Latest symptoms has terrified me!

[that guy]

Hi everyone.

i was diagnosed with anxiety over 18 months ago, and my main problem is health anxiety, it was so bad that it literally caused me to suffer other symptoms like nausea and chest pain. I went on medication, and eventually it died down and my doctor put me off of it.

all was fine until about 2 and a half months ago, I was just about to leave for Europe and I felt weird, like my arms and legs were weak, I had some lightheadeness as well, this caused me to worry for a while, however these symptoms disappeared while I was on the plane.

when I returned about a month later, they came back, however they were dismissed as jet lag as it was a big and exhausting trip. They lasted for about 2 weeks, before they stopped, after that I was ready to go on with my life.

However the weakness feeling came back 3 days ago, and now I’m terrified that something is wrong. They started again after I had to deal with Centerlink (the robo debt got to me) and it has been a very stressful experience, added to that, my muscles are starting to ache and itch and I’ve been nauseated for a few days now. I can’t concentrate at work, I can’t exercise because I don’t want to make it worse and nothing that I love doing is helping. I don’t have a psychologist app for another 6 weeks, and I’ve got no one to go to. What’s even worse is that I fear that it could be something like MS, and the thought of that makes it even worse.

i don’t know what to do now!

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi that guy,

Welcome to the forum. I am sorry you are feeling so much worry and are experiencing so many difficult and challenging symptoms. Health anxiety is really common and can be very distressing and uncomfortable. You are not alone in your symptoms. If you wanted to have a read on the forum, if you use the search bar, and look for health anxiety, you will find many threads on this topic.

Have you seen your GP recently? If not, you could consider checking in before you psychology appointment. This might help you reduce your worry and be able to get through until that time. Another suggestion I have is to use a free online program called Mindspot in the interim. It can help you learn to understand your worry in a practical way and is supported online and over the phone by counsellors. You can read about the treatment courses that are offered by visiting www.mindspot.org

Mindfulness is another option that some people find of benefit. It helps you to give your mind a rest from worry. Worrying is very exhausting on your mind and it can be helpful to take moments to rest from your worry. A technique called Mindfulness has been helpful for making space for your mind to rest. Even short moments of rest for you mind has very positive benefits (similar to power napping). You could learn about Mindfulness by looking through the forum or you could visit a site called Smiling Mind. https://www.smilingmind.com.au

Another suggestion might be to contact your Psychologist and see if there are any earlier appointments available. Getting extra support when you are feeling really distressed is normal. I also wonder if you have a trusted friend or family member you could talk to? If you don't, sometimes just calling a support line can be really helpful in the moment and dyou might consider calling the Beyond Blue Support Service on 1300 22 4636 for a chat. You are not alone and there is a lot of support out there. You have made your way to the forum which is awesome and I encourage you to persist and find the extra support you need. We are listening.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn

[that guy]

Thanks for your reply

its really scared me because I have never felt like this before, usually I just get some gut issues from stress and anxiety moments. And I searched my symptoms on google, Big Mistake! For a while, I was convinced I had MS or even ALS

The issue with Centerlink was very stressful, and I’ve been anxiously waiting to hear back from them, my team leader at work and my support worker both believe it’s a reaction to that, as it took over days and a few sleepless nights, even resulting in a panic attack. I’m hoping it’s just a reaction to that, seems like other people here have had similar symptoms