Health anxiety- Help

[Rok2]

Hi,

So I've just joined this site out of desperation and feeling like I was at a dead end for answers and stumbled upon the answer I believe I have been looking for, for over a year. After looking through the forums here, I've discovered that 'health anxiety' is a real thing! I'd never heard of it, even after endless searches about anxiety, symptoms of anxiety, types of anxiety, I never found anything to fit my issues. So I guess that has been a relief for me today... For the past year or so, I have been getting increasingly anxious about my health deteriorating, in particular I have a huge fear of being diagnosed with a degenerative brain disease that would slowly take away my quality of life to the point of basically being a vegetable awaiting death. The idea of it terrifies me. Since this has begun, I've been experiencing strange symptoms, such as constant severe tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, random numbness, trouble swallowing/ speaking, and more. I've had myself convinced that I have cancer, brain tumours, motor neuron disease, the lot. I've had blood tests, ECGs, MRIs, seen a neurologist, been to hospital several times with chest pains thinking I was having a heart attack, been convinced I was having a stroke several times, brain aneurysms, blood clots, you name it. All tests have come back clear, which has been a small relief in one way, but frustrating/ worrying in another, as I'm then left wondering, well what's wrong with me then??? In short, it's been a living hell in my own head and I know I need professional help but I just don't know who to turn to... I guess the other thing is the feeling of shame/ embarrassment because the rational me knows how ridiculous this all is! From the moment I wake up, to the moment I go to sleep, it's there in my thoughts. It's taking over my life. I have no idea what it feels like to be relaxed or feel 'normal' anymore; I'm on edge all the time. The fact that I get these phantom symptoms that seem to mimic my fears, only adds to the problem and makes everything a million times worse. I have had so many moments where I've felt totally hopeless and drained by it all. To make things worse, I have serious issues with reaching out to other people, no one I know has any idea this is all going on inside my head. I bottle everything up and act totally normal on the outside when I feel like there is a bomb going off in my head. I would love to hear some similar stories from people, and what has helped you

[BballJ]

Hi Rok2,

Firstly, welcome to the forums. Sorry to read what you are currently going through.

Health anxiety is very real and I have dealt with it for such a long time as well, if I had to describe it I think I would of written it the same way you did and explained it the same way. For years I was convinced I had many health issues and cooked them up in my head, every chest pain was a heart attack, even bump or bruise was something else, I have been to the doctor many times just getting things checked for peace of mind, the doctor one day turned around and even said when I requested a test that it was just for peace of mind. I was always worried they missed something when the results came back. Those symptoms of chest tightness, numbness, shortness of breathe etc are what I have experienced as well, so you are not alone in these feelings and I understand how hard it would be to talk to people about it because I do not think I could. It took me ages to figure out that all of this was related to my anxiety. I cannot recommend enough that going to speak to your GP about this would be the first step. Health anxiety as I said is real and a lot of people suffer from it. I think speaking to a psychologist would be beneficial as they can help get to the reason why this is all happening.

Please, post back as much as you like, I am always happy to talk.

My best for you,

Jay

[Rok2]

Hi Jay,

Thanks you for your response, it feels reassuring to hear that you have had a similar experience. This morning I woke up without the immediate doomsday feeling in my mind and chest, which was a nice change. I'm still anxious but I think I have the courage to take the next step and see my doctor. Especially knowing I'm not suffering from an imaginary issue now. I guess I will have to see how I go...

Thanks again 🙂

[MrsEM]

Hey Rok2,

Reading your post is like reading about my life over the last 6 months. I have not been on the forums for very long but what I have learned very quickly is that you are not alone. So many other people are suffering from the exact same as you. I have been anxious for months and months about every little feeling in my body. I had my first panic attack in September while on holiday in Vietnam and it spiraled out of control from there. I have had chest pain, tightness almost daily, sharp pains in my head, shaking I cant control, dizziness, I'm emotional and can cry at the drop of a hat, have had terrible heartburn and spasms in my throat. I am convinced the numerous test have been wrong or something has been missed. I have had tests on my heart; an ECG, CTCA scan, ultrasound, I have had bloods, an MRI, chest xrays and am about to have an endoscopy. You would think I would be reassured when the tests come back fine? Nope! I have started seeing a psychologist once a week. She has encouraged me to write down my feelings and start a journal. It felt surprisingly good yesterday when I started the journal.

I have good days and bad days but am taking one day at a time, trying to enjoy this short life we have.

Please feel free to chat anytime.

Ellen

[Guest6732]

Hi Rok2,

I've just recently been diagnosed with health anxiety or a phobia for my health myself, I used to have GAD and PTSD but using CBT I managed through all of that very quickly and overcame it but the health anxiety is such a fickle thing it can be hard to deal with and understand what it is. Just to let you know that many people here suffer from the same condition as you and there is a lot of help and information to help you get an idea of how to feel and sort it out! Personally, I think a balance of where your focus lies is best, having distractions such as exercise, regular food eating and regular sleep will help with keeping your mind healthy plus keeping something wholesome and bright to focus on throughout the day is wonderful, like writing down whenever you have those experiences and thinking of the most rational and uplifting outcome to it!

Hope it all goes well,

Campbell