To ask how you got over health anxiety?

[AvocadoPrime]

Just that really. I am really struggling right now. Doesn't help that I've been unwell for two weeks and struggling to get energy back after being in bed. I have self referred for CBT but I'm guessing that will be a long wait. I just want to find my way out of this as it's all consuming and I want to be the best I can be for my kids.
Has anyone got over or live with health anxiety and got any tips?

Hi hun, i just wanted to say you are not alone. I have had health anxiety for about 3 years now, although obviously didnt realise that for a while as i though i was ill.

I did online cbt because i was unable to have sessions because i have a 15 month old and no childcare. I did not find it helpful really. So if you can have face to face (obviously when this is over) then id reccomend that.

Following for ideas

Weirdly becoming a doctor helped. I realised that we often say “common things are common”. The most likely cause of your headache is a simple tension headache, not a brain tumour. Try to remember common things are common, getting a brain tumour isn’t. Does that make sense? Your symptoms will usually be something mundane, I think mine stemmed from a fear that I wouldn’t act upon a symptom in time and it would be too late to intervene medically.

Mine improved gradually over time, it does rear its head at times. CBT helped and medication. I’d recommend a chat to your GP if you’ve not already done so. There’s light at the end of the tunnel I promise xx

Had a thorough medical which showed no problems.

The only things I've found helpful was therapy with a good therapist (who was blunt and amazingly experienced), exercise, yoga, meditation and an acupressure mat. The therapy was great for anxiety in general. The exercise helps me realise what my body can do and often I get any symptoms to be fixated on whilst doing it. With the yoga, meditation and acupressure mat, I find yoga and relaxation helps reduce any symptoms I have in sort of a 'see, you're not feeling that (insert random symptom) so clearly its anxiety'. I also did a private thriva blood test which showed very low vit D and high inflammation levels which has given me something concrete and treatable to.

I got it quite bad a few years ago, absolutely convinced that every lump bump and ache was cancer. This came after an abnormal smear (colposcopy and biopsy both fine), a visit to the breast clinic for a lump which turned out be nothing to worry about, and a few skin lesions that were a benign form of cancer. It hit me like a bolt one day that getting older meant I would get more aches and bumps and one of these would eventually be something to worry about, we are all going to die eventually, but until then, madly googling everything was a total waste of life.

Don’t get me wrong, it still lurks in the background but I find it easier to squash down now.

I hope you find something that works for you

Following for ideas! X

@mrsed1987 thank you, although I am sorry you struggle too. It's a shame online CBT didn't work. I cant even find an online one. Difficult as most people I have to talk to IRL don't understand so feel very alone.

@Medstudent12 I'm glad you overcame it and well done on becoming a doctor! See I suffer migraines and can cope with them. My main issue is chest pains. I very recently had an ECG and a chest xray but still convinced it's bad when it's likely costochondritis. I can replicate the pain my pushing my sternum and ribs. Just my rational brain doesn't want to know. I've spoken to GP who just suggested Antidepressants which I tried but I couldnt handle the side effects, and I cant take them with my migraine meds :(

@blackcat86 I need a very blunt therapist I think. When I was in full health I'd do a work out everyday and realise I was fine throughout. However, at the moment just getting dressed is an issue. I went for a walk earlier and then panicked that my HR went up to 150. I tried yoga, online so felt I was doing it wrong but I will try again as I've heard such good things! Good way to stay active indoors too! Thank you.