How to broach the subject of health anxiety with doctor

[TinasCrockeryPot]

I have name changed for this as I'm quite embarrassed about it. For the past couple of months I have been waiting for some tests for a lump in my neck and during this time the left side of my face was numb and I put this down to anxiety so when I got the all clear for the lump yesterday I assumed that the numbness would go away, however, it did not. I have since convinced myself that I have either cancer if the salivary gland, sinuses or nasipharyngeal cancer. I know that thus us probably just anxiety and i know that i need help for this as I have cinvinved myself that I've had all kinds from stomach cancer to a cryptic pregnancy . How would I go about speaking to my gp about this?

Don’t be embarrassed, it’s good that you recognise this, the Dr won’t bat an eye lid. I would just be direct and say you are suffering from heath anxiety and it is causing you problems, they may refer for CBT/counselling.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/health-anxiety/

Don’t be embarrassed OP, I doubt you’re the first and you definitely won’t be the last to have it! Agree that they will likely refer you for therapy. I went to a private counsellor for CBT for a health anxiety related problem and it really helped, if you don’t want to wait for NHS referral there will be counsellors in your local area who will help you and you will not be judged!