Anxiety and Health

[CJJ]

Hi everyone,
Does anyone else feel that their anxiety contributes to their health issues? I have become so anxious (and perhaps paranoid) about covid that I don’t know if my anxiety is causing my body to be symptomatic at times. I’m going for covid test #15 tomorrow and can feel everyone’s eyes roll that I’m going again 😞

I hate that anxiety makes me feel so bad. It feeds my depression and is best friends with my ocd. This roller coaster sucks!

[Petal22]

Hi CJJ,

Wellcome to our forums!

Im sorry that you are feeling this way.

I understand I had severe anxiety OCD this did also play a part in my health and myself worrying about everything that popped up on my body… I’d obsess over my health something so small I’d run to the doctor to be told I was ok but I’d still obsess and worry over it .

It became a repetitive cycle I was going through the vicious cycle of OCD.

I seeked professional help and I’ve now recovered.

It is a roller coaster a very cruel one!

Have you seeked professional help for your OCD?

[CJJ]

Hi Petal22,
Yes I am seeing a psychologist and slowly unpacking a lot of issues. There seems to be so much to try and tackle that is feels like it’s very slow going.

I have a lot of external stressors at the moment which is a definite trigger for my anxiety/ocd.

Thank you for your message, it helps to know that these things can be managed ☺️

[Petal22]

I’m glad you are seeing a psychologist..

I saw a clinical psychologist and a psychiatrist who diagnosed me with OCD this then led me to a clinic that specialised in OCD, this is where I learned to master my OCD.

I was taught many strategies and skills….

It is slow going quite a journey but stick with it..

You can definitely learn to manage this 😊 please never loose hope…

Have you ever tried meditation?

Ive written two threads you may be interested in reading

From someone who suffered OCD and recovered

Effective treatment for OCD Metacognitive Therapy

Please ask me any questions 😊

[Banksy92]

Hi CJJ,

I can relate to this but in a different way...

Because I didnt address my anxiety issues for so long, it ended up triggering complex physical conditions in my body. It started with migraines in my early 20's, then I got IBS, then a complex chronic pain condition. I saw every specialist under the sun and every single journey came back to one route cause: deep stress.

Anxiety has such a huge impact on our bodies, not just our mind and I know from experience it can certainly undermine our health. These experiences forced me to seriously address my anxiety issues, with professional help. It changed my life and I can now manage all of these conditions with ease, sometimes not experiencing them at all. So I definitely see a strong link between mental and physical health.

That being said, I also understand how anxiety can make us worry ourselves into feeling symptoms that may not really be there too! So it's a double edge sword really.

Please don't feel bad for going to get tested, do what you need to to feel safe and sure of your health.

But I think the best thing you can do is try to build things into your life that help you manage your anxiety levels more easily. As Petal22 has mentioned, meditation can be brilliant. Exercise is also helpful.

Everyone is different though - what types of activities relax you the most CJJ?

Let us know how you're getting on.

[CJJ]

I’ve tried meditation on and off over the years but my monkey mind interferes.

I will have a look for your threads.

thank you ☺️

[CJJ]

Hi Banksy92,

Thank you for your message 😊

Stress is definitely one of the main drivers of my mental health issues. I get very frustrated with myself because I know the things that will help me to feel better (exercise, relaxation, eating healthy etc..) but I self sabotage and do none of them. I am fighting a depressive episode at the moment and motivation is lacking. If only I could get out of my own way!!

[Banksy92]

Hi CJJ,

I understand totally, it is so difficult to do the ''healthy habits'' and self care we know we should be doing, when we are drained, depressed and not feeling ourselves. But sometimes small steps each day can make a big difference.

Have you tried practising gratitude? In my saddest, most anxious times I sometimes just lay in bed with a pen and paper and try to make a long list of all the things im grateful for in my life. Some small, some big. It forces me to think more positively and gradually helps build happier pathways in the brain, with regular practice.
Maybe this is a small goal you could try today?

Thinking of you.

[CJJ]

Thank you ☺️
I’ll start now; I am thankful that I have found this forum to chat to people who understand my struggles.

[Banksy92]

Thanks an excellent start CJJ - what a great start. We are grateful to have you here as well, reaching out and being honest about how you feel.