remember that it’s okay to seek help when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Let me know if you have any further questions or need assistance with anything specific!
Related Questions
Is Vyvanse Contributing to My Serotonin Syndrome Symptoms?
**Overview:** I was recently diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. **Current Issue:** For the past several months, I have been taking Vyvanse, beginning with a low dose that has been gradually increased to 60mg. Up until now, I had been managing well, but I have recently started experiencing some concerning side effects. At present, I am also on an SSRI (Sertraline) along with Vyvanse. I have requested to discontinue the SSRI, as I found it to be minimally effective, and I am aware that Vyvanse influences serotonin in addition to dopamine and norepinephrine. I have yet to begin this change in medication until my next consultation. **Here are the symptoms I'm experiencing:** * Experiencing visual disturbances, such as flashing lights in dim environments * Ringing in the ears and auditory difficulties * Involuntary muscle contractions and cramps, especially in my legs and back, even in the absence of physical exertion * Episodes of mental fog and confusion **I suspect that both Vyvanse and my recent lifestyle modifications are contributing factors to my current predicament.** 1. I believe the Vyvanse may be increasing the serotonin levels in my brain, leading to these adverse reactions. Additionally, since I do not take Vyvanse daily—with my doctor's consent—this inconsistency might be causing fluctuations that resemble SSRI withdrawal symptoms. 2. Over the last few months, I've lost a significant amount of weight—around 100 pounds. While Vyvanse has supported this weight loss, I had already been on a dieting regimen prior to starting the medication. I feel that this reduction in my body mass may have intensified my reaction to the medication, given my lowered BMI. Essentially, having a smaller body compounded by the same dosage could be causing amplified effects. I'm eager to hear from anyone who has experience with Vyvanse and serotonin syndrome for some informed advice.
Are My Anti-Depressants the Wrong Choice?
Greetings everyone, I am a 25-year-old woman dealing with depression, mild anxiety, and some PTSD. I also experience hypermobility and have a heart murmur. My height is 170 cm, and my weight is 90 kg. I'm seeking guidance on whether the medication prescribed to me is the appropriate choice, as I'm concerned that, based on the label, it might not be suitable for me. In my younger years, I faced challenges with OCD, severe anxiety, and depression. Initially, I was given Escitalopram, which was effective for several years until my anxiety escalated dramatically, prompting a switch to Fluoxetine. During that transition, I realized I had been experiencing more side effects from Escitalopram than I initially recognized, such as significant sweating. After a little over a year on Fluoxetine, I felt better and chose to stop taking it, remaining medication-free for the last three years. However, in the past six months, my depression has worsened considerably. After consulting with my doctor, I resumed Fluoxetine treatment. Now, three weeks into this round of medication, I'm experiencing side effects that I may not necessarily link directly to the medication but still mentioned them during my follow-up. The symptoms include excessive sweating in my palms and feet, increased heart palpitations, and a two-week delay in my period. I've read that this medication can cause heavier menstrual bleeding, yet my pregnancy tests have all come back negative. This situation has left me quite perplexed. My doctor advised me to discontinue Fluoxetine and instead prescribed me Propranolol. To the best of my understanding, this medication is typically used for immediate relief of anxiety symptoms rather than addressing depression. The label also cautions against its use in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or a history of self-harm, and it notes that it may lead to depression or suicidal thoughts. Is it correct for me to think that Propranolol is not classified as an anti-depressant? It seems odd that my GP would choose this to manage symptoms from a medication she told me to stop. I have already spoken with a former pharmacist, an occupational therapist, and am currently awaiting a callback from my pharmacy, as I expressed my concerns regarding the safety of this prescription. I'm feeling apprehensive about taking it, and I’m frustrated that my doctor has not considered prescribing a different anti-depressant. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Keep in mind, I am not a medical professional—just someone navigating the complexities of mental health. I want to assure you all that I am safe and have support available for when I'm feeling vulnerable. At present, I do not have thoughts of harming myself or anyone else; I simply wish to be heard and find the right help.
