topic Panicked beyond exhaustion by health anxiety in Anxiety

Panicked beyond exhaustion by health anxiety

azarrah — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 15:10:00 GMT

Hey all, so I know health anxiety is a common trend here. I suffer from it also, so I always try to offer my support to other people who are going through the same thing. But now, I could really use some reassurance of my own...

Basically, a few days ago, I found this mole underneath my chin. It's new, it's large, it's dark, it's different, and it's slightly irregular. You can see the problem immediately, I'm sure. I think it came from a pimple, but whatever it used to be, it's a dodgy-looking mole now. I did what you shouldn't do: I turned to Dr. Google for help, which naturally told me I had melanoma and should go to a doctor right away because melanoma can kill you within 6 weeks. Joy.

Normally, I ignore that stuff. The problem is, this thing actually does look rather like a melanoma, and it is new, and it has come in very quickly. It fulfils most of the "warning signs". It would honestly be stupid not to get the thing checked. By a complete coincidence, I have a surgeon's appointment to get another mole removed - for purely cosmetic reasons - in two weeks. I don't think I can wait that long. Is it even wise to wait that long? I'm going to explode with dread!

I was kind of okay with it until tonight, when an article I was reading said two terrifying things: if the (potential) melanoma is raised already, and if little black dots can be seen in it, you're in trouble. Well, my mole friend has both of those things. This cold panic just washed over me. To reiterate, I know it's unlikely. But it's not impossible. That's the problem.

I just can't stand the thought that this mole might, possibly, be growing and doing evil things while I live a normal life. I can't stomach it. I want to throw up, I'm so scared.

I guess this is partly health anxiety, and partly legitimate fear. I know the likelihood of my mole being a melanoma is very slim, but the possibility is there, and it does fulfil the criteria.

How do you guys deal with such panic, in the meantime? Meditation doesn't work for me, unfortunately.

Panicked beyond exhaustion by health anxiety

SubduedBlues — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 00:12:10 GMT

Hi Azarrah

You really do need to be careful about what Dr Google says, because if you are feeling fatigued, nauseous, headaches, constipated and/or you have a craving for particular food, then you're pregnant (and that diagnosis doesn't consider whether you are male or female)

At the very least, a quick visit to the local medical centre will alleviate your fears of Dr Google's (mis)diagnosis.

I deal with it by accepting that there is absolutely nothing that I can do that will change the outcome. I just have to wait until the expert can evaluate and advise. Sure, the waiting can be hard, but re-read that last sentence. I have to accept there is absolutely nothing that I can do to change the outcome. Only in the acceptance can I find peace.

Best wishes, go see the doc, and let us know how you get on.

Panicked beyond exhaustion by health anxiety

Iamacatlady — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 08:11:36 GMT

It's too late to say this but never ever google your symptoms! It can be so hard, though, when you're scared and looking for reassurance.

You should get to the GP as soon as you can if only so they can reassure you, if there's a bulk bill place near you then you can probably even go tomorrow. Don't wait because it is just going to weigh on your mind until then. More likely than not they are going to tell you everything is fine. Moles can be scary and it is hard for a layperson to diagnose themselves or tell a normal mole from a bad one.

As for relaxation techniques in general... Sigh.... I don't really know... That's why I'm here too.

Distraction has been the best thing for me, so that you aren't thinking about it 24/7. Do something you enjoy, go for a walk around the block, even having a shower and getting dressed might ease your mind for a little while. Its about trying to get in even 10 minutes where you aren't obsessing about it that you can build on.

Reading stories from other people with similar worries can be helpful too as they put things in perspective and make you feel less alone.

Basically, distraction is going to be your best bet, in my opinion.

In the long term, are you seeking psychological help for your anxiety? When you're at the GP they can put together a Mental Health Care plan if you don't already have one and get you started on the road to feeling better.

The likelihood that you have melanoma is so small, get to the GP, get confirmation that you're fine, distract yourself with a walk and get psychological help.

Im sending you love and caring. You are not alone. Let us know how you go.

Panicked beyond exhaustion by health anxiety

bluewater — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 13:20:44 GMT

hello azarra,

Dr google we all know its not great but just cant help it sometimes.

The one thing that only sometimes helps me is knowing and telling myself I cant change the outcome regardless. take care

Panicked beyond exhaustion by health anxiety

azarrah — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 07:03:33 GMT

Thanks all for your support and suggestions. I really appreciate it.

Interestingly, that mole really must have been weird, because it fell off the day after I posted this and just left a red mark beneath. I feel very relieved about it. Will still show the spot to the GP next week, because I don't know what could have caused that to happen, but it's obviously nothing very serious.

I started receiving help (as in, I went a GP, mentioned all my physical symptoms, couldn't even mention the scary words Mental Health, and she saw right through me...) - but I never ended up with a referral to a psychologist, just some online suggestions and general lifestyle advice (which I have done my best to follow). I wasn't interested in a referral at the time. I'm also an interstate student and about to go home for the long holidays, so there's no point doing it now. When I come back, I will probably go back and ask for one, though.

