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Original poster

Health Anxiety

215 replies

fruitysmoothie · 16/09/2016 00:17

Just a safe haven for all health anxiety sufferers that may be lurking on the mental health forum to share stories and help one another through the many ups and downs.

As a former and recovered health anxiety sufferer I know all to well the worry, upset and symptoms that arise from this illness and will try and help where I can Flowers

OP posts:
ssd · 25/09/2016 09:39

its the bowel cancer screening test we get in Scotland at 50.

I cant seem to think logically about these things, there will be a knot in my stomach until I get the results in a few weeks.

Do you know what triggered your HA?

ssd · 25/09/2016 09:42

sorry, I just read upthread what triggered your HA Thanks

lovechocolate123 · 25/09/2016 11:47

Ssd- I am sure it will be ok. That is why they do the screening to prevent. I know how you feel though because last year I was having test after test which I feel just increased my HA. The thing is even after the results came back normal I would be ok for a few days but then I would start to think they are not reliable or wrong and then I would move on to thinking I had a different cancer. It is a never ending cycle. Before last year I never really believed anxiety could give you physical symptom but now I do! When do you get your results?x

Kaylasmum49 · 25/09/2016 12:16

Hi ssd, I think it might have been the thread I started. I am so worried about doing the test, my anxiety has been massively high for the past 5 weeks.

I'm sorry if I've caused you any alarm.

ssd · 25/09/2016 15:03

its fine kaylasmum, honestly. I haven't sent it away yet and it takes 2 weeks to come back with the result. I'm really trying to put it out of my mind and remember the things I've been taught in CBT, I dont know if its helping though or adding to my anxiety...

it is never ending, just awful..

lovechocolate123 · 25/09/2016 20:30

How is everyone? Can feel myself getting anxious again. I just check for bodily changes and when I find one I research the symptoms. It's like I can't enjoy life because I am convinced I am ill and no one is listening to me x

bingisthebest · 25/09/2016 20:58

If it's any help when I am in a situation and wanting to google symptoms I keep telling myself 'my health and well being are not compromised if I don't check, in fact they might be better' Can tell I've had cbt. It does help if I'm in a strong minded mood. But it's a battle. Hope you're ok love chocolate.

bingisthebest · 25/09/2016 21:06

Yes. Keep practicing the cbt. As above my 'statement' that I tell
myself it does help sometimes xx

lovechocolate123 · 25/09/2016 21:17

Thanks. It is a battle. The worse bit is that I can't talk to anyone about it.

ssd · 25/09/2016 22:09

my friends think I'm mad and even dh wonders about me sometimes

charliegumabubblegum · 26/09/2016 13:50

I've looked up this thread and glad you all talk about the same symptoms of HA as me! Since I've had my first baby I'm worried sick I'm not going to see her grow up, I worry about cancer, and even crossing roads or getting out and about in the car whilst my daughter is with me. It's quite severe now, it's literally all I can do to stop myself booking to see my GP constantly! Although your health is checked constantly during pregnancy, it hasn't reassured me. I'm currently on maternity leave and feel a constant bombardment from TV adverts etc, and after a horrific childbirth of my baby, any aches and pains just make me think something is going to happen, and then I burst into tears! I don't really want medication to solve it but rather some mental tools. I've suffered badly with anxiety in the past which caused panic attacks and insomnia. I'm a very upbeat person and can't understand why I suddenly see a negative in everything. Any advice?

Kaylasmum49 · 26/09/2016 16:33

ssd, it's such a worry is'nt? I've spoken to a few people in there 50's who haven't done the test, they don't seem at all worried about it.

I'm sick of feeling like this!

lovechocolate123 · 26/09/2016 19:44

Charlie- have you been to the gp to talk about your HA? I did a self referral and received 10 sessions of CBT which helped a little. I think my anxieties have definitely gotten worse since having the kids.

ssd · 26/09/2016 21:50

kaylasmum, my friends dh is a dr and he didnt do it either!!

I'm scared to do the test and scared not to do it!

Kaylasmum49 · 26/09/2016 23:00

ssd, that's exactly how I feel! What a predicament to be in.

bingisthebest · 27/09/2016 21:54

Keep positive everyone. I've had a good day with minimal worries. This is an improvement from how I was a few months ago when it was almost constant so cbt does help.

lovechocolate123 · 28/09/2016 06:59

Bing- thanks I think you're right staying positive is important and stop thinking 'what if I have c.....'

lovechocolate123 · 28/09/2016 19:18

How is everyone?

Kaylasmum49 · 29/09/2016 11:35

Stressed and worrying as always. How are you?

lovechocolate123 · 30/09/2016 22:13

The same ... worrying . Today not a great day. Feeling a little nauseous too. I wish this awful feeling of doom and dread would just leave me permanently. 🙁

bingisthebest · 30/09/2016 23:13

Anxiety bubbling today. Getting a few pains in my head and wandering if that will be it. If I will go. Hard work being distracted. trying to be present.

lovechocolate123 · 01/10/2016 07:53

It is so hard to distract yourself as it is constantly on my mind. I find getting out of the house helps a little. I keeping what if this is the last time I do.... it's awful. Do you take any meds for your HA?

lovechocolate123 · 01/10/2016 21:55

Really bad today. Can't shake this horrible feeling of doom and dread that I am really sick and all the doctors have missed something.

Original poster
fruitysmoothie · 02/10/2016 12:58

Hope you are all having a good day today!! You guys have probably already heard of it but on the off chance you haven't there is a wonderful website called NoMorePanic that has a health anxiety forum which is fab if your worrying about symptoms etc.... it really helped me on my journey, I would highly recommend Smile

OP posts:
Apanicaday · 02/10/2016 13:02

I've had awful awful health anxiety for all my adult life. I've had cbt for it, but it didn't properly crack it. I'm now having act therapy through my local mental health team - it's a totally different way of approaching the problem and is taking some getting used to, but makes some sense to me. There's a book called the happiness trap that I'm reading alongside - I was a bit skeptical to start with but I'm actually hoping that this might be the thing that allows me to manage it.