Body Jerks / Health Anxiety

[Rach93]

Hi,

i have been going through a stressful time and I find when I’m resting and I feel anxious or upset about something different parts of my body will jerk.. has anyone had this due to anxiety? I honestly think it gets worse when anxious so it makes me believe it’s apart of my anxiety. I don’t know anymore and I am constantly worried about my health 😭 it’s exhausting. Does anyone else suffer from health anxiety and it presents itself in physical form?

[Ggrand]

Dear Rach93....Hello,

The jerks your talking about I think are called myoclonic, twitches and jerks, and can be caused by anxiety...I got them with my medication, and my Dr. said they are harmless but in saying that please check your symptoms with your GP..to be certain..

During a bout of anxiety our muscles tense up sometimes causing these jerks....I deep breathe counting my breaths in and out..to help relax my muscles...or I might play a song I like to sing along with...

Its finding what works for you to relax your body, muscles and mind....The more I used to think about them and kind of put my thoughts onto feeling my body..the more I got...

Maybe some type of meditation or mindfulness might also help...

Have you spoken to your GP about these jerks?..If not I would like to very gently encourage you to do so...

Here if you feel to talk..

My kindest thoughts Dear Rach..

Grandy..

[megan90]

Hi there,

I have been having body jerks when resting, especially when laying down at night with or without feeling stressed in the moment. I definitely suffer with health anxiety and have got a few years now. I get them often and they’re scary! I’m going to ask my doctor today. 

I know this post is old, but if you see this reply then I would love to speak to you! 

[Mark Z.]

Hi Rach93,

I'm sorry for your challenge. I had similar experience.

I used to think I was seriously ill, I self-diagnosed and felt that some of the symptoms were very similar. I fell into deep anxiety, couldn't eat, couldn't sleep, and couldn't calmly work, study, or pursue any hobbies. My physical condition gradually deteriorated, which made me more suspicious that I was sick, and I wanted to go into deeper anxiety, which was a vicious circle.

I didn't have the courage to go to the doctor and say what I really think, I didn't have the courage to get tested, I didn't have the courage to share it with anyone especially my family. Until one day I couldn't stand my state and decided to face any outcome and prepared for the worst. Guess what? God made a joke with me, I've been completely frightening myself for the past two years.

I sometimes think that maybe in another parallel world, my test results are the worst, and I do have the disease I suspect. But even so, I don't regret my decision to see a doctor or get a test, otherwise the nightmare would never end.

Hope it helps a bit. Hope everything will be fine.

Mark

[sbella02]

Rach93,

Thank you for utilising the forums, we warmly welcome you.

I definitely relate, I think it might've been my ex partner who mentioned it to me a while back that there would be times when I'd suddenly twitch or jerk my head as if I was shivering in cold weather. Sudden jerks or twitches can have something to do with feeling anxious, but it may also be worth mentioning to your GP if these jerking movements are causing you significant distress. They may be able to offer you further information about what this means - whether it's related to anxiety or otherwise. 

I hope this advice is helpful, and please remember that we're always here to chat if you need. 

SB 🙂