Best Way To Rid Oneself of Health Anxiety!

[Gumtree77]

Hi

I have posted before about my health anxiety and the despair it causes me. Recently it all flared up again and I was suffering from ulcer on tongue and horrid dry burning mouth. I made an appointment to see my Doctor today and he was very terse with me. He basically said that I am frustrating and not taking on board the reassurances they have given me in the past.

I was quite put out but on reflection am glad of it. I have written it all down so I can hopefully read what happened and try to cure myself of this vicious circle! I learnt very quickly that my mind is incredibly powerful and has 'created' these symptoms and my catastrophising is not helping. I don't know but I hope this may help others who suffer from HA. Yes it was harsh but I feel he did the best thing.

[Emmen]

I actually agree with you, Gumtree77. Sometimes what we need is a harsh reminder that we're doing this to ourselves - especially since anxiety symptoms do get worse if the symptoms themselves cause more anxiety. That said, controlling anxiety is harder in practice than theory. It doesn't sound like the doctor was being very professional when he said you were frustrating! I'm glad you took it the right way though,

[Gumtree77]

Thanks for your reply! I took it well. I have known him for twelve years and in the last year I have seen him over 30 times. Any wonder the poor man was frustrated! Plus with the covid debacle he had to come out to the car park to see me and I think they are all getting hammered one way or another. He truly did me a massive favour; not one other doctor has had the effect that this one did. I told him I am sorry for bothering him etc etc.....he wasn't rude he was just very terse and basically said that I presented this exact same way back in November last year and every check was done and results clear. The power of the mind is a scary thing...I need to somehow harness that power into something positive! Thanks again for responding. I really appreciate it. xx

[Meg_611]

Once a psychologist taught me to visualise a stop sign or brick wall everytime I had thoughts I didn’t want to have. It was very very hard and took a LOT of will power but eventually sticking to this really stop me having unhelpful thoughts all the time.
I have also used mediation. Have a look into smiling mind or headspace. If you try stick with it for at least a week. People say ‘ I can’t meditate’ but that’s because they don’t really know what it means to meditate!

and I agree sometimes a bit of tough love actually helps