Hey Reddit, I’ve been going through a really intense mental health journey, and it seems like bipolar anxiety might be at the root of it all. I want to share my experience here to see if anyone has dealt with something similar or has advice to offer. The Start of My Struggles For years, I’ve been battling anxiety, panic attacks, and random physical symptoms like dizziness, chest tightness, and an overwhelming sense of dread. It all started as anxiety, but recently, doctors have mentioned the possibility of bipolar disorder being a factor. Looking back, I can see how my moods have fluctuated between feeling super anxious with moments of unexplained energy or agitation. Anxiety & Panic: The Daily Battle Every day, I deal with a long list of symptoms that are physically exhausting: * Dizziness, lightheadedness * Palpitations and a racing heart * Tension headaches, feeling like my brain isn’t getting enough oxygen * Shortness of breath, especially during a panic attack * Brain fog and difficulty concentrating * Fatigue, but with moments of high energy and sleeplessness * Constant worry, intrusive thoughts, and fear that I’m developing schizophrenia * Racing thoughts and hyper-focus on my body’s sensations, which only make my anxiety worse. On top of that, I’ve been in and out of the hospital numerous times, but all the tests come back normal. It’s incredibly frustrating because I feel like my body is malfunctioning, but nothing is medically “wrong.” The Bipolar Question Recently, my psychiatrist mentioned that my anxiety might be tied to bipolar disorder. It clicked when I thought about my mood swings—one moment, I’m super anxious and overwhelmed, and the next, I’m restless, can’t sleep, and my mind races. It’s like there’s no middle ground. Either I’m sinking into panic or I’m buzzing with energy that I can’t control but with anxiety. Has anyone experienced bipolar anxiety like this? How did you manage it? The physical and emotional swings are brutal, and I’m constantly on edge. Meds: A Rollercoaster I’ve been on several medications (SSRIs, SNRIs, benzos, etc.), but nothing has worked long-term: * Lexapro, Zoloft, Paxil – All of them either made me worse or triggered panic attacks. * Seroquel has helped me sleep, but my anxiety and physical symptoms remain throughout the day. * Benzos like Valium and Clonazepam give temporary relief, but they’re not a sustainable solution. Its like a blanket rather than a fix. I’ve tried so many combinations, but I feel like my brain isn’t responding to traditional anxiety treatments, which makes me wonder if the bipolar element is what’s complicating things. Where I’m at Now Right now, my biggest challenges are: * Constant fear of losing control or losing my mind. * Crowded places make my symptoms worse—I get shaky, dizzy, and my heart races. * My internal monologue never shuts off; it’s like my brain is in overdrive 24/7. * When my symptoms are at their worst, no amount of logic helps—my body is so overwhelmed that I can’t think straight and feel like im psychotic. Has anyone with bipolar anxiety experienced these physical symptoms? How do you manage the highs and lows? I feel like I’m trapped in a cycle of anxiety and panic with no way out. Anxiety treatment doesnt work on me not even benzos help me. Final Thoughts I’d love to hear from anyone who’s gone through something similar. Whether it’s meds that worked for you, coping strategies, or just sharing your experience with bipolar anxiety, I’m all ears. I’m trying to make sense of this rollercoaster and find some peace in the chaos. Thanks for reading. TL;DR: Dealing with anxiety, panic attacks, and physical symptoms for years, recently told I might have bipolar anxiety. Meds haven’t helped much. Looking for advice, support, or shared experiences on managing bipolar-related anxiety.