Health anxiety

[aly158]

Hi ppl

I’m new to this. Having suffered anxiety for years it was always controllable until last November when physical symptoms put me in hospital as I was so paranoid it was something more sinister. Since then I’ve had regular psychologist appointments and really try to have downtime. It is a daily struggle. I am trying my best not to be medicated at this point as I fear being addicted. I have health anxiety which I think stems from losing my mum as a child to cancer. Since then (and especially as a parent), I worry all the time about illness and my kids being motherless. Also, as we age we see more ppl get sick and friends or family pass ... it is life yes ; and my logical mind knows this but it still is so hard to fight the sensations this bloody anxiety gives . Mine isn’t racing heart rate like others have. It is more a detached feeling in the head and a sense of pressure but no pain. I had an MRI because I was so scared it was more but it was fine. My anxiety of course still questions that . #dailystruggle

[Croix]

Dear Aly158~

Welcome to the Forum. I think you are right in that a logical set of answers will not really help - half of your mind knows these answers already, however the anxious side does not accept them and looks for ways to discount or ignore them. I've had tests too, for everything from chest pain to headaches, all of which, multiple times, have come back fine.

Hard to accept, there was always the lingering suspicion they have missed something, however over time I came to accept them as accurate and seen the problem for what it is, anxiety.

So I guess the only way to lessen these thoughts which make life so unpleasant for you is to reduce the anxiety. I imagine from what you have said you are under medical care, but do not take medication. I have found a combination of things has been pretty (though not entirely) effective and lead a reasonable life as a result -I'm good.

This has consisted firstly in trying to lead as healthy a lifestyle as possible, exercise, nutrition, good sleep, no excessive alcohol or any recreational drugs, plus avoiding those things that create stress. For me an example is skipping the news, full of serious problems I can do nothing about - plus skipping some people and situations.

Secondly getting medical help, with both therapy and medications - which I have found essential. I've been on them long term, and once the correct one was found there is little in the way of side effects and no discernible addiction.

I find my partner is invaluable in giving me a sense of proportion when my mind starts to see the worst of things - do you have anyone in your life like that to support you and talk over your worries? The mind does tend to catastrophize if leftunchecked.

Two final things, the free smartphone app Smiling Mind, is excellent for taking the mind out of a loop, a little practice but pretty effective -even the short 2 minute demo.

The thread Forums / Anxiety / SELF HELP TIPS FOR MANAGING ANXIETY

has lots of things people have found helpful

I hope you find something that does reduce those unrealistic thoughts

Croix

[aly158]

Thank you Croix

I eat well, try to sleep and don’t drink. It is all on the path to healing but yes perhaps I do have to try meds... I will have to see w my doctor. Avoiding news for sure is a big one ! Also to be appreciative and grateful every day is something I have to keep up . I know there’s ppl in way worse positions than I