I need some replies to help me understand.

Wendy,

I have been through this , and it is generalized anxiety disorder. The teeth grinding is because your muscles throughout your body just get tighter. I had muscle aches all over, especially in my back. I wanted to stretch all the time, but itnever relieved it. I got to the point that I had pain in my arms like cold or heat. I could not work because I thought I would faint. I wanted to run away. I was deathly afraid of heights and impending danger all the time. It got worse ands worse, until I had a nervous breakdown. I went to my doc and he put me on  Lexapro, and added bupropion(wellbutrin). I am doin 100% better. I have flown in airplanes and looked down at the grand canyon. What a freeing experience. I still at times get nervous, and for that I have Xanax on hand. Good luck.

Angelhair

Hi Wendy: I agree with Angelhair, it could be generalized anxiety. If that is all that is going on, I would agree that you might want to talk with your physician about an antidepressant (or a mood stabilizer of some kind) as well. Anxiety can be caused by rumination, that is, worried thinking that can be managed by antidepressants.

Two other things come to mind, however; when was the last time you had a complete physical? It might be worth going in for one, to rule out something that might be causing it.

The second thing, is that once the physical component is taken care of, you should honestly consider seeing a professional who specializes in anxiety/depression issues. Someone with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy expertise can help you change your life. Even if you get a prescription for medication, unless you change how you are living, and how you view your problems, the symptoms are only being "covered up" by the meds and are likely to return if you stop taking them.

I hope this helps!

You sound like me about 4 years ago. The combo of being a professional, having 2 children, September 11th and the DC snipers had my stomach in a knot, slight vertigo, numb fingers and shaking hands. I went to the ER thinking I was having a heart attack- they told me to stop taking Sudafed and that this was the cause.(Yea  right!) I went to my Internist the next day and he explained the anxiety (GAD) and veritigo. He prescribed Zoloft and Xanax. The Zoloft did not work and I took Xanax all the time- so I saw a psychologist and he put me on Lexapro. 60 pounds heavier with no shaking- I am 'cured' by the medicines. I am working on the weight gain. I want you to know that you are not crazy and that there are MANY women that go through this for years or situations in their lives. There are some folks that do not understand this illness and it is best to sometimes keep it to yourself. Good luck to you.