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Original poster

Health anxiety...panic

31 replies

emilylouisex1 · 02/12/2023 03:50

So evidently I have health anxiety, just wondering how many other people on here have it and what they do calm down? I tried citalopram but the sickness was a big trigger for me even when I took it at night so stopped. I've had a cough for about a month and chest x ray was normal on Thursday but I've just woke up absolutely sweating and feeling like I'm going to vomit so it's sent me in a bit of a panic, automatically did my temperature which was 37.5 and showing orange😫😫 heart rate was 95bpm and I'm panicking now that I have some sort of infection, As I type this I feel like I'm going to be sick. My whole body feels hot so I put the fan on and now my temperature says it is 37.1 and my rational brain is telling me this is normal but the other half is saying no, you are going to get sick as your normal temp is usually 36.4-36.9 😭😭😭 I'm freaking out about sepsis as I've been sick for so long now

OP posts:
flowerchild2000 · 02/12/2023 04:04

If you're in sepsis you wouldn't be conscious to even know you have it. Your symptoms besides cough are all anxiety. Perhaps you could try box breathing to get you through these moments? There's lots of youtube videos that can guide you. Practicing mindfulness will help too. You're not supposed to suddenly stop taking SSRI's I believe, you're supposed to wean down. Sometime if you push through the initial side effects they go away. Can you ask for an anti-nausea med to go with it? I started a new med that made me sick as a dog for a month, but once my body got used to it I was fine, along with the anti-nausea med I use sometimes. I have terrible anxiety so I really do understand. It sounds like you're aware and on the path to overcoming, you just have to advocate for yourself, don't give up. Go back to your doctor and discuss what you need to do. You can do this!

Original poster
emilylouisex1 · 02/12/2023 04:11

flowerchild2000 · 02/12/2023 04:04

If you're in sepsis you wouldn't be conscious to even know you have it. Your symptoms besides cough are all anxiety. Perhaps you could try box breathing to get you through these moments? There's lots of youtube videos that can guide you. Practicing mindfulness will help too. You're not supposed to suddenly stop taking SSRI's I believe, you're supposed to wean down. Sometime if you push through the initial side effects they go away. Can you ask for an anti-nausea med to go with it? I started a new med that made me sick as a dog for a month, but once my body got used to it I was fine, along with the anti-nausea med I use sometimes. I have terrible anxiety so I really do understand. It sounds like you're aware and on the path to overcoming, you just have to advocate for yourself, don't give up. Go back to your doctor and discuss what you need to do. You can do this!

Thank you, rationally I know I'm ok but my mind just won't let me believe it, I keep taking my temp waiting for it to go back into the 36 range as it usually is but it keeps saying 37-37.2 which my brain can't comprehend to be normal, in my head I think I'm getting a fever and I'm scared to go sleep😭 I've had health anxiety for so long and it's got worse this year to the point I can't even do things anymore without panicking. I took citalopram for about 5 days before I stopped, I have the worst fear of sickness and it was really playing on that, I wish I could have pushed through! :(

OP posts:
Nearlythere80 · 02/12/2023 04:15

do you think the most common cause of fever is? It's viral infection that'll just get better isn't it, like a cold. Can you just take some paracetamol, have some water and go to bed? Don't check your temperature until the morning

whyamiawakestill · 02/12/2023 04:16

Hi OP

I have health anxiety so totally know how you feeling right now. It's an awful feeling of panic and doom and you struggle to rationalise it.

Have you got the calm app? If not I highly recommend it there are areas on it for panic and emergency where it's a 10 minute breathing exercise.

And then sleep stories.

I really recommend highly as even though the panic is there is helps your brain relax a bit and gives you something to focus on.

maldivemoment · 02/12/2023 04:16

Hello @emilylouisex1

Fellow HA sufferer here.

first of all, you are fine and when this passes, which it will, you will still be fine.

Remain on here for support if you find it helps.

maldivemoment · 02/12/2023 04:18

Definitely recommend listening to sleep stories. I love the one that’s called something like ‘really boring bedtime stories’

OhHowTheDogsStackUp · 02/12/2023 04:22

It's a very slight raise on your normal temperature. I certainly wouldn't worry about sepsis.

I got taken to hospital with suspected sepsis not that long ago. I had a temperature of well over 40, I couldn't wee at all, I was in so much pain I told 999 I wished I was dead, I was hallucinating, and I 100% in my soul knew something was very, very wrong.

Even with all that, I didn't have sepsis.

Original poster
emilylouisex1 · 02/12/2023 04:27

maldivemoment · 02/12/2023 04:18

Definitely recommend listening to sleep stories. I love the one that’s called something like ‘really boring bedtime stories’

Thank you! I've never heard of this, I will definitely try this, I'm willing to try anything at this point I'm so miserable all the time worrying. I wish I could think like a normal person when it comes to health.

