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Health anxiety is ruining my life.

2 replies

Sixmonthcruise · 11/02/2022 12:03

I am almost 49 and if I am honest I have suffered with anxiety and in particular health anxiety most of my life. I had anxiety issue and existential fears from a very young age.
But the older I get, the worse it is becoming.
I have tried so much to control it with hypnotherapy, endless CBT, lots of counselling, has sessions with a psychologist, daily relaxation etc but nothing is touching it. It is getting out of hand.
It’s not helped that I have some health issues (daily IBS, nausea, aura migraines, heavy periods which have caused very low iron), the more physical symptoms I keep experiencing, the more I stress.
Yesterday I had to have an iron infusion as my iron is so very low. It was administered in the chemo suite. It’s was heartbreaking seeing so many people having chemo, one lady had a bad reaction and another poor guy was constantly throwing up. I was there for 2 hours and was able to remain calm (outside certainly not inside!) but today I feel physically awful and have spend all morning crying, it has really exacerbated my anxiety.
I feel that at 49 I should man up, at the end of the day I get told this by family and friends all the time, that I need to just get on with life and not let these thoughts take over but it’s easy for them to say. Poor mental health isn’t something you can get wish away.
It is completely ruining my life though, how the hell do I gain some control over my life, I am at a loss.

OP posts:
Sixmonthcruise · 11/02/2022 12:43

Should also add that watching my MIL dying from bowel and liver cancer (one of my huge fears as I have daily IBS symptoms) and sitting with her body for 2 hours after has kind of traumatised me a little too And my own dm has Alzheimer’s and I help my dad care for her. That’s pushed my health anxiety to the limited as well, I hate seeing my parents suffer and fear that I too will get dementia. I honestly think I may go crazy with this anxiety.

OP posts:
lbsnsp12 · 14/02/2022 10:41

Fellow health anxiety sufferer here so sending hugs to you. I am only mid-twenties but also have the same worries as you and often feel it is taking over my life. I am currently going through counseling sessions to try and overcome mine. The only thing I could suggest that you didn't mention is medication? Have you ever been on any anti-anxiety meds or spoken to GP about this as an option? I am reluctant to go on medication unless I feel I really need it, but there is absolutely no shame in doing so if you feel it might help you. Health anxiety honestly takes over sometimes. I did find this link that my therapist sent me was really helpful so take a look. There are workbooks and resources to read through.

www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself/Health-Anxiety

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