Many thanks again!

Panicked beyond exhaustion by health anxiety

Iamacatlady — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 11:40:00 GMT

Thanks for keeping us updated and I am so glad to hear you are okay! 🙂

Panicked beyond exhaustion by health anxiety

azarrah — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 08:52:04 GMT

Thank you! I'm having another mole removed very soon, and during the initial consultation, I asked him to check out the slightly dodgy one. He said it was no problem at all, which was relieving 🙂

As a more general update, I'm actually feeling quite a bit better overall. After a myriad of blood tests my GP determined I was low in iron, vitamin D, and low TSH (thyroid). I'm now taking iron and vitamin D tablets and within two weeks, the results have been moderate, but identifiable. My anxiety and depression have noticeably reduced, which is great. It's an incredible reflection on the close connection between body and mind! I'm hoping that as my vitamin and iron levels slowly come back to normal, my symptoms (both physical and mental) will reduce even further.

Of course, the side effects of the iron tablets have also been noticeable...but that's okay. There's no perfect solution haha

Panicked beyond exhaustion by health anxiety

bluewater — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 00:29:54 GMT

Hi Azarrahs,

interesting my gp wants me to have a blood test to check my iron levels and thyroid function and I keep putting it off.

Panicked beyond exhaustion by health anxiety

cakeboss — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 20:59:39 GMT

are there any symptoms when low in iron and vitamin d and thyroid.I see dr today to might mention it .I have had a very bad uti infection and on strong antibotics.Does anyone else somtimes panic that it can be somthing worse when suffering from anxiety.

Panicked beyond exhaustion by health anxiety

Makka79 — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 21:20:08 GMT

Yeah panic attacks always cripple me and I feel like something is wrong with me.. im actually going trough a panic attack now

Panicked beyond exhaustion by health anxiety

azarrah — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 09:26:57 GMT

Hi bluewater, I'd really recommend getting the blood test done. It's very easy, completely free, and it will give you some answers. If it comes back as having no issues, that's great and you can forget about it. If there is a problem, both iron and thyroid function can be very easily treated, and it's best for your health to work it out. It will honestly make you feel so much better. I've had to stop taking my iron and VitD for 10 days, only a few weeks after I started, because of a minor surgery. It only took a few days for my (I suspect iron) levels to sink again and I am feeling sooooo tired and confused right now. It's amazing, how much better you can feel when you have the nutrients you need!

cakeboss, there are so many different symptoms and each person is unique. Iron deficiency often causes tiredness, dizziness, headaches, and depression. Vitamin D deficiency can cause confusion and lethargy. Thyroid problems have an enormous range of symptoms, because the thyroid controls the metabolism. Too little thyroid hormone creates a very slow metabolism, which can lead to weight gain, depression, tiredness, lethargy, and a whole host of other symptoms. Too much thyroid hormone can make you highly strung, anxious, intolerant to heat, have a racing heart, etc. However, I can't stress enough that thyroid problems have a colossal range of symptoms, which are often vague and difficult to identify. If you're concerned, do a little more research and speak with your GP, who'll be able to evaluate your circumstances and decided where to go from there.

Finally, Makka79, I'm really sorry about the panic attacks and I hope they calm down soon. Stay strong ❤️

Panicked beyond exhaustion by health anxiety

cakeboss — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 20:54:22 GMT

Hi i know how you feel with the anxiety.I recently had my medication put up for some anxiety panick attacks im going through.I wake up nausated and think oh no not another day of this.Dr said yesterday got to give it more time and that it can make you feel stressed and high anxiety panick.I was at work and well feeling crap on the inside .Then for no reason had a massive panick attack .I managed to somehow get past it till i finished work.I was was thinking oh what if i got a over active tyroid id heard that can be simlar anxiey panick .I was thinking of what if its diabetes or what if i end up in hospital.I was that bad felt like throwing up in drs clinic from anixey panick.Dr told me blood pressure fine and pulse said try to think okay blood pressure normal and pulse im having a panick attack which he said i was having.I do hope my medication will settle down soon due to go back to drs tomorrow to discuss my medication .Does anyone else ever have days like i had yesterday when you can settle cant eat nausa driving me crazy .How do others cope with days like this

Panicked beyond exhaustion by health anxiety

Jessika — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 13:56:28 GMT

Hi everybody. I also suffer from health anxiety. I started with general anxiety at 8 years old. Over the years it turned into health anxiety. And have been battling it ever since. So i can totally relate to everything posted here.

The big interuption in my life is the constant battle with getting to sleep. Because once i do i just want to sleep all day. But the alarm goes off at 6am and im up for work.

My anxiety gets better and worse in waves. Just when i feel its better its back