OP posts:
Original poster
emilylouisex1 · 02/12/2023 04:28

OhHowTheDogsStackUp · 02/12/2023 04:22

It's a very slight raise on your normal temperature. I certainly wouldn't worry about sepsis.

I got taken to hospital with suspected sepsis not that long ago. I had a temperature of well over 40, I couldn't wee at all, I was in so much pain I told 999 I wished I was dead, I was hallucinating, and I 100% in my soul knew something was very, very wrong.

Even with all that, I didn't have sepsis.

That's what is scaring me, why the raise? My brain won't let me calm down, I did just take it again though and it seems to be back in the 36 range so that has calmed me a bit, I wonder. Can being too hot under duvet cause a temp? I just woke up sweating boiling feeling sick, I feel ok ish now albeit tired

OP posts:
whyamiawakestill · 02/12/2023 04:31

maldivemoment · 02/12/2023 04:18

Definitely recommend listening to sleep stories. I love the one that’s called something like ‘really boring bedtime stories’

On calm all find the one with Shawn Medes that's called we are connected

I've never heard the end of it, I'm awake and was about to login and listen to it myself as I have some chest pains and random ovary stabbing going on.

My body always feels super sensitive, when someone says they have a bit of an ache, I feel like I'm permanently overthinking any twitch or twinge, my nervous system is fired up.

I can't wear an Apple Watch and threw away my BP and blood oxygen monitors. It's not great to keep checking, the urge to check is still there but I removed the devices.

It's growing up with a sick father for me, always talking about sickness and illness I'm not sure I've ever been able to normalise anything health related, he was in and out of hospital my whole life, I've had real health issues as well but the anxiety really does calm with the breathing.

Do you know where your HA stems from? Have you done any therapy or treatments for it.

OhHowTheDogsStackUp · 02/12/2023 04:36

emilylouisex1 · 02/12/2023 04:28

That's what is scaring me, why the raise? My brain won't let me calm down, I did just take it again though and it seems to be back in the 36 range so that has calmed me a bit, I wonder. Can being too hot under duvet cause a temp? I just woke up sweating boiling feeling sick, I feel ok ish now albeit tired

Show quote history

Yeah loads of things could make it rise. Hormonal changes throughout the month is one thing. Getting too hot in bed is another. Physical activity could do it. Stress could do the same, which is sounds like with the racing heartbeat. You're definitely not tachycardic though so please don't panic that it's too high. I wouldn't worry unless it's getting around 38.5 for a sustained period. Even then, it would in all likelihood be a cold virus.

But honestly, if you were ill enough to be approaching sepsis, it would be significantly higher than that and you would be feeling extremely unwell. Too unwell to be posting on MN. You'd have called an ambulance by now.

Can you play something on your phone or a portable speaker to concentrate on? Do you have a treasured book you could download as an audiobook? Or even a comfort series you could play quietly in the background?

maldivemoment · 02/12/2023 04:45

I really like on of the ‘tools’ my therapist gave me.

First of all, your feelings are just that. Feelings. They are not ‘you’ and they will pass. If one/several of them are threatening to take over, picture them round a dinner table.Imagine the one that’s trying to take over is being too noisy at the table, trying to take over, hands up all the time, wanting to be heard. Then picture yourself at the table, acknowledge that felling but tell them it’s not their time now, they’ve said enough.
EG “okay, anxiety/fear/sadness/worry/scared you’ve had your say. I want you to put your hand down now. I’d like you to be quiet for a while because you’re trying to take over and that’s nit fair. So let’s agree you’ll be silent for a bit…”
I then picture the ‘feeling’ putting their had down and really quieting down. No more nonsense from them!

whyamiawakestill · 02/12/2023 04:56

@maldivemoment what a great visual

Goatymum · 02/12/2023 07:48

I have HA too. I had some cbt for it earlier this year on nhs and it’s helped a bit, even though the therapist wasn’t that great she did give me some tools to work with.
Trouble is I do have a couple of diagnosed conditions which are worse with stress so I really have to keep my anxiety levels down.

I am also waiting on some tests which is also scary, legit symptoms, cos I’m in my 50s and shit is getting real now. I just hate the unknown…

Goatymum · 02/12/2023 07:49

@maldivemoment - that’s really good (and more realistic than some tools I got from my therapy).

Original poster
emilylouisex1 · 02/12/2023 08:26

@whyamiawakestill mine stems from my father too! He was sick from when I was about 14 and was misdiagnosed with a bowel problem but it was actually cancer, he died when I was 18 - I've been in such a stuck place now for weeks, I've been getting constantly sick and not only that I've been feeling down too it's never ending - woke up this morning with no taste in my mouth and really weak so I bet it's another virus on top of the one I already have 😔

OP posts:
Original poster
emilylouisex1 · 02/12/2023 08:27

maldivemoment · 02/12/2023 04:45

I really like on of the ‘tools’ my therapist gave me.

