Severe Health Anxiety

Joey7 · ‎15-04-2014

I suffer from severe health anxiety and have for the past 6 years which all started after my son was seriously iill and we came very close to losing him thankfully we didn't. Since that time my anxiety has gotten a lot worse these past 2 years have been so bad with my physical symptoms worsening to the point I'm googling my symptoms all the time constantly thinking I have some disease that relates to the symptoms I have at the time. I guess I just don't believe that even though my anxiety is so severe it can cause these weird sensations and symptoms in my body which with having health anxiety the symptoms just escalate my anxiety and I can't function at all. I'm constantly waking up anxious hoping I won't have a the symptom that day then when I do it makes me so upset and frustrated I think I must have a serious disease for it to still be there. Can anyone else relate to this and has the horrible scary physical symptoms that go along with anxiety what did you do to help I don't want to be like this anymore the Physical symptoms are horrible.

C80 · ‎02-09-2017

Hi guy's and girls,

Ahh the lovely little alien in our heads that control our thoughts relating to our health! I have also been through it all! CT scan after I suffered over a year with a constant hangover which developed post vertigo, which turned out to be chronic sinusitis AND anxiety.. because the symptoms continued after a week or relief when I realised I was clear from tumors etc.

Currently I am battling my thoughts about a lack of fitness, shortness of breath and a sore upper back because I am convinced its bad news for my lungs.. GP didn't even want to let me get an x-ray because he thinks it is all muscular and so on.. full blood test coming up and if nothing shows I will ask about x-ray again just to get some relief.

The worst and I guess most amazing part of health anxiety is you can have a few symptoms then when you make the mistake of using google etc you get sucked into a downward spiral of anxiety and begin to manifest all the other symptoms of the illness you are convinced you have! Which sets the tone for more and more suffering. It really is a poisonous mistress..

I started off as mentioned above with shortness of breath, back pain and lack of fitness.. elevated heart rate etc now I have a mild cough, a slight fever and my head is swirling.. oh and a post nasal drip that I never noticed before. The worst part is in my mind it will only release me once I am certain I am in the clear.

I have always been adverse to medication and the ones that I reluctantly tried have all been horrible (turning me into a zombie like creature). Now I am at the point where I want to try meds again so I can find some reprieve.

KMTE · ‎03-09-2017

I have health anxiety too and ocd which has lead to depression. I put off medication for so long but it got so bad ive just started anti depressants along with counseling. I'm on day 7 the last week has been a bit rough but apparently it all settles down after a week or two. What I've found makes me feel better is I check in with my doctor once a week until the medication has really started to settle in and work (4-6 weeks) and I find that really reassuring. He just has a chat and gives me a general check up as I have anxiety about all the possible side effects. I hope I don't start feeling like a zombie!! Good luck!

All_Is_Well · ‎04-09-2017

I, too, experience severe health anxiety which I believe emanates from a fear of leaving my young son without a mother. I've been experiencing uncomfortable physical symptoms for the last 5 years. My tongue is swollen as I write this; however I'm feeling more positive than anxious today.

I recently saw an allergy specialist who gave me a very interesting insight: When the body is inflamed and the immune system is on alert, the emotions are too. If the body is calm and balanced, so are the emotions. For the first time, I realised my anxiety is an effect and not a cause. Blood and allergy tests showed my body to be in the midst of a fierce fight against - well - pretty much everything at the moment.

My intention is now to pursue activities that calm and soothe the body: gentle foods, gentle exercise and gentle meditation.

One of my favourite quotes is that "Action is the anecdote to despair." When I'm anxious, I refer to my list of the calming, soothing actions I can take and I choose one. Physical movement is especially soothing to me - the kind of movement that requires me to concentrate, such as yoga or qi gong.

Having that list taped on the wall or mirror where I can see it - and even inside my phone should I reach for Google (BIG mistake) - is so important when I'm having a panic attack and can't think. Seeing my list reminds me that there is action I can take to ease my despair. I hope these insights help you, too!

All_Is_Well · ‎04-09-2017

I'm so sorry for your loss. I can relate to your anxiety and also that feeling of being foggy and light headed. As I read your post, I wonder if perhaps you share my habit of shallow breathing? I also find I unconsciously hold my shoulders up high and forward (classic fight-or-flight/anxiety pose). I've been reminded of the importance of relaxing my shoulders and breathing properly. There are lots of articles and videos to help. Sending you lots of good wishes.

Fox15 · ‎20-09-2017

Hi there,

so glad I just found this forum. I have suffered from health anxiety for at least 20 years. Has become so severe in the last 2 years that my friends and family are fed up with hearing all my new sicknesses that I have. The symptoms are so real to me though that I need to get them checked out so I can put them to rest and then move on to the next illness lol.

