Sufferer of extreme health anxiety and depression

[StevieN1981R]

I've suffered extreme anxiety since our was 11 though had health anxiety before that. As I get older it gets worse going to the doctors scares me. I get paralyzed with fear through extreme stages and don't want to leave my house. I am on medication gave been for 5 years now. I just want to connect with someone like me . As when I get over the health anxiety I then get very depressed because of how it ruins my life ..

[purplebunny2012]

Hi StevieN1981R

I’ve had a similar problem with anxiety. I’ve suffered with anxiety since I was around 8 years old, had counselling but after a few years my anxiety was still there and worse than ever. Last year it was so bad I would be having panic attacks every week. I’m also quite scared of going to see doctors as well, so I completely understand not wanting to see them.

I hope you know that you are incredibly brave and strong despite how debilitating anxiety can be. I was also wondering about what kind of support systems you have, like friends and family? Our fears can often feel less overwhelming or more manageable when we have someone to share it with or someone who can support us through situations that we might dread. so maybe talking to someone you feel comfortable around and having a discussion about how they can help might be useful?

I understand how it feels to think that anxiety is ruining your life, but this year I managed to get myself overseas to travel with a friend, even though I felt anxious about every second of the trip. So I just want you to know that you can still have fulfilling life experiences even with anxiety. Stay strong and keep fighting, because there is definitely light around the next corner.

[Truetomyself]

Hi
I too know the roller coaster of anxiety and spiralling into depression. I want to tell you, you are not alone.
I have had anxiety too where I cannot leave the house and had to retrain myself through gradual exposure due to becoming agrophobic.
I personally was formally diagnosed at 22 but when I reflect it was much earlier
In my child hood.
I feel it does take a lot. It is just hard work and can take more than it gives.
My anxiety is at a peak at the moment. I am seeking further help. I am trying a new psychiatrist and counselling.
I guess I look for different approaches.
When it gets really tough remember you are not alone, even though it feels like it.
If you feel you cannot get to the doctor, I am not sure what state you are in but there might be a Mental Health Triage line you can call. That has helped me and is all confidential.
You have of course Beyond Blue too.
I try and stick to a structure. But know also some days, weeks or blocks can be worse than others.
Maybe if you get stuck call a locum doctor. Do not be afraid to ask for help.
I felt like a burden for so long and did not want to or know how to ask for help.
My person I call on is my aunt.
Do you have one person you can maybe talk to?
I remember I would just be kind to myself. If I had a shower that was a big thing and learnt how to be proud of the small steps.
I did have to go to hospital for further support and I was scared but it ended up being a really good thing.
Remember if you are having a rough time, there is always someone struggling too.
Be kind to yourself. When you ruminate or feel yourself being unkind to yourself try to distract it. There are mindfulness apps, I put on a easy going show, I cry if I need to and talk.
I am not a GP but I know how hard it can be. It is horrible and you feel lost at times.
But just take a day or even a minute at a time.
Don't be hard on yourself and we are all on here to support you.
Sending my thoughts to you.

[StevieN1981R]

Thankyou.. im currently going through a very bad health anxiety stage . I've had a upset tummy for a couple of wks and I was fine but then my brain said no there's something seriously wrong !! So full panic and meltdown I get so overwhelmed with fear. My family isn't very supportive just because they done understand and my sister has no love or care towards it . I mean she cares but she doesn't give me any comfort. She just says well go to the doctor then . There's nothing bloody wrong with you. Etc so yeah it's easy to feel alone . Thankyou for your reply

[calmseeker]

Hi StevieN1981R,

I struggle with health anxiety also. I know its scary, debilitating and relentless. I have sometimes thought I was losing my mind with the worry. May I ask what your health concerns are? That's if you don't mind sharing, otherwise its fine if you're not comfortable with the details. One piece of advice I can share with you that dramatically lessened my anxiety was to stop googling symptoms. I am not sure if you have fallen into this trap also, but I sure did. Every weird sensation I had needed to be explained and googled till I could google no more. Often Dr. Google gives you the worst case scenario. I forced myself not to do this and my health anxiety lessened, it didn't go away, I am still working on it, but I coped a lot better with the worry. I hope you are ok ? There's lots of things you can look into to help with this horrible anxiety. These forums have lots of people like us with lots of stories to make you not feel so isolated and lots of helpful advice.

Sending you calm vibes.

CS.