This might be a long post sorry in advance - but here we go. 

I’ve never considered myself to have severe anxiety. I mean I considered myself anxious growing up, but it wasn’t often. Back story: Growing up I had severe stomach issues. We found out later that I was lactose intolerant. Severely. Borderline allergic. But before finding out, I was sick often, having outbursts (I was probably 12-13) the shakes and bathroom troubles. I also had a severe fear of vomiting and having a stomach bug. I had a few horrible ones that put me in the hospital, so I think that’s where the fear came from. My mom took me to multiple doctors where they told her I just had anxiety and that maybe something was a little mentally off. My mom knew that wasn’t right and kept trying different doctors until one recommended the lactose test. After that we realized my constant sick feeling/outbursts and shakes were due to having dairy. After cutting out dairy from my life that helped tremendously. But I still would get the shakes and feel sick from time to time, just not as bad. 

Fast forward to now, I’m 27 and STILL get these shakes. My stomach is upset 80% of the time. I don’t consume dairy and if I do it’s very small amounts. I have a horrible fear of stomach virus/vomiting still. If I start not feeling well even the slightest bit I start shaking profusely and almost violently. People have asked me if I’m cold bc I’m shaking so bad. This just seems to go on for a little then fades off and then I’m fine. I’ll get hot flashes and have to spray myself with water or apply lotion to cool myself. I feel like no one does this when they feel sick except for me. It’s like a comfort thing and idk why. I also go through about 3 packs of gum in one day when I’m super anxious. This happened the other day and now I’m suffering with diarrhea and all I’m worried about is that I have a stomach flu. It’s a mess. 


I guess what I’m asking is what do you do for anxiety to help? Has anyone else has these symptoms? I hate the shaking and i almost can’t stop it and have to just let it pass. I don’t really want to see a doctor and I don’t want to be on medication just yet. I also don’t know if I’m really sick or if it’s my anxiety.