Health anxiety out of control

[Wmoejg]

I had a tough year in 2022 where it seemed that everyone around me became quite sick, some getting seriously unwell, some passing away. This led me to develop health anxiety (I already had a history of OCD). I since had a daughter and my health anxiety has become worse and worse. I'm getting therapy for it currently and have been on anti anxiety medications (not on any currently as struggled with the side effects). It's spiralling out of control again, as I've stayed wide awake as my daughter slept, listening to her tummy wondering if she has a stomach bug (I feel mad!!!). What can I do to ease this anxiety? I can see in myself that it's bad but just don't know how to fix it, nothing seems to help.

(I also have emetephobia so sickness is a huge trigger for me)

What sort of therapy are you getting at the moment? Is your therapist aware of the health anxiety?

@Eyesopenwideawake currently EMDR for the trauma (yes they're aware). Previously CBT (also aware).

I can see in myself that it's bad but just don't know how to fix it

Imagine your daughter screaming out in the night that there was a monster under her bed. Would you race into the room, scoop her into your arms and run into the street, yelling at the top of your voice for the police and army to come and deal with the monster? No, of course not. You'd reassure her that there's no monster and that you are there to keep her safe.

That's exactly what you need to do with the thoughts that are swirling around your head. Remind them that you are in charge, there's no danger and the only thing they are achieving by alarming you is keeping you from the sleep you need. Be as school marm-ish as you want - your subconscious needs to be reassured that you are in control.