Newbie/Health Anxiety

[tweet81]

Hi there everyone,

I am new to forums, i am glad to have come across Beyond Blue as i have read a few posts on here and see there are alot of understanding, caring people on here.

I have suffered from anxiety since a young age, after giving birth to my second child, i suffered from my first panic attack.

In the last year and a half ive been stressing so much about my health, worrying that i have this illness or that illness, every ache in my body must be a serious health condition and its been so exhausting 😞 Im extremely luck to have an amazing husband who comforts me when im having a panic attack or thinking irrational.

i have been on medication and with my drs supervision, gradually came off them.

i recently took myself off my cholesterol tablets as i thought perhaps they were contributing to my body aches and pains, soon to realise they werent because i still have aches and pains all over every day. i shouldnt be feeling like this, im only 34 😞

I wish to control my anxiety without medications as well as see if i can keep my cholesterol at the recommended levels... im 5ft 1inch and weigh 67kgs so im too much over weight, ( i hope!! ) but high cholesterol is a genetic type that i have.

since coming off cholesterol tabs, ive been fearing of having a stroke or heart attack, and this causes my anxiety attacks more so at night... i do believe i will over come this anxiety and fearful worries, and its nice to know i can come onto this site and chat with others who understand.

[Narniakid]

Hi tweet81, welcome to the forums and thank you for sharing with us!

You are always more than welcome here on the site and there's always someone who will listen. It's lovely to hear you have a supportive husband, and I am glad that you've seen your doctor for some help. Since coming off your medication, have you let your doctor know about your health concerns?

I suggest keeping a diary, perhaps writing down whenever the pains and aches occur, and take that in to your doctor. Also write down your diet, and how much sleep you're getting. All of these things will help your doctor get a more accurate idea of your lifestyle and what might be the cause.

Crystal

[tweet81]

Hi Narniakid,

Thank you so much for your welcoming me 🙂

Yes ive been seeing my doctor since coming off my meds, ive had blood tests etc regarding my cholesterol.

My diet has changed for the better and will have repeat blood tests taken in about 3 weeks to see if my cholesterol has improved again.

They are aware of my anxiety and have suggested to go back on medication, however they are also aware id like to try and manage without medication as much as i can.

Thanks again 🙂

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi tweet81,

Welcome to BeyondBlue and thanks for reaching out!

I'm glad that you are being really proactive about seeing your doctor and wanting to stay away from medication.  It sounds like anxiety is really exhausting for you right now and I'm curious to know if you've tried anything else to help manage it.  It sounds like your husband is incredibly supportive however I really want to encourage you to find other support or ways of coping with anxiety.

Of course without getting to know you it's hard to offer specific advice, but I do suggest going to see a counsellor or psychologist as they can give lots of helpful techniques to manage and cope.  They can be particularly helpful with things like helping to prevent an anxiety attack or help lessen them, and being aware of why you might be thinking that you have a serious health condition.
I know for me personally it helped to see both a GP and a psychologist as this way I had my GP to do tests and then my psychologist for me to work through it together.

It might also help to look at relaxation techniques if you haven't tried these already; BeyondBlue have a helpful PDF which you can access here : https://www.beyondblue.org.au/docs/default-source/senseability/relaxation-techniques.pdf?sfvrsn=2

Even looking at things like mindfulness, meditations or anything that can help you switch your thoughts away from anxiety and towards being more present.

I'm sorry I don't have any specific advice about the cholesterol; however it sounds like going to the GP regularly is the way to go to take it one step at a time.

I hope this helps.

[Chris_B]

Hi tweet81, welcome to the forums. Health anxiety is quite a common topic here on the forums. Here are some other threads you may be interested in contributing to:

Health anxiety by Chris's84

Health anxiety - Please Help

​Anyone out there with health anxiety?

Health anxiety fears

Health anxiety disorder

Health anxiety

Health anxiety fears

Health anxiety is taking over