HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Family problems cause more anxiety and pain

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 2/12/2018 2:17 PM (GMT -5)
Hi,

Anxiety has been so bad lately. My chest keep bugging me and my back between my shoulder blades hurts most of the time. I know I shouldn't but keep looking on Google and it can be GERD which I have or the heart. The doctors have checked my heart before (EKGs and CT Scan - last time December 15th) and say I am fine. But I keep obsessing over it and it makes my anxiety worse.

My dad is now in a geriatric home and he keeps complaining that we abandoned him and that he wants to go home. It really breaks my heart but he has dementia and my mom could no longer take care of him. She is actually sick of the stress.

I do feel a lot of guilt and I get so afraid about my health. I have been reading about health anxiety to educate myself more but this is really being a horrible time and hard issue to handle.

Thanks for listening.
Posted 2/12/2018 6:42 PM (GMT -5)
Hi AK,

I am sorry to hear about your increased symptoms currently.

I have no doubt that the stress of your family situation is kicking up extra anxiety...and therefore increased symptoms for you at the moment.

An adjustment time is expected with a move such as the one your dad has made...

...and dealing with the challenges of aging with our folks is never easy!

I know as my mom has MCI...and seeing this once sharp as a tack woman seem vague, often confused...and asking the same questions over and over again is heartbreaking.

Keep using your self help...and know that you are dealing not only with situational anxiety...but with your pre-existing share as well!

Breathing and Progressive Muscle Relaxation exercises should help.

With encouragement (and prayers for your dad!)

S.C.
Posted 2/14/2018 3:01 PM (GMT -5)
SC,

Thank for your reply. I'm sorry to hear about your mom. It hurts a lot because I know things with my dad will NOT get better.

I guess with the anxiety I get so nervous about every little sensation... my back has been aching and now I am thinking about my kidneys (they checked in December and were fine) and I am going to the bathroom normally so I guess it is the anxiety.. but ahhhhhh!!!!
Posted 2/15/2018 12:44 PM (GMT -5)
Yeah, I have a lot of lower back discomfort when I am working too hard which has caused similar kidney worries to surface as well...

Keep working your coping skills and using Positive Mantras to combat the intrusive thoughts/worries.

(((With understanding)))

S.C.
Posted 2/19/2018 5:09 PM (GMT -5)
Hi AK,

I read the post and reply and looks like you've got some good advice that will help.

Just wondering, how is your sleep? I am 65 and strongly believe so many physical and emotional problems can be helped with a program of good sleep.

Just adding my two cents' worth.

Good luck to you and I hope you feel better.
Posted 2/22/2018 8:09 PM (GMT -5)
HI

I also woke up in a Panic tonight its really hard to go back to sleep when my chest is so sore
Phew! that' s a heavy load even for someone who is not an anxiety sufferer
Sorry to hear about your dad, and your mom hope she recovers soon and also for you to be able to deal everything, your dad will soon adjust there.
All you do is to visit him regularly so he doesnt feel left out
if you bring him back home you will have to hire a nurse which also is expensive.
Don't be too hard on yourself

hope you feeling calmer now
Posted 2/23/2018 1:03 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks. My dad still keeps fighting to go home but unfortunately that is not an option. He needs professional help and it is not possible at home.

My mom will see her doctor today to discuss the results pf the tests.. hopefully is something that can be easily treated.

My parents live in another country so I cannot visit as much as I would like. I will go and see them in April for 2 weeks.

My anxiety is so high today... need to breath and calm down.
Posted 2/24/2018 9:23 PM (GMT -5)
Oh man, that is hard. sad

I will continue to keep your folks in my thoughts...and pray that your dad starts to adjust...and that your mom gets good results back from her medical tests.

Do the best you can to decompress and manage the anxiety that you understandably feel.

With understanding,

S.C.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply