What Are These Symptoms Of?

Q: Since I was 11 I can remember getting some of the symptoms below. Over the years the number has increased and now I'm 29, I am realising these are not just 'me' but may be due to some other underlying physiological or psychological condition. The trigger for taking this active interest in my health was gradual darkening/reddening of my under-eye area of the past 5 years, which has now got to the stage where people are commenting on how ill/tired I look. This has left me no choice but to look into it.

A:You have some common, non-serious physical conditions as well as anxiety and/or depression. I'd see a psychiatrist and get a diagnosis and see what treatment he suggests. Are you on any meds? Certain medications can cause orthostatic hypotension...... which is a sudden drop in blood pressure caused by a sudden change in position.....usually standing after sitting or laying down. If you`ve been sitting and want to stand, do it slowly. If you`ve been laying down and want to stand, sit up first, then stand slowly. Also being dehydrated can cause light-headedness, drink plenty of fluids everyday. Hmm.........I think you are very hypervigilint about your body and mind. You are looking for anything that points to something being wrong. Please don`t get me wrong, I understand this very well. This is quite common in people with anxiety disorders. Chronic overbreathing also known as hyperventilation. At the below link are some deep breathing and relaxation exercises, they can really help lower your anxiety. http://panicdisorder.about.com/cs/shbreathing/ Some people when depressed can either over eat or they lose their appetite. Being sedentary doesn`t help either. Antidepressants can also cause weight gain. Are you on any? I strongly advise you to seek advice and treatment from a psych doctor. You need to be diagnosed and treated either with meds and/or therapy. Has your anxiety and depression ever been treated? If so, what were the treatments? The answer isn`t running from doctor to doctor having tests after test performed............as you see it hasn`t help you much at all. It can be so hard to believe that anxiety and depression can cause so many problems

but they can. Until you get your depression and anxiety under control, many of the distressing symptoms you are experiencing will remain. Hopefully one of our UK posters will tell you where you can get some help. Take care and good luck!~ Also consider the amount of time you spend outdoors, I have naturally pale skin and don't try to get a suntan in the summer, so I stay pale. Excersise or relaxation outdoors could help if it really bothers you. For your anxiety a referral to a psychiatrist for diagnosis would be a good idea, and cognitive behavioural therapy has been helpful for many people. Do try the breathing excersises, I've found them very helpful myself.