Health anxiety

[Kayleeangel123]

Anyone else suffer with health anxiety? Ive had it for nearly 10years and its exhausting. I tried cbt and therapy, i used to refuse medication but i have now gave in and started sertraline a few weeks back. Im sick of living in fear, everyday checking my body, finding something new to fixate on. I just want to be normal, instead of wasting so much time on this. 😪

Well done for taking the medication. I hope you feel more relaxed soon.

What happened 10 years ago?

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/anxiety-and-panic-attacks/symptoms/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwusunBhCYARIsAFBsUP-MvFxaOFvkC8o_3Crt4nZG7qQ-8njDDd8GePVWDAI7hRFxF1dyR4AaAppsEALw_wcB

How are you doing now OP? I have terrible health anxiety. I'm having a bit of an episode so thought I'd pop on MN. It always makes me feel better. How are you finding the Sertraline. I've been on them since last February with a little 6 week break where I thought I'd try without them....

My anxiety at the moment is around having a DVT. It's started with a painful knee. Logically I know that's all it is. I have no other symptoms other than some referred pain at the back of my knee.... I keep thinking what if. I've just measured my legs so I can compare sizes. The only difference is my affected knee is half inch bigger (no inflammation, redness and I still managed to do a mile walk to and from school this afternoon).

I never used to be like this. Its completely exhausting and all consuming. I have noticed that I'm worse around mid cycle 🙄 Anyway, I just wanted to hop on and say I know how ypu feel x

So glad I found this. I'm down a hole at the moment with health anxiety, have a feeling that the end is near. Have myself diagnosed, I'm constantly worrying. I came on MN to see if anyone else has these same thoughts or if I'm just going mad. This definitely is getting a lot worse the older I get. I'm already on citalopram 40mg and have been for a few years. Don't know how to get past it.

@Megsro I've been on the verge of a panic attack all day. Feel like my throat has been closing up at times. You're definitely not the only one having these thoughts. I'm 42 and can honestly say my 40s have been the worst in terms of my mental health.

I've been the same this past week! Taking every little pain as something serious, I have nothing to base it on (the odd bit of sciatica) but i cannot shift my mind away from it. I haven't contacted GP because aside from the citalopram I'm already on I don't think there is much they can do

@Megsro I haven't contacted my GP either. I have the NHS app so I can see my records. They've actually diagnosed me with hypochondriacal disorder- it's so bizarre seeing it in black and white and it's definitely enough to stop me from getting help.

It's as if my brain has stopped recognising normal sensations and everything is really blown up out of proportion. I hope things settle for you over the coming days. It's an awful feeling.

@AnxieteaAndBiscuits I have also just worked out I am 10x more anxious mid cycle. And around a week before I'm due on. It's horrid !!

I suffer awfully with health anxiety. Looking back I was always an anxious child.. I convinced myself I had a brain tumour at 12 and prepared myself for the end. And I was terrified of taking medication in case I had an adverse reaction!
It died off for a few years but came back early 20's with a vengeance!!
I worry about not being able to breathe, throat closing up (so I will not eat any new foods in fear of sudden anaphylaxis!!) cancer... you name it I worry.
It's so reassuring to know you're not alone isn't it.
How are you finding the medication OP ? I've not been to the doctors with this.. but I do regularly think how much different things would be if I was somewhat normal again.

Yes @ishouldprobablygettherapy the mid cycle anxiety and the week before being due on is terrible for me aswell.
I'm the same with medications. They absolutely terrify me and the Sertraline was no exception.
I was probably an anxious teen (gynae problems, family illness) then I was great until I hit 38. My GP was quick to give medication for my anxiety. But, I'm so worried about seeing them for anything for fear of being dismissed.
It definitely helps knowing you're not alone.

Aw ladies I’m feeling exactly the same at the moment feel as if I am on a downward spiral! Can’t stop bloody googling and convincing myself I have some sort of sinister illness, life isn’t much fun at the moment 😞 sending hugs to you all xxx