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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to ensure that dehydration is not contributing to your symptoms, especially after swimming.
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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.
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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.
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Limit Stimulants: Avoid caffeine or other stimulants, as these can aggravate anxiety and contribute to shakiness.
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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!
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