Urgent: Need some advice ASAP!

First off, hello everyone. I’m incredibly grateful this forum exists because it’s a relief to realize I’m not alone in this.
I really need some advice while I wait to see my therapist—my appointment isn't for another month.

Something is clearly wrong with me. I can't pinpoint the cause, but I am suddenly overwhelmed by this intense fear—a physical discomfort that ripples through my entire body for absolutely no reason at all.
This has been happening for about a year now, but I didn't pay much attention to it initially; I just assumed this was simply my "normal."

Then I started reading posts here, and it hit me: this might actually be a mental health issue. That realization has made everything worse because now I'm convinced I'm sick, and that thought terrifies me. Today was brutal—I barely made it through my shift at work because that sense of dread was constant. I have this terrifying feeling that I'm going to lose my mind and end up institutionalized. I honestly can't put into words how intense this sensation is.

If anyone here understands what this is, please, tell me. What is happening to me, why is this occurring, and am I losing my grip on reality?

And why am I plagued by such dark, intrusive thoughts that I just can't shake?

One more thing: whenever I see someone who is ill or disabled, I almost physically feel their suffering. It’s like I’m instantly experiencing their pain right along with them. I don't even know if I'm making sense... it’s just a total nightmare inside my head.

😳

If you’re sitting there wondering if you’ve finally lost your marbles, let me stop you right there—you are NOT crazy!!!

To me, it sounds a lot like anxiety. You know, that sudden, overwhelming wave of dread that just hits your whole body out of nowhere? It feels totally baseless sometimes, which almost makes it worse.

There’s actually a ton of stuff about this on here. If you take a second to scroll through some of the older threads, I really think you'll see you aren't alone in this. Finding some actual explanations might help take the edge off and make things feel a little more manageable.🙂

Oh, you're absolutely losing it... if you weren't completely out of your mind, I don't think you'd be needing a session with a therapist
Have you ever considered just taking a breather? Maybe skipping work for a day to go light up some weed instead?

placidnomad50 said:Oh, you're absolutely losing it... if you weren't completely out of your mind, I don't think you'd be needing a session with a therapist
Have you ever considered just taking a breather? Maybe skipping work for a day to go light up some weed instead?

😁 My husband and I share a joint every now and then... honestly, I think it's actually starting to affect my hair growth.😢

Amanda Edwards said:😁 My husband and I share a joint every now and then... honestly, I think it's actually starting to affect my hair growth.😢

So, I was just sitting here thinking... have you actually decided on getting a dog yet? Or are you still just in that phase where you're staring at puppy pictures online?🤷

I mean, I guess you're just gonna go around identifying yourself to everyone else, so I suppose that goes for this crowd too.
You're just imagining things, I guess.
That's my take on it, anyway. I guess.
How are you even supposed to know if someone is in pain? Like, whether it’s a person with a disability or just anyone else for that matter—how can you actually tell? I mean, I guess there isn't some magic way to look inside someone's head, right? It feels like such a loaded question, honestly. Maybe it's about the cues they give off, or maybe it's just pure guesswork, but I don't know. It’s complicated.
You’re just making things up. I mean, honestly, you're totally imagining stuff at this point.

Those sound like classic anxiety symptoms. Fortunately, it hasn't escalated into full-blown panic attacks yet, so there is still time to get things under control before any serious consequences arise.

I would strongly suggest you stop using marijuana. These kinds of fears can definitely be triggered by its use. I wouldn't mess around with that.

That deep empathy you feel for others who are suffering is actually quite common among people with anxiety. It often stems from being hypersensitive, compassionate, or overly caring, which might explain why you take everything in life so seriously.
First off, though, we should consider nervous temperament. What is your family history regarding that sort of thing?

Beyond that, I don't think it's been definitively proven whether anxiety is caused by specific past traumas or if it's simply triggered by intense periods of stress—like something happening at your job, for instance. Maybe take a moment to reflect on how your life has been lately. Are you truly happy, or is something weighing on you?

The holidays are right around the corner, so just take a breath and relax. We all deal with enough high-stress situations to drive anyone up the wall, and honestly, it’s hard to just switch it off. But why start worrying about getting sick before the season even kicks off? Instead of spiraling, try focusing on decompressing—get a massage, spend some time outdoors, or hit the gym. Don't let the negativity get the better of you; learn how to flip the script and turn things around in your favor.

Why didn't you ask your doctor for something to help you relax while you wait for that psychiatry appointment?
Actually, you could always grab some natural supplements over the counter to tide you over until then.
It might also be a good idea to take a break from weed for a little while.

