Health anxiety - what will gp do?

[arbredft23]

Hi all,

I am somebody who has always worried a bit too much about their health, to the point where it's often been joked about among friends and family. However, these last few months I am beginning to realise that it is not healthy how much I do worry and catastrophise every situation.

For example, I will often get it in my head that I have a certain illness/condition - usually after too much Googling (which I have now put a permanent ban on myself from doing with any symptoms). As time goes on, I will develop more and more symptoms that I associate with the condition, for example a headache, shooting pains in my body, neck stiffness and I will convince myself I have a certain disease and that my life will never be the same again. I have recently read that these 3 symptoms in particular are indeed often physical symptoms of anxiety.

I have a GP appointment booked for tomorrow as I started to experience some bad back and groin pain last week so wanted to get it checked out. The pain has now gone completely but I think I will keep the appointment to discuss with my GP how this anxiety is affecting my life. It does mainly centre around health, although it can sometimes be more general too. My question to anyone else who has gone before me is what will they do? I am already attending weekly therapy sessions (not on NHS) but have only had a handful so far. I am hopeful that this will help, but I do feel as though I sometimes need some more immediate relief. Has anyone had positive experiences with anti-anxiety medication? I don't really want to go on it unless I really have to, but I also know I need to explore all my options. Is it likely that my GP will suggest medication?

I am becoming so drained from feeling so anxious, some days I don't eat properly or drink enough and I'll often wake up in the night with my heart racing. I am also open to any natural remedies that people can recommend - particularly to aid with staying asleep? I have taken Kalms at night for the past 2 days but I think it's too early to tell.

Thank you for reading and if you've also suffered from this crippling illness - you are not alone!! X

Probably give you aniexty medication. Unfortunately the mental health care on the NHS is next to nothing.

Unfortunately I have heard this, but I am hoping some are able to share some positive experiences.

I have really terrible healthy anxiety too. I started Citalopram a few weeks ago and I’m already noticing an improvement. I’ve been on it a few times throughout my life for anxiety and it always helps me. Hope you feel better soon X

From what friends have said it's antidepressants/ cognitive behaviour therapy, and sometimes anti anxiety pills that aren't antidepressants. Giving up caffeine, having a screen-free Getting Ready To Sleep routine for the evening, and practicing mindfulness every day is the advice they've been given.

Hello OP I'm sorry you're going through this. I've had terrible health anxiety for a few years and I've had CBT specifically for health anxiety from nhs last year which was really helpful, and I've also been put on 100mg of sertraline. The meds have been a HUGE help. Because I've recently had a baby I'm also under perinatal mental health services with psychiatrist check ins every week, the care has been great so far but I've suffered from multiple mental health conditions in the past and the care left a lot to be desired.

Health anxiety is horrible, but it can be managed with the right tools. Good luck!

I meant to say check ins every COUPLE of weeks, don't think anyone has the time for every week in the nhs! Lol.

I've health anxiety. I have phase's where's it's consuming me, and phases where I'm doing well. My GP is lovely, but short of medication the only other offer is CBT. I've never had either. I was in the wait list for CBT but by the time the appointment came around I was in a much better place.
I think you have to find your own coping mechanisms. Acceptance is key.
All the best x