[31M] Experiencing heightened anxiety with strong heartbeat sensations

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, it seems like you might be experiencing:

• Anxiety Disorder: This is a mental health disorder characterized by feelings of worry, anxiety, or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one's daily activities. Symptoms include stress that's out of proportion to the impact of the event, inability to set aside a worry, and restlessness.

  • Treatment often consists of a combination of psychotherapy (counseling), medications, and self-care strategies.

• Alcohol Withdrawal: If you've been drinking heavily for weeks, months, or years and then stop or significantly reduce your alcohol consumption, you may experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These can include anxiety, shaky hands, and a rapid heartbeat.

  • Treatment can involve medications to manage the physical symptoms and support groups or counseling to help with cravings for alcohol.

• Panic Disorder: This is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by panic attacks, which are sudden periods of intense fear that may include palpitations, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, numbness, or a feeling that something terrible is going to happen.

  • Treatment often involves psychotherapy and medication.

Please remember, this is not a definitive diagnosis. Only a healthcare provider can provide a formal diagnosis.

What you can do

1. Seek professional help: If you're feeling anxious and it's affecting your daily life, it's important to reach out to a healthcare provider. They can provide a formal diagnosis and discuss treatment options with you.

2. Practice self-care: This can include regular exercise, a healthy diet, enough sleep, and reducing your alcohol intake. These lifestyle changes can help reduce your anxiety symptoms.

3. Try relaxation techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help you relax and manage your anxiety.

4. Join a support group: Connecting with others who are experiencing the same struggles can provide comfort, reduce feelings of isolation, and provide practical tips.

What you should look out for

If your anxiety becomes overwhelming, or if you start to have thoughts of harming yourself or others, seek immediate medical help. Other reasons to seek medical help urgently include severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or fainting. These could be signs of a more serious condition.