Did you experience any significant stress leading up to that feeling?

You aren't crazy... honestly, so many people seeing a therapist or a psychiatrist aren't actually "crazy," they just need a safe space to vent about their feelings and what's going on in their heads. Everything moves so fast these days, you know? Everyone is constantly rushed, nobody really has the bandwidth to sit down and truly listen to someone else... there's just so much stress and depression everywhere now. If you have a close friend you trust, maybe try opening up to her first—just talking it out might help take the edge off until you can see a professional. And hey, try to find something to keep your mind busy so you don't spiral into those thoughts too much... I don't know, maybe pick up a book, start journaling your thoughts, or even sign up for a local class that looks interesting. Hang in there...

Now that you’ve finally put him in his place and defined exactly what he is, it’s honestly a little scary, isn't it? Just ignore him completely...

Amanda Edwards said:😁 My husband and I share a joint every now and then... honestly, I think it's actually starting to affect my hair growth.😢

YES—it really can be the weed.
Especially if you started using before you turned 24.

If there’s anxiety or a predisposition to it in your family, weed can trigger or speed up the onset. Basically, they've found that neural networking—meaning brain development—keeps going until about age 24. The cannabis used by this newer generation contains stuff that affects those connections, which can trigger all sorts of neuroses or psychosis if you already have a leaning toward them.

Studies in the UK showed that 95 percent of young people under 24 hospitalized with psychotic or borderline disorders were regular users. Once they stop, the symptoms usually start to fade. I guess weed itself isn't always the main danger, but it's risky when you start early.

Besides triggering issues in people with a family history of mental illness, it causes neuroses and can also bring old traumas or fears to the surface.

If you suspect it's the weed, maybe just listen to your gut and stop using it.

Otherwise, you aren't crazy. Crazy people don't realize they're crazy. It's probably just an anxiety disorder that you can fix pretty quickly. But maybe start by quitting the weed.

She said she smokes a little bit here and there, not ten times a day... so this whole idea about weed being the cause of the side effects is 👎 👎

rustyangler02 said:She said she smokes a little bit here and there, not ten times a day... so this whole idea about weed being the cause of the side effects is 👎 👎

but she did say she doubts it's from that.

Amanda Edwards said:😁 My husband and I share a joint every now and then... honestly, I think it's actually starting to affect my hair growth.😢

I think that might be what's happening, because I smoked once a long time ago and ended up feeling like I was stuck in a dream for three years straight, dealing with constant panic attacks and this overwhelming sense of dread. It doesn't happen to everyone, but for some people, it seems like it triggers a chemical reaction in the brain that lingers, and honestly, you just have to be careful with it.🤷

driftingwolf45 said:YES—it really can be the weed.
Especially if you started using before you turned 24.

If there’s anxiety or a predisposition to it in your family, weed can trigger or speed up the onset. Basically, they've found that neural networking—meaning brain development—keeps going until about age 24. The cannabis used by this newer generation contains stuff that affects those connections, which can trigger all sorts of neuroses or psychosis if you already have a leaning toward them.

Studies in the UK showed that 95 percent of young people under 24 hospitalized with psychotic or borderline disorders were regular users. Once they stop, the symptoms usually start to fade. I guess weed itself isn't always the main danger, but it's risky when you start early.

Besides triggering issues in people with a family history of mental illness, it causes neuroses and can also bring old traumas or fears to the surface.

If you suspect it's the weed, maybe just listen to your gut and stop using it.

Otherwise, you aren't crazy. Crazy people don't realize they're crazy. It's probably just an anxiety disorder that you can fix pretty quickly. But maybe start by quitting the weed.

See? That is exactly what I was trying to get at.😁

Just checking in here. I’ve been reading up on anxiety, and honestly, I recognize way too many of these symptoms in my own life.
It’s a nightmare!!!!! As far as marijuana goes, I think that’s actually one of the triggers—it explains why this is happening. On top of that, I’ve always been a highly emotional and volatile person. Check your PMs!

