Health Anxiety

[s_lydia]

Hey, well I never thought I'd see the day I'd ever share this but for years I've been dealing with anxiety and panic attack disorder, but lately it's turned into bad health anxiety or hypochondria. The slightest ache or pain will have me spiralling for hours, sometimes even going to the ER. I'm on medication (valium) but even that doesn't calm me down anymore, I feel like there's no winning. It's 4 am and I'm still up because I have a sore tooth and I'm now convinced my teeth are going to fall out, so I stopped eating. Being in lockdown has made my anxiety issues a million times worse, and I can't even have a friend or family member comfort me. I don't know what to do.

[Sophie_M]

Dear s.lydia,

We’re so grateful to have you reach out to our community this morning and are so sorry to hear everything you have going on at the moment. Times like this can definitely get overwhelming . We hope that you find our forums to be a safe and supportive space to talk through your thoughts and feelings. Our community is here for you. 

We hope you know that there is always help available to you, whether it's from our professional mental health counsellors Beyond Blue (available 24/7/365 on 1300 22 4636) or our friends at Lifeline (13 11 14) or the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467).
Keep checking back in with us whenever you feel up to it. 
 

[Petal22]

Hi s.lydia,

Wellcome to our forums!

Sorry you are feeling this way, I understand it would be very distressing for you…

I understand anxiety I had severe anxiety OCD, I also experienced this disorder with my health.

I would think there was something really wrong with my eye I’d obsess over it I’d go to the doctor and have it checked the doctor would tell me it was ok but I’d still obsess over it…. My anxiety was severe……. I have now recovered from this condition thanks to the help I received from health professionals……. OCD is a vicious cycle…… I would always find something to obsess over until I did therapy and learned how to stop OCD in its tracks….

Have you thought about going to see a gp and discussing how you are feeling? You could do a mental health plan together……

You may be interested in reading two of my threads …….

.” Someone who has recovered from OCD” and Metacognitive therapy for OCD…….

I was diagnosed with this disorder by a psychiatrist….. I’m not saying you have this condition only a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose…….

When you find yourself having these thoughts redirect your attention to something in the present moment like what you can hear, what you can smell, what you can touch and try to slow down your breathing……

I understand it would difficult in lockdown….

Your not alone…

I’m here to chat to you and answer any questions you may have 😊 hang in there

[Pumpkinella]

Hi s.lydia,

Thanks for sharing! I can get health anxiety so I know how it feels to exaggerate every symptom, nice to know I'm not alone but I'm sorry for what you are going through. I was in the emergency yesterday thinking I had shortness of breath from covid vaccine but turns out just anxiety...of course...again.

Some of the methods that help me

Being curious about sensations but not reactive. The body makes all sorts of sounds and sensations - it has to to function optimally, so curiosity was not about whether it is a danger sign but more "I wonder what processes by body is doing to keep me healthy and working"

Resisting the temptation to google. For obvious reasons 🙂 its the most unhelpful thing you can do.

Seeking help from a good GP. I told my GP about my health anxiety about how it is affecting me. Some GPs (that are attentive) can be quite good at explaining all the different sensations. Once you understand why they are there its harder to interpret as danger

Seeing a psychologist that specifically works and has a system around health anxiety - they can have really good strategies in stopping you from interpreting your body as a danger field. I basically cured my flight phobia (the methods are quite similar because health anxiety is very similar) by seeing a psychologist who specialised in the area. Its better than seeing a general psychologist as they just might not have the knowledge/skills yet to assist properly.

I hope you are feeling a little better today

Love

pumps