Health anxiety

[genny12345]

Hey, I guess I’m just posting this for peace of mind

I am 21 years old in the midst of a University Degree, I’ve been diagnosed with anxiety since I was 11, and in particular I often struggle with severe health anxiety

recently I’ve seen lots of ads about brain tumours and brain cancers that I’ve totally Convinced myself I have a brain tumour. I get all the physical symptoms (headaches, blurry vision, pressure, etc) and I panic daily about this to the point I’m scared to leave the house, I haven’t been to a doctor yet but I am so scared of what he will say, and more so if this is really what I am dreading

This has been happening for about a week or 2 I just feel like there’s pressure on my head constantly and my eyes feel like they can’t focus all the time, and there’s ringing in my ears but my mum thinks it’s either fluid in my ear or sinus issues from a recent bad cold I have had in the last Month ...

again I am in a panicked state right now but I just was hoping someone has experienced similar and could maybe give me a peace of mind... can anxiety cause such physical feelings? I am so terrified, please help

[xDOLLBABYx]

100% believe stress and anxiety can manifest into physical symptoms because I struggle with this myself. I have been in the similar situation with headaches and then spiraling into an anxious mess. I wish I had advice other than to see a GP because that’s what I did. Had scans and showed up nothing... soon after that the symptoms went away. It’s the reassurance that there’s nothing serious is what I need. I hope you find peace. I’m currently doing a course online about health anxiety as it’s ruling my life right now

[Egbert97]

Howdy Genny! I’m 22 also and my anxiety has recently shifted towards my health. In fact I am also concerned I have a brain tumour / some neurological disorder. Other people have too, so you’re not alone

anxiety can absolutely manifest in physical symptoms. the mind can make us hear, see, and feel all sorts of sensations - particularly when stressed. this can be the case especially if you have had anxiety since 11.

in terms of my advise, firstly, as scary as it is, I’d recommend going to see a GP. Ask them to do all the tests that they’d usually do for people with brain tumours. there’s also some questions you should ask- have you always had tinnitus & you’re just noticing it now? have you had it during similar situations? have you been staring at screens too long? I’ve had tinnitus my entire life & it’s become super prominent because I keep focusing on it. I also had very tired eyes & headaches around my temple, only to find out that I need glasses because I’m far sighted! it’s good to eliminate the possibilities as they come along.

The power of the mind is a very strong thing - to the point where placebo drugs for treatments can work better than actual drugs. I still recommend you go to the GP and talk about it with your doctor. also see if reading similar posts to yours here helps with your health anxiety - I know it helps mine sometimes

take care!