Is this health anxiety?

[HorseGallopingOnATomato]

Hi,

I really struggle with bodily sensations. Basically, when I have any sensations (too hot, breathless (even while actually exercising!) hungry, dizzy, any pain, any illness, they cause me immense anxiety. It’s like I have no means of compartmentalising them of “yes, I’m too hot, it’s 30°c today, but let’s focus on this other thing” because I’m constantly self checking for fever, worrying about dehydration etc. I never, ever self diagnose with illnesses though and don’t worry unduly about developing serious illnesses, it’s just like common sense goes into overdrive and I can’t focus on anything else. I’m constantly monitoring for signs of infection or “just making sure things don’t get worse”. I worry a cold will turn into a chest infection. I’m terrified of UTIs, and I’ve never even had one. I dread taking medications ever for fear of the side effects causing long lasting damage. But everything about health anxiety seems to focus on taking a generic symptom and thinking it’s a serious illness. I just want the luxury of feeling crappy without the massive anxiety that goes with it!

Any ideas? I’d be so grateful.

Hi there. I don’t think health anxiety is any one thing specifically and it does sound like you have a form of it. I agree that many people with health anxiety go straight to the more severe issues - I know I do, I have a tiny burst blister on my foot from a new pair of trainers and I haven’t been able to move my mind away from sepsis or having my foot amputated... even writing that I appreciate how ridiculous it sounds! It sounds like you are struggling with the idea of getting ill at all, which must be just as horrible and anxiety inducing (perhaps even more so as unfortunately some level of illness is unavoidable!). If it’s affecting your life (and it sounds like it is) it might be worth speaking with your GP and seeing what they suggest.

It sounds like you have some anxiety. I was told I had health anxiety years ago, I had treatment and it got better but it wasn't till last year when I got treated for general anxiety I noticed the real issue was when I began to worry I'd latch onto the first thing I could find witch was usually a body sensation then tour start to prod and pole and obsess making no problem a problem.

It's called intolerance of uncertainty and its horrible, you ultimately need to teach yourself that you can't have the answer to this or that immediately and become ok with that.

I'd definitely speak to something. If you have a local county mental health charity/service I generally find them more useful than the gp but that really depends on what your gp is like as some just prescribe anti depressants or mitazipine like it's going out of fashion, without tackling the core issues.

This basically describes me... I'd not say I've health anxiety as I never worry something is going to turn into anything serious.. Its more if I've sensations or say minor pain etc.. I over focus on it and can't get it out of my head.. Worry when it will go away etc. I am SO jealous of people who have the ability to just get on with it!