Assessing Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Should I Seek Emergency Care?
To condense my situation, I am now on the 21st day of my menstrual cycle with no sign of it concluding. The flow has been unusually heavy throughout, to the extent that I’ve had to change my menstrual discs within just a couple of hours due to overflow, accompanied by significant clotting. I visited a new gynecological office yesterday to establish care since my regular GYN won’t be available until June. However, this appointment allows me to see another clinician at the end of April. During my visit, we talked about scheduling a transvaginal ultrasound, and I began a course of medroxyprogesterone at a daily dosage of 10 mg, which I will take for the next ten days. Unfortunately, my night was quite troublesome, marked by excessive bleeding even with an ultra tampon in use. My primary concern right now is the risk of anemia. I ordered a CBC test through Labcorp on Monday out of sheer curiosity, which revealed my red blood cell count was at 3.64 and my hemoglobin level was at 10.9. The provider repeated the CBC along with an iron panel, and as of early yesterday afternoon, my results were: - Red Blood Cells: 3.3 - Hemoglobin: 9.9 - Hematocrit: 31 - Iron: 24 - Iron saturation percentage: 6 - Ferritin: 12 I am trying to remain calm and patient with the progression of events, but I recognize that I have been losing a considerable amount of blood since these tests. With the weekend here, I’m increasingly anxious as I likely won’t receive any updates until Monday. Do my lab results indicate the need for immediate medical attention? I intend to commence taking 325 mg of oral ferrous sulfate today to address my iron levels.
Seeking Guidance from India: Battling Burping Attacks During Exercise
At the age of 45, I maintain a lifestyle that involves no smoking or drinking. Employed in the IT sector, I typically have a sedentary routine and do not engage in regular physical activity. My body mass index (BMI) stands at 26, categorizing me as ‘skinny fat’—I’m not overweight, but I do possess some abdominal fat. My predominant concern arises when I attempt to exercise. Even after ensuring a three-hour interval post-meal, I frequently endure unexpected bouts of burping. These episodes are accompanied by a heavy, tight sensation in my chest, leading to breathing difficulties that provoke feelings of anxiety. Even mild exercises like cycling or performing two to three push-ups can trigger these episodes, and the discomfort persists for over an hour before finally easing. Interestingly, I do not experience heartburn or burping at any other time, only during or following physical exertion. I sought expertise from a gastroenterologist and underwent an endoscopy, which indicated mild gastritis but showed no signs of a hiatal hernia or other irregularities. Additionally, a cardiology assessment that included CT Coronary Angiography revealed no concerns, and a pulmonologist confirmed that my lung function is satisfactory. Due to my limited physical activity, my endurance is quite low. My desire to exercise and adopt a healthier lifestyle is strong, yet the sensations I feel—similar to air trapped in my chest wishing to escape—thwart my efforts. I've noticed that exercising on an empty stomach, particularly early in the morning, seems to stave off these burping issues. My professional environment is not overly demanding, which adds to my frustration. After incurring significant expenses for medical advice, I find myself at a loss with no clear indication of how to move forward. The root cause remains elusive and raises questions: Could it be linked to anxiety or stress? Even simple tasks, like playing football with my son or carrying heavy bags, can instigate these uncomfortable burping attacks, which linger for an hour or two. In this situation, I feel bewildered, disheartened, and utterly spent.
Navigating Alcohol Consumption While on Antidepressants
I am currently prescribed Escitalopram at a dosage of 10mg and Trazodone 50mg, which I take before bed for my mental health. Additionally, I use Clonazepam to help manage my anxiety. Earlier today, I joined a few friends for a social gathering where we had some drinks. I informed them that due to my medication, I usually avoid alcohol; however, I opted to have a single beer so I could participate in the festivities without feeling out of place. Now, approximately three hours later, I do not sense any lingering effects of alcohol. If there were any, they are quite subtle. My question is: Is it safe for me to take my medications in light of this?