Hi Customer (name blocked for privacy),

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss, and few things are more devestating and difficult to cope with than the loss of a child. All of your symptoms: light headedness, dizziness, fatigue, racing heart, and stomach problems are all consistent with anxiety, perhaps related to a possible stress disorder brought on by a recent traumatic event. Stress disorders are within the family of anxiety disorders in psychology, and are also closely linked to depressive disorders. In addition to the usual psychological symptoms like feelings of guilt, worry, impulsive and unwanted thoughts, and feeling restless, there are numerous physical symptoms as well, and may include any or all of the following:

• Lack of energy
• Dizziness/Lightheadedness
• Racing heart
• Sweating
• Muscle tension
• Shaking or trembling
• Headaches
• Gastric complaints (heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, constipation)
• Headaches
• Chest pains
• Sweating or hot flashes
• Dry mouth

Given your history and description, I don't believe that you have any kind of cardiovascular problem that is causing the combination of symptoms you listed. If there's any doubt, an EKG is a very useful tool in screening for possible heart disorders. However, I think you would greatly benefit from a combination of psycho- and pharmacotherapy for your symptoms.

There are many different kinds of psychotropic medications that can help relieve some of the symptoms you're experiencing, as well as any depression you might also have. The newer SSRI and SNRI antidepressants (selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors and seratonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) such as Lexapro, Zoloft, and Cymbalta are very good at alleviating both depression, anxiety, and stress disorders. Another medication to consider is one of the benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin), which are minor tranquilizers/sedatives and help anxiety as well, as can the specific anti-anxiety Buspar. If you feel like you have actual panic attacks, I would recommend taking a beta blocker medication like inderal, which blocks the adrenaline sites of the body. You see, when you have a panic attack, your body releasing the chemical adrenaline, which results in the vomiting, increased heart rate, sweating, shaking, etc. Inderal can help prevent and reduce this sensation. For cases of extreme stress disorders with severe symptoms, it might also be helpful to add an anti-psychotic or mood-stabilizing medications. Some combination of the above would probably be best for you.

Additionally, psychotherapy can be just as, if not more, effective as medication therapy. Adding the both together provides the most effective possible treatment known. In addition to individual and group therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy, which trains you to restructure your maladaptive thoughts in response to your symptoms, is extremely effective. Also, don't underestimate the value and benefit of proper diet and exercise, as it can work wonders for reducing symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety.

I hope this helps, and let me know if you have any further questions! Take care!