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Terrible anxiety / health anxiety

5 replies

mommaofx2 · 31/05/2019 18:47

Hi, does anyone else suffering with health anxiety really struggle when physically ill? We've had quite an unfortunate run of bad luck in my family with physical illness in recent years, all ok now but it has left me with terrible health anxiety. I'm finding it hard to overcome as I can't seem to get myself right. I was diagnosed with a chest infection around Christmas and since then it's been one thing after another and I don't go more than a few days without some sort of virus etc coming up. I'm having CBT and my therapist thinks a lot of it is down to me living in a constantly fraught state which has an effect on immunity and I find it hard to get over things. For instance I'll have a sore throat for weeks which would normally pass within a few days. I don't have the type of health anxiety where I imagine things are wrong, but I live in fear of the next thing due to our run of bad times in this area - if that makes sense. I've seen loved ones in potentially life threatening situations and I also jump to the worst conclusions even in times of mild illness and can't seem to distinguish if I need to act fast (like I have done in the past) or if it's my anxiety heightening. I've lived with general anxiety for many years, but it's really ramped up since my two children arrived and I am permanently hyper vigilant and on edge which I think has taken its toll on me physically. I have been in therapy for over a year and cannot seem to sort myself out. On the surface nobody would know bar a couple of people, but I feel I'm losing my grip on the little control I had and things are starting to spiral. I constantly feel and act as though I am in an emergency and it's exhausting physically and emotionally. I have truly had enough of existing like this and not enjoying my life - because I live in fear of losing it or someone I love. Any tips would be greatly appreciated to stop the repeated checking of my body (temperature, blood pressure etc) visiting drs multiple times. Thank you x

OP posts:
Mymomsbetterthanyomom · 31/05/2019 19:45

Mom of 3 here..They are 19,17 and 15.
Unfortunately depression and anxiety run very deep in my family and I take meds for both and am not ashamed of it.
I am so sorry that you and your family have had so many health issues. It's not just physically exhausting,but mentally exhausting too.
For your kiddos,you have to relax.They will pick up on how you are feeling.I promise you that they will be ok.
My older 2 got hand,foot and mouth infection when I was 7 months pregnant with my youngest.I didn't know if they baby could get it too,we didn't have a computer to Google it,which was probably best!
You are in therapy, that's great!!But if it's not helping you may have to try another one,you should be making progress.
Depression can also pull you so far down you aren't sure which way is up,and that's scary.Do you take an antidepressant??
Another thing I wanted to mention is MONONUCLEOSIS.Have you ever been diagnosed with it?I had it about 7 years ago and I cried when I finally got the results!It felt like I constantly had a lesser version of the flu,for months.Since then every few months I get a flare up and feel awful for a while.My mom had it in the 3rd grade and to this day her glands start swelling when she is getting sick.
I mention mono bc it made me question my sanity sometimes!And it made my depression and anxiety worse.
I hope I haven't droned on too much about myself but you do remind me a lot of what I have dealt with over the years.And there's nothing worse than feeling hopeless,helpless and unwell.Especially when you are young mom.
So think about your therapy,see that you are making progress.
And just breathe girl.
It will be ok,I promise.❤❤
(I am not a health professional in any way,I'm only speaking of what I have been through.)

ADHDme · 31/05/2019 22:15

I am currently working through health anxiety with my therapist (major surgery 2.5 years ago, diagnosed with a lung condition). he gave me this to read through - I can't post the link but google 'get self help - super scanner'. you have a super scanner! also he said its normal to feel more anxious as a mum and especially with difficult health experiences, because these are real! it's just learning to break the cycle. if you are not on meds (and you don't have to be) I would also look at herbal remedies to turn to when you feel anxious as the constant state of anxiety can be eased - Holland and Barrett have good sections on stress relief and immune systems. I assume you have had a lot of anti biotics for your infections - these kill off the good bacteria too in the gut (and most of your immune system is in your gut) so take a pro biotic and (cliche) eat lots of greens! things like yoga and aromatherapy, a good book or movie, a chat with a friend all help you to focus on nice things too. Flowers

mommaofx2 · 31/05/2019 22:58

Thank you both so much for your helpful and kind responses xx

OP posts:
Mymomsbetterthanyomom · 01/06/2019 03:21

Absolutely and I hope things get better for very soon.❤

mommaofx2 · 30/07/2019 10:23

Hi all, thanks so much for your helpful replies. Random question does anyone ever suffer with heavy aching arms (especially the tops) with anxiety? Thank you x

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