Managing health anxiety

[GreenEgg]

Hello

I can’t stop wondering about and researching ADHD. I’ve never raised it with anyone because I feel guilty even thinking it, let alone mentioning to my GP or psychologist. How do you know if something is real or not, something you’ve convinced yourself?

I feel so guilty because although the symptoms resonate with me, I know what I’m like. I’m definitely a bit health anxious and sometimes my anxiety completely spirals, even if I have evidence to the contrary or it’s just not common sense.

I feel guilty because there’s someone in my family with ADHD, and because my 

 mother worked in a school setting with kids with learning needs and disabilities. Surely she would have noticed, or someone would have.

Also I can’t help but think I’m probably just like convincing myself on the false hope that there’s an explanation and a magical fix, like being able to take medication. 

G

[white knight]

Hi, welcome

The answer you seek is in one word "evidence".  Coming from a legal quasi law enforcement background it has helped me many years ago when I had panic attack/anxiety and subsequent therapy. It also made me realise that being fixated on a diagnosis without a professional diagnosis is not the way to go Eg I had in 2003 been diagnosed with ADHD, took 12 different medications over 6 years and none worked... then a 2nd diagnosis by a different psychiatrist came up with - Bipolar2, depression, dysthymia... no ADHD!!. So some symptoms mirrored ADHD eg mania is in ADHD and bipolar and bipolar has the depression side. It is complicated and some illnesses cross over but this is why it is vital you get diagnosed.

The worry you have is a good reason for anxiety. Worry doesnt help you at all. Here is a article about it. Just read the first post.

https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/anxiety/worry-worry-worry/td-p/87808

Also with anxiety, it is a serious illness and needs much commitment to changes in your life to reduce it.

https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/anxiety/anxiety-how-l-eliminated-it/td-p/183873

Finally, positivity. Being motivated is essential to a good recovery from any illness. Accepting that a mental health issue could be with you lifelong is a major positive outcome as it reduces your worry and you accept that you have a flaw, and everyone has flaws.

https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/staying-well/focus-and-never-ever-give-up/td-p/205053

Repost anytime, thankyou for being here.

TonyWK

[JED1980]

Hey

I know what its like to be anxious about your health. I was like this when COVID was at it peak. Constantly worried i'd get sick. Worried how it'd affect everything.

I had a good chat with my GP who really helped. And i did feel silly, but reaching out to a professional was the best thing i could have done. Maybe give it a go? Dr's are very understanding and will help where they can. 

As for your mum maybe seeing something.. i'm a Psychology student and completely missed the fact that my oldest son was Autistic. I think when we are close to someone, we tend to accept them as they are, and not read too much into things, which could be why your mum hasn't noticed anything.

We are always here if you need a chat, and please reach out at anytime.

Look after yourself

Jx

[GreenEgg]

Thanks TonyWK, I really appreciate your words. Funnily enough I work in a similar space, and I know sometimes what I’m feeling or thinking about doesn’t make sense or is premature. But then over time I start to obsess again and catch myself. I think with this worry in particular my work can be a trigger, because when it’s busy I have to be very organised, efficient and detail focused across a lot of different complex issues. The general work stress makes me anxious but then the relative ease some people manage it also does.

I think acceptance in particular is some great advice- rather than constantly worrying about it.

[GreenEgg]

Thanks Jx for your kind words. Yes I feel COVID anxiety too, even now before big events like Christmas because I’m so worried I’m sick and will make other people sick and they’ll be seriously hurt.

I will try talk to my GP or psychologist next time I see them!