Health anxiety back again

[Nikki360]

Hello I have severe health anxiety probably had it since I was a teenager. I'm aware that it's very irrational but also very hard to control. Last couple of years I have had many many breast cysts. Resulting in lots of visits to breast clinic. Fortunately the staff are incredible and are so lovely to me. Had mammogram in last couple of months all fine. Finally I was feeling better and really was in a good place. Till yesterday. I went to a fun fair and was on a ride and it had a pull down harness. I pulled it down but the guy came along checking them and pulled mine down more and it banged against my breast. It was sore. Since then I have been anxious and absolutely terrified that it could cause any harm. I have googled and it does say trauma to breast doesn't cause cancer but of course I found a few things that said it possibly could. So obviously I'm thinking the worst. Can anyone help resssure me. I feel horrendous.

Anyone ?

You cannot get cancer from a bruise. I promise. Otherwise I would be long dead by now.

Thankyou so much for replying I have ocd and anxiety and usually keep things under control but this is the worst I have been in a while Thankyou

Absolutely a relatively small bang will not cause cancer. But also asking for reassurance is only reiterating your health anxiety. There is a self help book called overcoming health anxiety, try to download it if you have a Kindle or order on eBay/Amazon, it's very helpful. Not a cure all by any means as nothing is but really worth the read. I've read it twice.

Thankyou very much for replying yes I will definitely look for that book. It's so debilitating I ended up in a and e this morning have not slept or ate much for five days. The panic attacks are overwhelming at the moment I can't ever think I will get over this which sounds irrational but it's just awful

@Nogodsnomasters is right, reassurance is very much a part of OCD, even though you get immediate relief from the reassurance, you will continue to overthink and end up in square one thoughtwise. Have you tried/been referred to CBT? Try looking online what cbt therapists say and do.

Deep breaths, focus on positives 💐.

Have you ever had CBT? I had terrible health anxiety. I self referred to health in mind not sure if they are in all areas but there should be something similar if not. It works extremely well for health anxiety and I am a new woman since I had 8 sessions with the cbt therapist. It was truly life changing for me and I was sceptical. I too thought I had it in check most the time but I soon realised I was one bodily sensation away from a full on melt down at all times! I used to get panic attacks at night time especially but had one on a bus once as I thought I was having a stroke. Anyway bottom line is it is treatable with the right help you just have to face it head on and be determined to change with the help of a professional.

I have had cbt before but I think now I need more cbt focused on health anxiety because that's what is the worst. I have got mental health team seeing me this week so I'm hopeful I can get some help. Still haven't slept upsetting everyone round me and generally feeling petrified and surreal. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy

One of the main things in that book is stopping the cycle of reassurance, I actually had to tell my husband as one of the steps to stop reassuring me, it didn't stop me asking at first but when I did ask he ignored me or simply said "sorry love I can't say anything" after a while it really helps. I can't recommend the book enough, just to see you through until you get some face to face support.

Try to force yourself to do things, a relaxing bath, put on meditation music on YouTube and focus on slow deep breaths while you listen or chanting really helps with panic, you can get chanting videos on YouTube to repeat alongside you, read a book if you can't sleep, or put headphones in and watch a really boring documentary on your phone. Don't just lie there and think and think and think, that will only continue this. Xx

Thankyou I will get that book I'm just petrified that I'm not going to get over this

Hi , first time I been on mumsnet I have a 17 yr old girl and a 2 yr old girl I’ve suffered with anxiety for almost 4 year and currently having a massive panic attack which began yesterday tea time when I started choking on my tea , I got the food up myself but then was convinced some was still in my throat that sent me into a massive meltdown , I had all the usual symptoms heart racing sweating. Tingling , it lasted all night I eventually went to sleep and when I woke up this morning it started all over again! I’ve not eaten all day because I’m paranoid I’m going to choke ! I’m on amitryptoline tablets and I’ve had cbt therapy my health anxiety started off by convincing myself I had a brain tumour ! The I moved on to the choking issue and at the same time I’ve convinced myself I have mnd ! I feel so alone , my husband tries to understand but I know he finds it difficult it would be nice to speak to someone who is going through the same , thanks xx

Hi @Annelena

Sorry to hear you are having a bad time.

Please start a new thread, so you can get some advice. Try setting one up in MH or Chat. Hope you get help 💐