I also have a family history of brain aneurysms so I'm convinced that I have one too or if it's not that I must have a brain tumour. It's a constant fear that I think about all day long. Any type of pain that I get in my head I sit and wait to collapse. I'm too scared to get an MRI though so I just make myself sick with worry all day everyday and then stress about all the physical symptoms I get from the constant worrying. It's a vicious cycle and it takes over my life and stops me from being totally carefree and happy.

I also worry about my kids health and worry that they will become like me.

I'm about to start seeing a psychologist so I'm hoping that will help.

KMTE · ‎21-09-2017

You sound exactly like me! I have spent so much money on tests and scans for me ever changing symptoms! I've just started a really low dose ad and have been doing the head space apps for weeks and seeing a mental health nurse. The bad days are getting fewer at first it was constant everyday. Here if you would like to chat!

cakeboss · ‎25-09-2017

Hi there finally i see someone else with simlar symptoms.I to suffer anxiety panic attacks.If i have the slightest thing wrong me i get into a panic and think the worst even before the drs appointment.I just rang my couciler to get in as the gp said this morning my anxiety has gone way ahead of me in the fact that im thinking things are going to happen that havent happened yet .I have been nauseated most of the days recently so over it .Gp said this morning that the nausea is making my anxiety worse and im waiting to see psycitrist in 4 weeks.I hope to get back in to counciling this week .Im off to the gp for the drop of a hat but its because i know my anxiety is out of control at the moment .I am trying to distract myself and yea pray it settles soon love to hear back from anyone who cant eat when anxiety is bad thanks cheers

Perception · ‎01-10-2017

Hi

I am another person who sufferes from Health Anxiety.

Similar story, no problems with it and then over a period of a few years alot of things went wrong health wise for myself and family.

Since then I have developed a pretty bad case of Health Anxiety.

Any feeling or sensation that pokes its head up I think about and monitor, to the extent that I fixaite on them and worry. I then start to google and of course the worst case always comes up in results and then thats a thought I cant get.out of my head.

I would estimate that when I awake and and alone or day dreaming I spend 90% of my time thinking about it. It has gotten out of control, and starting to effect my wellbeing. It also now has me thinking about my son and wifes health as well.

I then dont know if I end up giving myself these pains and sensations in my head now, or if they are real and need to checked out.

Another issue is that once you go to your Doctor about your health anxiety, they tend to doubt your symptons and I think they dont take you seriously as they would someone who hasnt reported their anxiety.

It got to the point where I started using OTC painkillers to numb the thoughts and deal with it. Well know I have come off them a week ago I am of course going through withdrawl symptons such as stomach pains and cramps and this has given me a whole host of new things to worry about and google. Another thing that happens when you detox is your anxiety increases and depression can start.

I just want to get happy and healthy.

Thanks for the listen.

Fox15 · ‎01-10-2017

I've had the headspace app for months and have never used it. I will definitely give that a try and see if it helps.

td19 · ‎04-10-2017

Hi everyone

I didn’t know such a thing as health anxiety existed until I read though this thread.... the ironic thing is I’ve (only recently) become a constant googler of symptoms across the last 12-18 months, stumbling across this thread due to googling ‘why can’t I stop googling symptoms’.
Across said 12-18 months I’ve convinced myself at stages that I’ve had bowel cancer, kidney stones, peptic ulcer, hemmiroids, digestion problems, chest infections and one day I had to leave work as I suspected and convinced myself I was having a heart attack... all the while sitting at my desk googling symptoms of heart attack and putting myself in more and more of a panic. Generally after one to two days I realise I’m ok and life in my head returns to normal until the next minor ailment needs a google search. Through self talk I managed to stop this investigation of symptoms for a while but have re commenced with avengance making up for lost time thus again throwing me into panic and fear.
I do understand there is some sort of deeper issue in play where I can control for awhile but then just can’t help myself even though I know it’s wrong. I’ve reached a point where I have decent amounts of money saved and put aside to spend on house renovations but I am gun shy to spend it as I think I might need it for large medical expenses and I don’t want to burden my partner of family with these expenses.
I briefly spoke to my partner saying I feel quiet anxious which I feel was a first step, I didn’t mention it due to being embarrassed about googling health symptoms but I will tell her I just needed that first step... telling her alleviated some anxiety as has writing this all down.
I guess at the end of the day I’m not looking for advice or solutions I just wanted to share my story as talking to similar minded people always helps.
Cheers.