Health anxiety

I’ve suffered with health anxiety for a good few years, it was quite severe and I was diagnosed by a psychiatrist. I went on medication which helped so much, came off it and luckily my HA had seemingly cleared up. It’s back now though, and I’m really struggling. I am obsessively worried about having a certain illness and the worry is overwhelming and very distressing. I am afraid to see my doctor in case she confirms the worst, and even though there are times when my rational mind is telling me it’s anxiety unfortunately the anxiety itself is much more dominant. I wondered if anyone has had HA and if they found CBT any help? Any tips at all would be great.

q85dw7osi4lebg

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I’ve suffered with health anxiety for a good few years, it was quite severe and I was diagnosed by a psychiatrist. I went on medication which helped so much, came off it and luckily my HA had seemingly cleared up. It’s back now though, and I’m really struggling. I am obsessively worried about having a certain illness and the worry is overwhelming and very distressing. I am afraid to see my doctor in case she confirms the worst, and even though there are times when my rational mind is telling me it’s anxiety unfortunately the anxiety itself is much more dominant. I wondered if anyone has had HA and if they found CBT any help? Any tips at all would be great.

Similar boat except I didn't want the medication.

Things that have helped me:

Zero alcohol
Zero aspartame / diet drinks
Minimum 8 hours sleep
Never ever Google your symptoms
Avoid negative news headlines re health
Accept that there's nothing wrong (I actually had a health scare that kicked it off but I'm good now thankfully ).


Exercise goes without saying too.

It's just a manifestation of anxiety so general anxiety approaches should help too.

Hope that helps.

Castiel Huge Satire

Castiel Huge Satire wrote: »

Similar boat except I didn't want the medication.

Things that have helped me:

Zero alcohol
Zero aspartame / diet drinks
Minimum 8 hours sleep
Never ever Google your symptoms
Avoid negative news headlines re health
Accept that there's nothing wrong (I actually had a health scare that kicked it off but I'm good now thankfully ).


Exercise goes without saying too.

It's just a manifestation of anxiety so general anxiety approaches should help too.

Hope that helps.

Thank you for that.

Interesting you’ve mentioned diet drinks, is there a link between aspartame and anxiety?

LegacyUser

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Thank you for that.

Interesting you’ve mentioned diet drinks, is there a link between aspartame and anxiety?

I have a lot of health related anxiety as well and understand how it can escalate to obsessive levels. I haven’t seen a psychiatrist but have had a couple of years of serious panic attacks and serious focus on health worries. I have been better for about a year now and find that eliminating stress has been a huge help. I know this is not always a factor, and it is not always possible to eliminate stress.
I did an online cbt course as part of a study and found it to be hugely helpful. I’d naturally lean towards trying to control my thoughts and internal talk to myself in order to reduce stress and talk myself out of anxiety. I practice gratitude, exercise as much as I can and try to be as healthy as possible. I also love a few drinks and chats with close friends. I have known times recently where I’ve withdrawn from friends and wanted to be alone also.
Regarding your health, if you have genuine concerns ask for referrals to the necessary consultants and tests. You will either pay for them or wait for them. If you need them, don’t shy away from asking for them.
All the very best. X

EltonJohn69

Wheat medication were you given ?

cbt helped me massively with this... not sure I suffered as bad as you seem to yourself, but I would absolutely recommend trying it

EltonJohn69

Cbt is derived from canabis ? Can you even get that in Ireland ?

Gremlinertia

EltonJohn69 wrote: »

Cbt is derived from canabis ? Can you even get that in Ireland ?

CBT is cognitive behavioural therapy

You are perhaps thinking of CBD oil? That is legal here once it contains only trace THC which is the drug that provides the 'stoned' effect..

CBT = cognitive behavioural therapy.

It definitely helped me to internalize the feeling that nothing was really wrong with me - i wasnt having a heart attack or a stroke or whatever, it was simply anxiety. It helps you to accept and embrace your anxiety without trying to flee it physically or psychologically. Once you manage to acknowledge your panic for what it is and let it come and go without you trying to run away from it, it dissipates.

EltonJohn69

Embracing anxiety seems counterintuitive... I normally just play the waiting game

q85dw7osi4lebg

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Thank you for that.

Interesting you’ve mentioned diet drinks, is there a link between aspartame and anxiety?

Maybe not for everybody but it definitely affects me, caffeine can be a trigger too.

Was going to go down the CBT route but I can't believe the cost of it !

EltonJohn69

How does one embrace anxiety ?

EltonJohn69

EltonJohn69 wrote: »

How does one embrace anxiety ?

Ideally when you have a panic attack, as difficult as it is, you try to accept it for what it is and let it run its course. You remind yourself that it is a panic attack and will pass eventually. You try not to flee or engage in safety seeking behaviour.

You think to yourself "**** you panic attack, do your worst" and keep going about your business. I found that once I was able to do this, the intensity of each subsequent attack reduced.

EltonJohn69

EltonJohn69 wrote: »

Wheat medication were you given ?

Hia, I was prescribed the anti depressant Lexapro and it made a massive difference for me. Not everyone wants to go down the medication route but mine was severe enough that I needed it at the time.

mistersifter

mistersifter wrote: »

CBT = cognitive behavioural therapy.

It definitely helped me to internalize the feeling that nothing was really wrong with me - i wasnt having a heart attack or a stroke or whatever, it was simply anxiety. It helps you to accept and embrace your anxiety without trying to flee it physically or psychologically. Once you manage to acknowledge your panic for what it is and let it come and go without you trying to run away from it, it dissipates.

This is great thank you. Right now I’m finding this incredibly difficult to do because my anxiety makes me believe that every scary thought I have is complete fact. I think maybe going for some CBT will help.

Sorry I can’t reply individually but thanks for all the helpful responses on this, nice to know I’m not alone!

Hi all, OP again. I’m struggling massively at the moment so I’m going to go to my GP. I can’t tell if my symptoms are anxiety symptoms or something serious to be concerned about (as I believe in my head) so I wondered if I posted them here if people might be able to tell me if they’ve had similar symptoms so I’d know they are anxiety related?

I know I shouldn’t be looking for reassurance as it perpetuates the cycle but I’m struggling right now and can’t seem to calm myself... thank you

q85dw7osi4lebg

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Hi all, OP again. I’m struggling massively at the moment so I’m going to go to my GP. I can’t tell if my symptoms are anxiety symptoms or something serious to be concerned about (as I believe in my head) so I wondered if I posted them here if people might be able to tell me if they’ve had similar symptoms so I’d know they are anxiety related?

I know I shouldn’t be looking for reassurance as it perpetuates the cycle but I’m struggling right now and can’t seem to calm myself... thank you

Work away on symptoms OP but we can't give medical advice so no harm booking apt with GP or ringing Dr on call either if you feel the need.