1. < Depression & Anxiety

Is anyone suffering physical effects from their anxiety?

Posted by blue717 @blue717, May 14 12:54pm

I'm 72. My husband is a narcissist and has mild dementia. He has gotten so mean and miserable to live with, it is affecting me with sweating, pain, jitters, upset stomachs and my mind that is just racing with thoughts 24/7. I go to doctors and they just want to give me drugs! I have finally realized that this man cares nothing about me or anything else unless it involves him directly. I feel like I'm heading for my 19th nervous break down. This isn't how I want to spend my final years.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

blue717 | @blue717 | May 16 8:41am
In reply to @scottrl "I have had terrible anxiety-related physical problems my whole life. From incredible upset stomachs as a..." + (show)
@scottrl

I have had terrible anxiety-related physical problems my whole life.

From incredible upset stomachs as a schoolkid to a near-complete physical breakdown from a stressful job (more than once), anxiety is a real killer.

Anxiety was no doubt a contributing factor to the stroke I had in 2018.

What has helped me tremendously is something called Emotional Freedom Technique, or EFT. It uses tapping on certain acupressure points. It has gained enormous popularity in recent years. It's easy, drug-free, harmless, and can be very cheap. In fact, there are tons of free videos on YouTube to help you out.

Here's a good example:


I hope EFT helps you.

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I have heard of the tapping method, but never looked in to it. I certainly will give it a look. I'm sorry to hear that anxiety has played such a part in your like. It is a shame on how this takes a hold of us and affects our life. I will keep you posted if the EFT works for me. Thank you.

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blue717 | @blue717 | May 16 8:44am
In reply to @gravity3 "While you are waiting to get a therapist onboard. I have found a number of lectures..." + (show)
@gravity3

While you are waiting to get a therapist onboard. I have found a number of lectures in you tube regarding narcissistic behavior and strategies for those in relationship with a narcissist. Sorry but can't recall exact titles.

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Thanks, I look around and see what I can find.

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blue717 | @blue717 | May 16 8:46am
In reply to @lakesofdelray "I thought that I was reading something I wrote. I would love to share ideas with..." + (show)
@lakesofdelray

I thought that I was reading something I wrote. I would love to share ideas with you. ❤️

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In the same spot as me? Oh I would love to hear how someone else is coping. Not easy is it?

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blue717 | @blue717 | May 16 8:51am

I generally dont fit into the normal "Caregivers" groups because very few of them are dealing with a narcissitic personality and dementia. I've been "yelled" at more than a few times for not being more sympathic to him. Someone with this disorder only thinks of thems selves and anything else is not important. His family wants nothing to do with him, and there are no friends, so no, there is no one else.

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blue717 | @blue717 | May 16 8:55am
In reply to @nrd1 "@aczatx47131 - Emotional=Physical I allowed a medical doctor to recommend a procedure based off his catastrophic..." + (show)
@nrd1

@aczatx47131 -

Emotional=Physical

I allowed a medical doctor to recommend a procedure based off his catastrophic verbiage which then induced anxiety physical feelings in me. I truly thought my physical sensations that were not reall health issues, were something that needed immediate attention from a recommended procedure.

This happens all of the time in Western Medicine and people need to be aware that most doctor visits are based off anxiety sensations. You either have a knowledgeable doctor whom will recognize this or an inept provider who causes more anxiety in this situation.

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I dont know about elsewhere, but I know in my section of Florida WE ALL have inept providers. Most office visit are a waste of time and you learn and accomplish nothing. With the exception of Mayo, but they are several hours away from me.

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kayraymat | @kayraymat | May 17 11:14am

Check out your Senior Center. They may be able to recommend a therapist and a lawyer.
You may have more choices than you think.
Also look into volunteer work to be around at least half-way normal people who talk about a variety
of things. Kay

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blue717 | @blue717 | May 17 1:28pm

Getting a professional tocall you back is a challenge, I keep trying. The getting out with real people is something that I am working on. Thank you

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bobbisedlmayr | @bobbisedlmayr | May 18 8:05am

My husband was a narcissist. I slowly learned what that means. He now has lewy body dementia and the narcissist personality is slowly leaving. Due to the help of his med paroxetine and the dementia. I can deal with a child. But mot the yelling , anger and crying. It was too hard. I hope you can get some help. Talk to his dr. Thats how we started with meds.

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1 reply
kayraymat | @kayraymat | May 18 9:48am

Blue 717,
Life is too short to accept living in a toxic relationship.
An attny. would let you know your options. Also contact Social Security about benefits if
you have been married to the same person for 10 years or more.
If there are no family or friends, there are other avenues for help.
Also it sounds like you could be in mortal danger. Those with dementia or Parkinson's sometimes get
very violent and it only takes once. I knew a woman who locked herself in the basement every night for safety and eventually had to put her husband in a nursing home, her only sensible and safe option. Good luck. Kay

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1 reply
blue717 | @blue717 | May 20 8:47am
In reply to @bobbisedlmayr "My husband was a narcissist. I slowly learned what that means. He now has lewy body..." + (show)
@bobbisedlmayr

My husband was a narcissist. I slowly learned what that means. He now has lewy body dementia and the narcissist personality is slowly leaving. Due to the help of his med paroxetine and the dementia. I can deal with a child. But mot the yelling , anger and crying. It was too hard. I hope you can get some help. Talk to his dr. Thats how we started with meds.

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He's already on meds. I get it, the dementia I can deal with. You cant blame someone for a disease that they have no control over. But the Narc in him, is the person I cant tolerate. I have repeatedly talked to his doctor. I believe I live in one of the worst areas in Florida for health care, they do as little as possible, but are happy to hand out drugs. Trust me I have been trying every avenue I can think of for help, but it always comes back to me, myself and I. Thanks for writing!

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