I was just wondering if any of you IIHers suffer from anxiety disorders/ attacks? Or feeling like you are going to die, and need to write out your will? Or am I just crazy??

Ive been really anxious lately, and cant shake this feeling like I am going to die. And its starting to freak me out. help?

There is definitely some level of anxiety and depression with IIH, but if it's become that extreme I would contact your primary care physician. A lot of the meds we use can cause these symptoms, your hormone levels, thyroid, etc can all contribute, so best to speak with physician and let them sort it out. It's also a scary and isolating disease, so I wouldn't be surprised if you have just developed some anxiety. Your physician may recommend meds or therapy. I've found that reiki and acupuncture have also been helpful. Meditation, yoga, and prayer help too, if you're into any of those things. Just make sure you talk to someone while it's still manageable.

You're definitely not alone, so try not to worry. Let us know if there's anything we can do to help.

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Julie

I do yoga, and I see someone weekly about my anxiety. My doctor wants me to go on anti-depressants...but NO. NO THANK YOU. I was on anti-depressants once...and I hated them.

I just noticed that I have panic attacks over nothing. And I hate it. I don't even know whats causing them, and my neurologist is the biggest joke out there...She doesn't listen to a word I have to say...


grrrrrr this is such a pain in my arse.

I don't know how long ago you tried antidepressants, but they are much better nowadays. I used to hate that marshmallow head feeling that I would get, but I have been taking Amitriptyline for months and months and it has really helped me. Please speak to your doctors about trying one of the newer meds, and take it slow on increasing the dose. You may just be pleasantly surprised. If your doctor is not listening to you, you really need to change docs. It doesn't do anyone any good to have that kind of relationship. You need a doc who is on your side, looking out for your best interests.

my doctor listens, my neuro does not..

I was first put on anti-depressants at the age of 12...and I hated them. I'm only 23...And it just, irks me. My mother is hooked on her meds, and I wish to be nothing like her, so meds scare me. Especially anti-depressants.

My counselor helps a lot...but I still get the sneak attacks.

Amitriptyline...I think my doctor gave me some of those...and I was wary...

I suffer from anxiety now! I fear that my children will witness me pass out again. I fear that I will be mis-diagnosed again. I think because doctors chalk this disease up to be a weight issue also, makes it worse.

I have the same feeling and thought I was losing my mind. I did go and see my doctor who recommended celexa an antidepressant which I gladly accepted because I am going bonkers. The pain isn't helping either. So far I haven't noticed if it's working yet but I guess it must be since I am not crying as much as I was. good luck to you.

I think these resources will be a big help to you they have lots of helpful information and resources on there for you, there might be something that help with your anxiety that is natural rather than medicinal. I wasn't sure which country you were from as your flag is Australian and yet you state you're from Alberta in Canada, so here is the link to the resources for both. Anxiety and Panic Attacks

On days where my pressure is worse I think I feel more anxiety. It's like Pavlov's dog. I've been through it before, and I know when some of the symptoms get worse the headache getting much worse isn't far behind, so I get anxious. I think the pressure on our brains does something to our moods, too.

I absolutely agree with that. when my ICP is high, my thoughts are extremely dark and I tend to despair. and I think this is a direct effect of the pressure on my thoughts and emotional state, not necessarily an emotional response to my situation. that is the way it seems to me anyway.

Wow, my pressure may be quite high then. I'm waiting for a call from the hospital for the date of my next lp. These posts have been very helpful.

Thanks Heidi...I chose a flag because Canada wasn't listed lol

I also noticed that my anxiety goes BONKERS when my ICP starts to go up. I begin to think about the medication, the LPs, the headache, the overall pain,...the list goes on.

And then when I am put on new meds, I freak out about them for a good week before I actually begin taking them. Having reactions to meds is not fun!

My counselor guy gave me something repeat to myself when I feel an anxiety attack sneak up for no reason (or if Im feeling the pain) "Is there a man pointing a gun to my head? no. Is there a fire? no. Is someone trying to bust down the door? no. Then it must be that crappy anxiety again". Just knowing its anxiety helps. And then when its IIH related, I calm down, and think about what scares me the most...and know that I am going to be okay in the end. No matter how far away it may be.