Any tips for health anxiety/depression

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I have been suffering from some pretty severe health anxiety for around 6 months (always had it slightly but the last 6 months have been hell) What I’m finding is that the constant worrying is turning into depression now too. I’m just feeling down. Even if I’m not as worried about a health issue I just generally feel low, like a failure and not good enough. I’m finally starting CBT soon for my health anxiety. I’m off work sick currently due to the anxiety. Im starting to feel exhausted, no motivation. Just not feeling happy or positive at all. Does anyone have any words of advice? x

Have you tried antidepressants ?
They were a game changer for my DH.

I have been given them from my GP but haven’t taken them yet as I’m really scared of taking them. It sounds silly I know. I wanted to try and get through it without them. Praying for a miracle with this CBT

I had serious health anxiety after having my daughter. My mother had died and I was convinced that the same thing would happen to me. I was given Anafranil and I can honestly say it has not come back. I don't thi nk that Anafranil is available now but other anti-depressants are just as good.

Why are you scared of taking anti depressants op? It doesn't sound silly but maybe we can offer some reassurance.They really are very effective. Exercise can really help your mental state too. I would also suggest you try to include some relaxation exercises into your daily routine, there are lots of aps/online videos. Writing down your thoughts can also help. Do you have friends/family you can talk to?

I was like you; anxious anyway as a person but exacerbated by my DS and some very stressful episodes. but for some reason i was very frightened of trying anti anxiety pills. but they have been a game changer for me- have been taking sertraline and to be honest i feel just like normal but happier! and not anxious. has really made a positive difference to my life!

@Mrsorganmorgan I’m so sorry for your loss. That’s totally understandable I would’ve been the same. Especially after having a child you worry about your health so much more don’t you. That’s good to know about the medication. I don’t know why I’m so scared to take the plunge and start them x

@yumscrumfatbum I feel like the side effects are abit scary. Like I worry about every little thing as it is and if I start getting side effects in my head I’ll be thinking it’s due to something else. If that makes any sense. Also I have heard people feel just numb from them which is a little worrying. There’s also the worry of having to increase the dose and depend on them.x

@Fleetheart Really, that sounds reassuring. I have also been given sertraline. I’ve heard a lot about the night sweats and nausea ect it’s just put me off so much :/ x

@yumscrumfatbum also thank you for the tips. I need to try more exercising I think. I have tried writing things down too and you’re right it kind of helps. In regards to having someone to speak to, I have a partner. He kind of gets it but kind of doesn’t. If I have a good day it’s like he feels like it’s gone and I’m all good again. I don’t open up to friends ect. X

Take them op. I was feeling the same as you and sertraline has been life changing. Side effects were minimal (my gP
Suggested starting with a half dose and building up over a week).

Take the antidepressants. Please 🙂 Yes it can be scary taking them for the first time. But for me they are the only thing that work. Look after yourself as when you first start taking them you can feel a lot worse before you feel better. What helped for me was keeping a diary of my feelings and symptoms. So I could look back and see that things really were improving. Best thing I ever did. Saved my life. Changed my life. I just... feel stronger. Strong enough to manage life on the whole.

Getting on to antidepressants was a game changer for DD. They lifted her mood enough to be able to do more, which then led to a success spiral rather than a negative one. Now well enough to be starting CBT next month which she just didn't have the 'energy' for before.

I'm on Sertraline too. I don't feel numb. I feel normal 🤗 They're not addictive. Some people take them for a while then gradually stop. Others (like me) are on them long-term. I've been on them this time for over 10 years. Still working for me. If they make things better depend on them!!! Side effects I had were diarrhoea for about a week. Feeling a bit twitchy. But after about a month 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂 You're off work you say - so you have the time out to ride out the initial effects.

Don't worry about taking antidepressants. I never looked back.
Thank you for your kind remarks.

Thank you all so much! Some really good reassurance here. And in the back of my mind I know I need to just bite the bullet and take them! I’ve also started twitching in my sleep. Really weird and scary. Not the usual ‘falling’ feeling you get. It hasn’t help my health anxiety one bit :(

I had all sorts of strange symptoms. At one point, I thought the road was coming up to meet me. The sun used to affect me and I had the most horrific panic attacks.

Oh gosh that sounds really scary. :(

It was. I thought I was really ill and was going to die, until I stared the antidepressants. Please don't be scared to take them. Not everyone gets side effects.

I had this awful illness when I was in my twenties. I am still here and now in my seventies!

i didnt really have any major side effects, I think that i was a bit nervy more than usual for the first week, but really nothing big. for me they did make me a bit tired so i take them at night now. but everyone’s different 🙂; some people find them better in the morning!

Not everyone has side effects but if you do generally that only lasts for the first couple of weeks. They do take a few weeks to start working so you have to be patient. I have never had need of them myself but if I did I would absolutely take them. I used to be a Mental health nurse so I have seen many many people benefit from AD.