Health Anxiety! - Brain Tumour

[bumblebee3160]

I think I have health anxiety. I constantly feel like something horrible is wrong with me, the most common horrible thought is that I have a brain tumour. A friend just passed from a brain tumour and ever since he was diagnosed I have lived in constant fear. Unfortunately I started consulting Dr Google, I can’t stop worrying every little headache is a sign! It’s gotten to the point where I think I’m now having panic attacks, I get heart palpitations, my legs turn to jelly and literally shake uncontrollably, I cry and then I can’t sleep, I start jolting awake when I try to fall asleep. ugh it’s awful! And it’s so draining! I’m sick of feeling like somethings wrong with me all the time! I don’t know what to do or how to stop! Do I really have something wrong with me or am I just paranoid! Has anyone else felt this way? Have you had these horrible thoughts turn out to be true? Any tips and advise would be greatly appreciated! I just want my life back.

[Katyonthehamsterwheel]

Hi there

I see you're new to the forums, so welcome to you. I'm sorry that you're struggling with thoughts around your health at the moment. It does sound like health anxiety. I used to have this, but don't any more. I would be hyper aware of any little supposed change in my body or it's functions and react negatively and google like you, and then go off to the GP or emergency and nothing ever turned out to be anything. That's when I decided to not to entertain the thoughts any more. It sounds very simplistic, but that's what I did and eventually the health anxiety went away. For some people I imagine it's not that simple, and perhaps the help of a professional might be advisable. How would you feel about chatting to someone about it?

Katy

[bumblebee3160]

Hi Katy! Thank you so much for your response! It’s funny you say that because I notice when I have a lot going on in my life and get distracted those thoughts go away. Unfortunately my friend passed a few days ago and I guess it’s started up all over again. It sounds silly but maybe it is as simple as stopping yourself from falling into it again. I’m so glad I’m not alone in this, it’s hard trying to explain to people who have no idea what it feels like. I have considered speaking to someone about this but I never have spare time at the moment so hence why I’ve decided to come on here to get an idea of where to go next. Thank you for your reply I appreciate it.

[Katyonthehamsterwheel]

Hello again

You're welcome, and you're definitely not alone in this. There's plenty of discussions on the forums around this topic, as it's actually quite common unfortunately. I'm truly sorry for the loss of your friend, and hope that you can find a way to get these thoughts under control. Do seek help if you need it. Kind thoughts, Katy