Health anxiety...how do u overcome it 🤦🏻‍♀️

[Bobbylola123]

I've suffered from health anxiety for years and years, my dad passed away from cancer when I was 17 so that is where it all stems from. I've taken a few different antidepressants to help with my anxiety but I feel like the older I get the worse my anxiety gets. That constant feeling of checking my body or that constant feeling of physical symptoms etc. The constant dread of thinking I'm going to get the 'C' word every single day is so draining! How do u get past it ?

Have you already tried cbt?

I’m exactly the same OP, sorry I’m not much help but here for a hand hold

My Dad died when I was 16, pretty much out of the blue and it’s made me think that something bad can happen to me at any time, especially regarding my health. I’m constantly on the look out for new symptoms and it’s EXHAUSTING.

I’ve found counselling has really helped me and also being open with my GP about any worries I have. I also never Google anything and if I do I only use the NHS website.

Thank you, It's an awful thing to have! I put on a brave face for my husband and children but it's so hard to have that constant feeling something is wrong. I'm constantly in the GP surgery from one thing to the next. Drives me mental! I did do a bit of councelling a while back but tbh felt it didn't really help, but I'm thinking of starting again! X

A 'bit of counselling' isn't going to help you. To be effective you - not the counsellor - need to put in a lot of work on a daily basis for (at least) several weeks. It will take commitment and a lot of mental energy so don't go in half-arsed.

If you do it properly, you will be largely free from the anxiety - or be able to cope with it to a stage where it doesn't impact your life - in a few short months.

By a bit I mean I done a course of counselling through my GP who referred me to do a 6 week course but due to covid last year it was only over the phone.
I totally agree with you I need to go in with the right mindset

Just reread my post and it was a bit harsh - sorry. From what I understand the NHS course is rather hit and miss and 6 weeks isn't really long enough.

If you have the mindset that you are totally fed up with the current situation and will do whatever's necessary to fix it then you will!

I am plagued by health anxiety and it's awful, so I'm here with empathy.CBT and therapy have both really helped me. You can refer yourself for therapy via IAPT. Good luck.

I completely understand OP, in fact I could have written your post. I’ve had HA for about 5 years, triggered by my child being very unwell. It’s been up and down over the years. I’ve had periods where I have been well and less focused on my health. But I’m going through a hard time just now, following my mum passing away.

The things that have worked for me in the past have been -

• strict no Google rule
• putting in place rules / boundaries in the shorter term. So it might be that I don’t check the area in my body I am obsessed about for 2 days, then 5 days, then 7 days.
• no reassurance seeking
• trying to get a decent sleep
• CBT / talking to someone

If I am consistent it works. BUT I’m struggling at the moment and have started meds to see if they help. I am also accessing counselling.

I’ve always resisted meds in the past but this time I just felt they were worth trying. If they work, great, if not I will stop taking them.

Like you I try and put on a front to my DH and kids. I work full time in a responsible job that I enjoy. I try not to let it hold me back. Mostly. I have an awful 18 months though and I think this time I’ve ran out of reserves, so I’m taking a bit of time off work at the moment.