Health anxiety

[StormsDontLastForever]

Hi, just looking for some advice please if anyone has been or is in the same situation. I am a worrier, I suffer from anxiety but also think I have health anxiety as I constantly worry about getting cancer, coronavirus etc or people I love getting something bad. No matter what I can't seem to shift the feeling, whenever I am ill or in pain I think the worst. Does anyone have any advice? Feel like I'm at my wits end and convinced I have cancer or something, often wish to myself that doctor would refer me to hospital for full body scan etc to check all is ok. I know I am being rational and I should count my blessings etc but it's so hard to explain. Thanks

Posting to hopefully bump this post up

Go and see your GP, about a year ago I was convinced I had breast cancer, spent three months looking for evidence, went to my GP, got examined, all ok. Honestly best to talk to your doctor that is what they are there for.

It's easy to get into a state but say you do have something sinister whatever it is it's better knowing or at least to not waste your precious time worrying.

You're definitely not alone. Since lockdown I have had weeks where I was too scared to go out because I was convinced I'd catch Coronavirus and die. I'm still signed off my customer facing job because I can't quite bring myself to put my health in the hands of the general public.

Unfortunately there are a lot of things that can make one ill. But, it's highly likely that you are and will be ok, so try to remember to not waste the time you aren't actually unwell and could be enjoying life.

If you have actual symptoms, speak to a pharmacist/GP/111 to either get the help you need or put your mind at ease.

Please contact your GP. Not to request a scan but for help with the health anxiety.

I am already on medication for my anxiety, will call gp on Monday and see if she can increase my medication for a bit even until this pandemic is over as I don't think this is helping my anxiety at the moment. Thanks all for advice

I have it, but strangely enough I haven’t focussed on COVID at all.

I found a very good book, which helped.

An Introduction to Coping with Health Anxiety, 2nd edition (An Introduction to Coping series) www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1472138511/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tau_Xab3EbEFWA8EJ?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

The best thing right now might be to self refer for some online CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) or get your GP to refer you. Look up “IAPT” in your area. Or privately look on the CBT Register for properly BABCP accredited practitioners. CBT really is the best therapeutic approach for anxiety. I’m a cbt therapist and we are working full tilt to try and help people who are struggling just like you are. Also, there is a book calledOvercoming Health Anxiety which you might find helpful, in fact all the books in the “Overcoming” series are helpful.