Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. One of the core symptoms of PTSD is anxiety, which can manifest in different ways, including nightmares, flashbacks, and persistent feelings of hyperarousal or vigilance. My first dealings with PTSD was when I had to put my cat named Grant down. He was dying from something but the vet didn’t understand it completely. Because he was in so much pain, she advised us to put him down. When he got the sedative, he fought tooth and nail.
Before receiving the second sedative, he looked at me square in the eyes like he knew what was going to happen and he was begging for his life. He was only four years old and they were four memorable years. Rest in peace “little one.”

PTSD-related anxiety is believed to result from specific changes in the brain function and physiology that occur in response to trauma. Traumatic experiences can alter the way the brain processes and responds to stressful stimuli. This can cause a variety of physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety, including nervousness, restlessness, irritability, and insomnia. Speaking of insomnia, I’m writing this and it’s four in the morning. Although, right now, my anxiety is very low (for once).

Anxiety Overthinking

Almost all anxiety manifests from overthinking situations. Humans worry about everything, whether it is sequential or not. We analyze, hypothesize, and reanalyze because we have to be correct. Do you ever wonder who was the very first person was, to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, and how out of control our minds have become. We are going to become obsolete because AI will take over. Is that overthinking…or not. Should we be worried?

I keep reliving that day in the vet’s office. I’ve done the what if’s and blaming myself for putting Grant to sleep. What if I could have saved him? Maybe the problem would have gone away! We had to give him squirts of morphine because he was in so much pain. I still see his eyes pleading for me to not put him to sleep every time I close my eyes. In that instant, PTSD had it’s grip on me.

Symptoms From Anxiety

Here are three symptoms from anxiety:

 Trembling Anxiety

I get the trembling from anxiety, but part of that is from Parkinson’s Disease. I twitch all over the place. All in all, that’s why I have trouble falling asleep at night. In some cases, this response can also cause involuntary muscular contractions, leading to trembling or shaking in different parts of the body. Trembling and shaking may also be the result of muscle tension and hyperventilation, which are common symptoms of anxiety. In some cases, trembling may be a mild nuisance, while in others it can interfere with daily activities and overall quality of life.

   Anxiety And Loss Of Appetite

Consequently, I’m dealing with loss of appetite in the present. I’m not particularly really anxious, in any case, I just don’t feel like eating. My stomach doesn’t tell me when it’s hungry, either. The exact reasons why anxiety can cause a loss of appetite are not completely understood, but it is believed to be related to changes in the neurotransmitters and hormones that regulate appetite and stress. Anxiety can also lead to physical symptoms like nausea, which can further contribute to a loss of appetite.

In addition to physical symptoms, anxiety can also affect psychological factors such as stress levels and mood, which can also influence appetite. When individuals are experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety, their bodies may produce cortisol, which is a hormone that can suppress appetite.

 Neck Tension Anxiety

Anxiety can also contribute to muscle tension by causing the body to release stress hormones like cortisol, which can lead to increased muscle tension and stiffness. Additionally, anxiety may lead to poor posture or heightened muscle tension due to the individual’s efforts to protect themselves, which can further exacerbate neck tension. My neck on the left side is always tense and sore. I probably carry a lot of the tension there.

To relieve neck tension related to anxiety, individuals may find it helpful to engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Regular exercise, stretching, and massage therapy can also provide relief from muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. I was advised to start exercising again, but when you feel like you can’t breath after about five minutes, you feel like you’re going to die (might as well be having a panic attack).

Fear Of Going Out

I absolutely have fear of going out…even if it’s just to the backyard. I feel like my four-walled bedroom is my “safe place.” Anything outside of that is forbidden territory. No holds bar when I cross that threshold. I don’t like to drive anymore because of the anxiety. Regardless, I’m not worried about what I might do, noooo. I’m worried about what the other driver’s are doing. Plus, the anxiety amps up when I have to go to social places and have to talk to people. As far as I’m concerned, I’ll just stay in my room and write posts about anxiety at four in the morning.

Extreme Anxiety Disorder (low-functioning anxiety)

Some common types of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of anxiety disorders can vary depending on the individual and the specific diagnosis, but may include excessive worrying, restlessness, irritability, trouble sleeping, avoiding certain situations, physical symptoms like trembling or sweating, and difficulty concentrating.

Extreme anxiety disorder (or low functioning anxiety), is debilitating to an individual. You feel like every decision is based on when anxiety will enter into the picture. Not if or how, but when! Sometimes it shows up right away. In due time, it might show up a little bit after the first initial advance forward. Then, extreme anxiety sends you ten steps backwards when it does show up.

Reduce Anxiety Naturally

There are several ways to reduce anxiety naturally, including:

Exercise: Regular exercise can help boost mood and reduce anxiety by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural mood-boosting chemicals.

Mindfulness practices: Mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help reduce anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.

Get enough sleep: Sleep is essential for mental and physical health, and getting enough sleep can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet rich in whole foods, fruits, and vegetables can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which has been linked to lowered anxiety levels.

Limit caffeine and alcohol intake: Caffeine and alcohol can worsen anxiety symptoms, so it’s best to consume these drinks in moderation, or avoid them altogether.

Spend time outdoors: Spending time in nature can help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing tension in the body.

Journaling: Writing down thoughts and emotions can help reduce anxiety by promoting self-awareness and helping individuals identify triggers for their anxiety.

Conclusion

So, we’re at the conclusion about PTSD and anxiety. I had another PTSD/anxiety experience with the last of the three cats that I had. This is a difficult one because I’m questioning whether I made the right decision. He had seen the other two cats get carried out in the carrier and never come back. He made some kind of whining sound when both of them were gone. I think he knew where I was taking him. He only meowed twice on the way there. When he got the sedative, he screamed so loud, it sounded like a person. Needless to say, when I have to put another cat down, I’m just going to say my goodbyes and tell them I love them. In other words, I’m going to leave before they give him the final med. I can’t take seeing another cat react to the sedative the way they did. Don’t get me wrong, I love cats as pets, but I can’t go through watching another one suffer. Thank you for your interest! Until next time…

Articles

-What Connects Depression, Anxiety And PTSD?

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326903

-PTSD And Anxiety

https://www.brightquest.com/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/ptsd-and-anxiety/

-The Difference Between Panic Disorder And PTSD

https://www.verywellmind.com/panic-disorder-and-ptsd-2584231

Have a Good One,

Cindee Murphy, One Voice – Unstoppable

“You’re not alone!”