Suffering from Health Anxiety

[MK1991]

Hi All,

I am 39 years old healthy male, who never had any major health issues in my life. For the past few months, I have been suffering from health anxiety and fear if I will wake up the next morning or not. It all started from a light puffiness under my eye and I started fearing cancer, had my eyes and skin tested multiple times and even had a brain CT scan done (Yes I know I exposed myself unnecessarily to the radiation, and now I fear the side effects of those 😞 ). I have a young family (3 kids under 10) and I do get anxious about their future and if I am not there until they reach a mature age. I have had a few sessions with Psychologists (via my workplace Offer) but still cannot get over this anxiety. I have a hyperactive brain that is always looking for answers and I start googling as soon as I have some sensations or palpitations. I think I have tinnitus as well. 

I have tried recently to avoid googling symptoms and going out for walks regularly, but on the other hand, my mind keeps on telling me to have a brain MRI to rule out any issues. 

Looking forward to hearing from you people on how to effectively manage my anxiety. Read a lot about the CBT, which is the next step with my psychologist. 

Thanks 

[Sophie_M]

Hey MK1991,

Thank you for your post to the forums and for sharing with us how you are feeling right now. Health anxiety is incredibly challenging to manage, and it sounds like you are doing lots of things to help support yourself on your journey to feeling better which is amazing.
 
It’s good to hear you are speaking to a psychologist about these symptoms. CBT can certainly be really helpful in managing the anxiety. The Centre for Clinical Interventions has some great resources on managing health anxiety including a workbook to help understand and manage your symptoms.

Please know that the Beyond Blue counsellors are here for you as well, and you can call us on 1300 22 4636 any time if you feel like talking it through. 

We’re sure we’ll hear from our lovely community here soon, but in the meantime here’s some more resources and conversations on managing anxiety you might find interesting: 

• Some strategies for managing anxiety  
• This previous thread where community members shared some of their Beyond Blue’s anxiety management strategies 
   

Thanks again for posting here. It must have taken a lot of strength to share this, but you never know who will read this post and feel less alone in their own experience. 
 
Kind regards,  
Sophie M 

[Mark Z.]

Hi MK1991,

I'm sorry to hear about the struggles you've been facing with health anxiety. You are braving and are doing the right thing to actively seek help. You are also aware of your thought patterns, which is important in managing anxiety.

Except the efforts you mentioned, having you tried journaling? Writing down your thoughts and fears can sometimes help in understanding and managing them. It can also be a very useful tool to discuss during your therapy sessions.

Warmly,

Mark

[SolZeus]

Hi there.

This reads so much like me!

I too have had health anxiety, and still experiencing it.

I had two Cats done last year, for heart and bowel issues. They found nothing. I've had extensive other tests, colonoscopies, endoscopies, MRIs...it's been hell 

I too keep thinking about my young kid and it freaks me out. I'm so worried I have cancer and it causes paralysing fear.

I'm endlessly Googling, which is absolutely killing me. Every symptom I feel is magnified and causes my brain to fire off. I'm currently awaiting MRI results for mouth/oral cancer!

I hear you. I know what you're going through. You're doing the right thing by searching for resources on CBT and psychologists visit. I'm looking into seeing a psychologist as well, they're just so damn expensive, even with the a mental health care plan!