Daily Anxiety Attacks

BrittaniMyChelle
BrittaniMyChelle Posts: 45 Member
edited November 14 in Motivation and Support
I've been having terrible anxiety attacks since the first of the year. I decided to go vegan and cut out sugar, alcohol, and cut back on bread. Could this be a symptom of withdrawal? Before I was eating candy and drinking daily. I'm ashamed to say, but I was drinking almost a bottle of liquor or wine almost everyday for 4 months. Plus eating junk food to deal with stress. I've been having chest and back pains and headaches for the last 3 days.

Replies

  • leanjogreen18
    leanjogreen18 Posts: 2,492 Member
    I went vegan cold turkey years ago and it wan't a symptom for me.

    BUT it could be a symptom of alcohol withdrawal. Maybe google a taper plan.

    I don't have any experience in this so hopefully someone can help with that, but I'm pretty sure its the alcohol.
  • IHeartAngel
    IHeartAngel Posts: 2 Member
    Hi beautiful,

    First let me tell you that you're not alone. I've been struggling with anxiety and hyperventilation for years and the only thing I can tell you is to relax, take a few mins to just lay down on your bed and take deep breaths.

    I've stopped drinking soda and try to only drink water and/or juice. I get stressed out easily as well, but you shouldn't rely on fast food. I don't know what your daily routine looks like but try waking up early to prepare your meals for the day, you can also do that at night time before bed.

    You're stressing out and worried about this and that's where your headache comes from, as for back pains... Do you work out at all? I would also cut out the drinking part. It's for your own good.

    Hope you feel better soon.
  • NewGemini130
    NewGemini130 Posts: 219 Member
    Yes I'd second (or third?) the likelihood it's alcohol withdrawal rather than going vegan. Hang in there, the worst may be over. Drink extra water, herbal teas, etc, and probably some extra sleep as well. Great first steps for you!!
  • NewGemini130
    NewGemini130 Posts: 219 Member
    Oh yeah and if it were me I'd add in some steady ibuprofen for a few days.
  • noobletmcnugget
    noobletmcnugget Posts: 518 Member
    I reckon a big part of it is probably alcohol withdrawal.

    I know that the day after drinking a lot I feel horrendously anxious the whole day. So I imagine that if you're used to drinking quite a lot regularly your body is still adjusting to not having any.
  • ieroen
    ieroen Posts: 77 Member
    Very often you don't have to look too far for the causes to things like these. If there's an above average level of alcohol involved, the chances are that it's at least partly caused by that. People don't realize what an enormously powerful and dangerous drug alcohol is. It's an attack on your nervous system. So my guess would be that the alcohol has weakened your nervous system, as you were trying to calm it down to relieve pressure from stress. But the stress is probably the main culprit, as it could have pushed you into the red danger zone for too long. I have seen this happen before to some people I know. They're successful and hardworking, suddenly they crash and burn.
  • tmbg1
    tmbg1 Posts: 1,435 Member
    I've had terrible panic attacks for the past few days since I decided to give up alcohol for January. I hope it's just withdrawal. They seemed to be a bit better today and it's day 4 with no alcohol for me.
  • julz1177
    julz1177 Posts: 25 Member
    I have panic attacks due to stress and OCD. I don't do well with prescription meds but I found B12 and L-theanine supplements have helped so much. Do your own research on the supplements, they may help. Both can be bought at most stores that sell vitamins.
  • Therealobi1
    Therealobi1 Posts: 3,262 Member
    lexhillman5 wrote: »
    It sounds to me like your diet might not be your problem. Anxiety attacks are no joke, and they will consume your life. You may have had an existing anxiety problem which pushed you to use alcohol and food as an outlet. I recommend talking to a therapist or a doctor. Nobody else can assist you properly. If you already had the anxiety and the alcohol and sweets suppressed it, you're just facing the problems you've been coping with by bad habits. You're not alone and I hope you get some things figured out!

    Agree with this
    Op definitely speak to someone
    I wish you well
  • matthelmet
    matthelmet Posts: 32 Member
    edited January 2017
    I'm not a doctor, but seems that you're reducing your accustomed supply of dopamine and tryptophan in quitting alcohol and meats. Maybe try getting other sources naturally? And then get a psychiatric evaluation to take it further on brain chemistry. Also look at yoga and meditation.
  • crackpotbaby
    crackpotbaby Posts: 1,297 Member
    Stopping heavy alcohol suddenly can be life threatening. Chest pain also needs to be medically assessed.

    Anxiety is a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal. Please see a doctor (preferably in the ER to exclude cardiac cause of chest pain) and determine if you need a supervised detox of at the very least some diazapam and thiamine to reduce the risk of delerium tremens.

    Don't be embarrassed about asking for help with this. Alcohol withdraw is VERY common and chest pain should never be ignored.
  • elliej
    elliej Posts: 466 Member
    You're putting a lot of pressure on your body by a drastic diet change as well as cutting out alcohol. Be kind to yourself and remember you are doing some great work taking positive steps for your health.

    Definitely pop in to see your GP about coping mechanisms for alcohol withdrawal and anxiety.
  • tmbg1
    tmbg1 Posts: 1,435 Member
    I made it to the week and a half mark alcohol free and the panic attacks have subsided... How are you doing?
  • unsuspectingfish
    unsuspectingfish Posts: 1,176 Member
    It's, as other people have stated, likely alcohol withdrawal, which I would DEFINITELY go see a doctor about, as they can be dangerous, even deadly if you've been drinking for long enough (though that's more for life-long alcoholics).
  • Healthydiner65
    Healthydiner65 Posts: 1,552 Member
    BrittaniMyChelle wrote: »
    I've been having terrible anxiety attacks since the first of the year. I decided to go vegan and cut out sugar, alcohol, and cut back on bread. Could this be a symptom of withdrawal? Before I was eating candy and drinking daily. I'm ashamed to say, but I was drinking almost a bottle of liquor or wine almost everyday for 4 months. Plus eating junk food to deal with stress. I've been having chest and back pains and headaches for the last 3 days.

    I was told I was having panic attacks. Turned out it was a blood clot in my heart. Make sure you get a solid diagnosis! Good luck!
This discussion has been closed.

Categories