Health anxiety running my life

[Bell87]

Hi all, I haven’t posted in a long time but I’m really struggling with my health anxiety. So I recently got my jab and because I read up on the side effects eg myocarditis

I’m completely freaking out that I’m going to get it. I got the needle yesterday and was anxious then I started thinking I have it as my chest felt funny. I went to sleep fine and thought if I do have it, it would stay and I would feel it all the time. I did read the stats and it is rare. Why do I do this to myself? I currently don’t see anyone or take any medication. I don’t like seeking help as I feel stupid when I go because I can’t control my emotions and just cry all the time. I just can’t bring myself to go and get the help I know I need.

[Sophie_M]

Hi Bell87, 

We are sorry to hear that you are having feelings of anxiety since being vaccinated. Health anxiety is a common  but challenging set of symptoms to manage but we are so glad that you have come here for help. What you are feeling is unique to you, but there are many others having similiar experiences. We reccomend checking out this article for more information. It goes in to detail about where we can get information abot the vaccine and what we can do if we are feeling anxious. 

If you want to talk about health anxiety in a more general way you can also join this conversation on the forums to see what others had said and felt about this topic.

Thank you for reaching out today, we hope there is something helpful for you in the resources above. Please feel free to check back in and update us on how you are feelin, if you are comfortable. 

Kind regards, 
Sophie M

[Positive_vibes89]

I am sorry to hear that the vaccination is giving you anxiety. I recently had my second jab. The first one gave me some anxiety too because of all the properganda social media I had read on facebook and all the side effects too. Health professionals tell us about side effects as a standard precaution, like all medicines they all come with side effects. Thus it does not mean we are going to experience them. I have only experienced a sore arm after both vaccinations. Are you a hypochondriac? Having anxiety around your health is not stupid or silly. Hypocondriac is a real diagnosis. I suggest having a talk with your doctor, it will help you feel better within yourself. A doctor is there to help you, they are not there to judge. I have a close friend who experiences the same like you around health and medical. He would google his symptoms and make his anxiety worse. He went to see a doctor and now he is on some medication to help. He is alot happier now.

[Stui]

good advice Positive_vibes89 I had 2 AstraZeneca injections I was a little unwell after the first but no more than I am with the flu vaccine. Living in Victoria is not the best at the moment but getting vaccinated means we get lose some restrictions. the best advice will come from professional in the medical industry not the media it is always a good thing to be cautions with all medications but they all have side effects and I got the vaccine because on balance the side effects were less worrying than getting covid or the potential ongoing effects. Hopefully that helps with your decision Bell87.

[Pumpkinella]

Hi Bell87!

I can really relate to what you are saying. I had the same problem of health anxiety after the jab and thought I had myocarditis. I actually went to the emergency centre in frankston because I was so worried, it turned out my shortness of breath and chest twinges were just part of my anxiety! It is a horrible feeling I know and Im sorry you have to deal with it.

I do see a psychologst and a gp who helps me, and I can tell you, I cry pretty much every time I see them! haha I just cant control it. Its good though to cry in front of them, its okay to be vulnerable, to let your emotions out. We are all human and we all have fears and things that make us cry. They see it all the time. Some people are so scared of needles they cry, GPs would see that too - and they understand all about it.

If you do decide to see someone about it, you can call the clinic and ask for the mental health practitioner - some GPs are specialised in mental health and they can give you specific guidance. They have learned all about what you are going through so they do not judge, they understand how distressing it can be.

You dont do this to yourself, you dont mean to do it and Im sure if you could wave a magic wand you would make it all go away. Is there anything that helps you unwind that seems to work for you when you feel like this?

I find exercise really helps me, or listening to some relaxing music while I do the things I need to in the house?

Love

Pumps

[Petal22]

Hi Bell87,

Wellcome to out forums!

Sorry you are feeling this way…

I understand health anxiety is difficult…..

I have experience with dealing with health anxiety personally…… I’d find something on my body and I’d think there was something really wrong with me, I’d obsess over it to the extreme I’d go and get it checked by the doctor the doctor would tell me I was ok but I’d still worry about and have severe anxiety over it…. I’d google symptoms…. This would only make everything worse………

It came to a point in my life that my anxiety became severe I couldn’t function properly I seeked help from my gp my gp told me I had anxiety, my gp put me on a antidepressant to help me to manage my anxiety….we also did a mental health together I saw a clinical psychologist and a psychiatrist my psychiatrist diagnosed me with OCD……. I then did a 8 week therapy at a clinic that specialised in OCD this is we’re I learned to master my OCD…

I strongly encourage you to seek professional help from your gp for what you are experiencing… you could do a mental health plan together…… this will enable you to see a psychologist….when I first saw my gp I was a mess, I cried too and I thought the professionals would think I was crazy…… but it was the opposite they wanted to help me and they understood……… your gp will understand, please seek the help you need to recover……..

Im now recovered and have been for 4 years going strong….

The therapy I did was meta cognitive therapy this therapy changed my life I learned to challenge my thoughts and beliefs as well as many other things during this therapy…

If it helps write down a list and read off the list to doctor….. I used to do this… it helps..

Ive written two threads you may be interested in reading

From someone who had OCD and recovered

Effective treatment for OCD Metacognitive Therapy

here to chat

[Bell87]

Thank you all for your replies

i don’t know why I get so embarrassed about being Emotional I do think the doctors judge me and hate people seeing me cry. And I do really need the help but im just really struggling getting to that doctor for the help.
mum just going to have to bring myself to it and go one of these days because I can’t live this way no more.

[Petal22]

You are so much stronger than you think Bell87………. Please make your appointment it will be the start of life changing events 😊 for the better

[jaz28]

Hi Bell87,

I know health anxiety is torture. But as someone with actual health issues, you will know when something is really wrong. I hope that help.

Anxiety can also mask in physical symptoms (tight chest, shortness of breath etc.) and i have definitely experienced that. Taking some deep breaths can help. If you still feel like something else is wrong, you can always visit your GP to ease your mind. If you can talk to them about your anxiety (I know you get emotional) that can help greatly too.

Stay strong and healthy,

Jaz.

[Pumpkinella]

Hi Bell87,

I'm sorry that its so hard for you. Try to remember that they see people cry all the time and its a natural part of living. But I do understand its particularly hard for you. How do you go on the phone? Is that something you're more comfortable to begin with? You can always book a phone appointment instead if that would make it easier for you while you get to know your GP.

Love Pumps