Health Anxiety - What to do?

[wilberforce2]

I've finally decided that I need some help with what I think is health anxiety but what do I do? Do I go to my massively unsympathetic GP? What if he won't help me? I cannot carry on driving myself crazy like this, my husband is sick of me and I think it's rubbing off on the kids. I'm so fed up. It's gone midnight and I'm still awake because I have a scan tomorrow on my shoulder for suspected tendonitis and I've convinced myself it's cancer, I feel like I can barely breath right now even though there is some tiny part of my brain telling me to stop being so stupid! It's ridiculous.

Hi just came across this as I’m currently spiralling with my health anxiety. Hope the scam went ok? I can definitely relate as think her worst with every symptom i have. It’s awful and taking over my life.

Find out how the referrals for CBT work in your area.

I would go to the doctor. If you admit this is your problem you are ultimately going to save their time by getting it sorted.

Just seen this is old. Worrier you need to see your doctor.

Short term for me-I kept a diary of symptoms and worst fears, along with the fortunately very banal actual illnesses. This has helped me rationalise things ten, fifteen years later. Stability in my life helps enormously and sorting critical illness cover so if anything does occur, we are covered financially. Finally, I take 20mg duloxetine daily which has been a life changer for me. Literally switched the anxiety tap off. I’d been on fluoxetine previously, for two years during an awful bout of anxiety/depression and it got me through, but the duloxetine has been soooo much better.

Hi Worrier, so sorry you are feeling like this as well. I had my scan on my shoulder and it did show just tendonitis so I've got a referral but now I'm having issues with my stomach so I'm driving myself crazy with that.

I still haven't made an appointment to see my GP but I really do need to see someone and possibly get some medication/help for my anxiety. Most days I feel like I can't breath properly and I hate being alone in the house and bedtime because it gives me too much thinking time.

Have you thought about going to your GP?

Hi OP, I'm not sure if the same is available in your area, but here you can self-refer online via the NHS counselling. I would call your local GP and ask if such services exist.

I had about three months waiting, followed by 1:1 sessions and group therapy. It really helped.

Good luck op x

Thanks Wine I'm not sure if anything like that exists here (I'm in Kent) but I'll definitely find out x

No worries, I'm south coast. I guess each area depends but definitely worth checking out x