I’ve officially decided to quit weed for good. I’m 25, and about two years ago, my entire world was flipped upside down when I moved away from 622 miles my hometown in Chicago🙂 and got married. Life is objectively good, but I just can't handle being "on my own" like this. My old friends aren't here, and I don't have anyone besides my husband. The loneliness is absolutely crushing me... frankly, everything feels pointless right now and I can't see a way forward. I’m stuck in a loop of negative thoughts; I’m terrified of the future and constantly spiraling over whether I’ll ever be a good mother. I find myself questioning if I’m even sane. I’m perpetually irritable, my libido has completely vanished, and my brain runs at a hundred miles an hour—these intrusive thoughts are killing me. I constantly catch myself having full-blown imaginary conversations in my head... it gets so intense that I end up with a literal headache!!! It's madness.

I literally have to pinch myself and shout "STOP" just to snap back to reality!!! The fact that I can't control it makes everything feel even worse. Last night, I just broke down in front of my husband and told him everything. He keeps trying to reassure me that I'm normal and that nothing is wrong, promising he'll just hold me more.🙂

I don't feel anything anymore—nothing at all. I've lost my ability to feel joy, and it's devastating. I've even started worrying that I don't love my husband anymore... it's like I don't care about anyone.

Anyway... that was a bit of a vent. Sorry if I'm being a burden... I just don't have anyone else to talk to about this. My husband is great, but he can't get inside my head to truly understand what I'm going through.

...I want children, but the mere thought of that level of responsibility paralyzes me!! Even though I love kids so much.

Am I just afraid of independence and responsibility? Am I just spoiled?

I am constantly battling this sense of dread and dissatisfaction. I find myself picking fights with my husband constantly because he didn't do something exactly the way I envisioned it in my head.

😕

Amanda Edwards said:Just checking in here. I’ve been reading up on anxiety, and honestly, I recognize way too many of these symptoms in my own life.
It’s a nightmare!!!!! As far as marijuana goes, I think that’s actually one of the triggers—it explains why this is happening. On top of that, I’ve always been a highly emotional and volatile person. Check your PMs!

I’ve officially decided to quit weed for good. I’m 25, and about two years ago, my entire world was flipped upside down when I moved away from 622 miles my hometown in Chicago🙂 and got married. Life is objectively good, but I just can't handle being "on my own" like this. My old friends aren't here, and I don't have anyone besides my husband. The loneliness is absolutely crushing me... frankly, everything feels pointless right now and I can't see a way forward. I’m stuck in a loop of negative thoughts; I’m terrified of the future and constantly spiraling over whether I’ll ever be a good mother. I find myself questioning if I’m even sane. I’m perpetually irritable, my libido has completely vanished, and my brain runs at a hundred miles an hour—these intrusive thoughts are killing me. I constantly catch myself having full-blown imaginary conversations in my head... it gets so intense that I end up with a literal headache!!! It's madness.

I literally have to pinch myself and shout "STOP" just to snap back to reality!!! The fact that I can't control it makes everything feel even worse. Last night, I just broke down in front of my husband and told him everything. He keeps trying to reassure me that I'm normal and that nothing is wrong, promising he'll just hold me more.🙂

I don't feel anything anymore—nothing at all. I've lost my ability to feel joy, and it's devastating. I've even started worrying that I don't love my husband anymore... it's like I don't care about anyone.

Anyway... that was a bit of a vent. Sorry if I'm being a burden... I just don't have anyone else to talk to about this. My husband is great, but he can't get inside my head to truly understand what I'm going through.

...I want children, but the mere thought of that level of responsibility paralyzes me!! Even though I love kids so much.

Am I just afraid of independence and responsibility? Am I just spoiled?

I am constantly battling this sense of dread and dissatisfaction. I find myself picking fights with my husband constantly because he didn't do something exactly the way I envisioned it in my head.

😕

Honey, it isn't really clear what you do there 622 miles in your neck of the woods near Washington, D.C.?

If you’re 622 miles living in the Washington, D.C. area, just you and your husband with no friends, no kids, no hobbies, and no responsibilities at 25—which should be the prime years for both men and women—of course you're going to struggle with anxiety and mental health.

You don't need medication or a doctor.
What you need is a life.
You need responsibility, productivity, and to care for people other than just yourself.

Keep this in mind and you'll never deal with mental health struggles:
Selfless people who serve others and work hard with a positive attitude NEVER have mental health issues because they simply don't have enough time to dwell on themselves.

Enroll in college
Have a baby
Get a job
Go to yoga
Start painting
Learn an instrument
Volunteer to help those in need

Just do anything besides being unproductive and self-centered, because that path is a guaranteed ticket to mental health problems.

Kudos to you, I definitely picked up a thing or two myself. I’ll swing back by later to see what everyone’s saying about topic A. 😁 Once the smoke clears, there’s no room for regrets. 😉