Health anxiety

[Broncies_18]

Hey guys, so I am now a major sufferer of health anxiety after suffering from regular anxiety. It all started when I got my blood pressure taken and got 160 and thanks to dr Google I am freaking out that I have so sort of undiagnosed heart condition or illness which causes death instantly and without symptoms and for me being 18 and a lot of these stories about people my age dying in there sleep or just out of the blue drop dead. This has seriously freaked me out and consumes my every thought and is always at the back of my mind. My families history with any major health problems are pretty much non existent especially with heart conditions. I'm seeing a doctor tomorrow to make sure everything's all good.

Anybody experienced a similar thing and how they got over it or in the process of getting control of it.

[Zeal]

Hi Broncie,

Thanks for your post 🙂

Were you diagnosed with anxiety by your doctor? When you see your doctor tomorrow, tell him about how the health anxiety is affecting you.

I had elements of health anxiety when I was 19. I have had anxiety (OCD, to be specific) since I was 13, so for 10 years now. As you know, the Internet can be quite unhelpful for people who have health anxiety. Always keep in mind that just because you meet several criteria for a condition or disease doesn't mean you have it. Hopefully seeing your doctor tomorrow and getting the all-clear in regards to your heart health will be of comfort. Once this doctor has confirmed the absence of a heart problem, make sure you don't keep searching for second opinions or further information. You can trust your doctor's word on this matter.

I was given a useful document about health anxiety by a nurse several years ago. To access this document and others on anxiety, go to this site: http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/consumers.cfm

I would also like to direct you to a few previous threads on this forum about health anxiety:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety/health-anxiety-and-constantly-need-reassurance-#qkz71nHzvGGEbv8AAOnT_A

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety/health-anxiety-D393A37FB89B#qk4b3nHzvGGEbv8AAOnT_A

I hope you can gain some knowledge and support here!

Best wishes,

SM

[Broncies_18]

cheers for the reply I know and feel fit and healthy but theres always that nagging ''what if question'' in the back of my mind that I can't get rid of.

[Rock]

Man, I've had this for a year or so now and it is horrible. I'm 20 with no history of heart conditions or anything else serious, my diet is fine, I've never had any serious symptoms and yet there is still this nagging thought "Am I dying?" I have severe anxiety and have had a couple of really nasty panic attacks that have sent me to the hospital with a BPM of 150. It can be so scary and you feel your body's going crazy. Everyone's just standing around the hospital bed all chill and in my mind I'm just freaking out! Even stupid stuff like a small spot in my mouth or something can get me really worried. If the professionals tell you you're okay though, then I'm sure you're just fine. 🙂 I'd tell someone you trust about your worries, if you can. Sometimes it helps to hear someone say you're okay. I can cope better now that I know just how physical anxiety can get. It's strange to think how a few anxious thoughts can escalate into something that feels reminiscent of a heart condition, but it's the truth as I have learned from experience. I've never actually heard of the deaths you described...I suggest just getting out there and living as best you can. After all, everyone dies at some time in their lives, and here in Australia at least that's at a good old age for the majority. I know how difficult it can be to overcome. Maybe try to distract yourself. Do you have anything big or small you've been wanting to do for a while? Maybe you could work towards it to help keep your mind off this problem.

Jenny