First of all, your feelings are just that. Feelings. They are not ‘you’ and they will pass. If one/several of them are threatening to take over, picture them round a dinner table.Imagine the one that’s trying to take over is being too noisy at the table, trying to take over, hands up all the time, wanting to be heard. Then picture yourself at the table, acknowledge that felling but tell them it’s not their time now, they’ve said enough.
EG “okay, anxiety/fear/sadness/worry/scared you’ve had your say. I want you to put your hand down now. I’d like you to be quiet for a while because you’re trying to take over and that’s nit fair. So let’s agree you’ll be silent for a bit…”
I then picture the ‘feeling’ putting their had down and really quieting down. No more nonsense from them!

I love this! Thank you

OP posts:
Original poster
emilylouisex1 · 02/12/2023 08:27

Goatymum · 02/12/2023 07:48

I have HA too. I had some cbt for it earlier this year on nhs and it’s helped a bit, even though the therapist wasn’t that great she did give me some tools to work with.
Trouble is I do have a couple of diagnosed conditions which are worse with stress so I really have to keep my anxiety levels down.

I am also waiting on some tests which is also scary, legit symptoms, cos I’m in my 50s and shit is getting real now. I just hate the unknown…

Sorry to hear that 😔 I hope it all works out for you!

OP posts:
AlltheJays23 · 02/12/2023 13:37

I have health anxiety too which more recently the last year or so had turned into OCD type behavior. I also have other diagnosed conditions that exacerbate my anxiety. Its terrible. Debilitating. Your symptoms are classic anxiety symptoms and I experience these on a regular basis. I don't have any advice really as I'm struggling with mine daily but just know that your not alone.

Original poster
emilylouisex1 · 02/12/2023 13:47

AlltheJays23 · 02/12/2023 13:37

I have health anxiety too which more recently the last year or so had turned into OCD type behavior. I also have other diagnosed conditions that exacerbate my anxiety. Its terrible. Debilitating. Your symptoms are classic anxiety symptoms and I experience these on a regular basis. I don't have any advice really as I'm struggling with mine daily but just know that your not alone.

Thanks so much. I am ill again, thought I had Covid as the headache and feeling sick is immense but Covid negative. I think because I'm so stressed and scared all the time I'm getting sicker easier

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user628468523532453 · 02/12/2023 14:01

emilylouisex1 · 02/12/2023 08:26

@whyamiawakestill mine stems from my father too! He was sick from when I was about 14 and was misdiagnosed with a bowel problem but it was actually cancer, he died when I was 18 - I've been in such a stuck place now for weeks, I've been getting constantly sick and not only that I've been feeling down too it's never ending - woke up this morning with no taste in my mouth and really weak so I bet it's another virus on top of the one I already have 😔

I'm sorry that happened to your father.

Have you looked at cognitive trauma therapy?

Strictly, I think you have PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) not health anxiety. Were you ever assessed for trauma or just palmed off with "anxiety"?

That constant sense of fear and danger about your health is because of the unresolved trauma from what happened to your father. Those moments where it feels real that you are in danger are flashbacks - when you have PTSD your brain can't recognise that what happened is in the past, so any time something activates the memory again it feels like you're in danger as if it was still happening.

You need a trauma assessment so you can access the correct support for trauma/post traumatic stress disorder. The treatment pathways are different.

Adrenaline and cortisol flooding your system will cause physical symptoms (including sweating and fast heart rate) and can also wear down your immune system.

user628468523532453 · 02/12/2023 14:11

Also, you need to stop repeatedly checking your temperature as that's actually keeping your anxiety going. (Hence the panic about inconsequential readings.)

Every time you check and re-check your temperature you are training your brain to believe that you are in danger. When you're not.

Reassurance behaviours usually have the opposite effect - they make you more anxious because they reinforce the idea that there's something wrong that needs to be checked. The more you check, the more you feel driven to keep checking.

Distraction would be a better strategy. What activities do you enjoy that are soothing or uplifting?

MrsDanversGlidesAgain · 02/12/2023 14:15

Goatymum · 02/12/2023 07:49

@maldivemoment - that’s really good (and more realistic than some tools I got from my therapy).

Second that it's a great visual and a lot more help than some I've had. Def going to be using that.

Original poster
emilylouisex1 · 02/12/2023 16:06

user628468523532453 · 02/12/2023 14:11

Also, you need to stop repeatedly checking your temperature as that's actually keeping your anxiety going. (Hence the panic about inconsequential readings.)

Every time you check and re-check your temperature you are training your brain to believe that you are in danger. When you're not.

Reassurance behaviours usually have the opposite effect - they make you more anxious because they reinforce the idea that there's something wrong that needs to be checked. The more you check, the more you feel driven to keep checking.

Distraction would be a better strategy. What activities do you enjoy that are soothing or uplifting?

Wow I never thought of PTSD as a cause for my actions, what happened did traumatise me badly though. My dad was also a raging alcoholic when I was a child in and out of my life so I imagine that contributed to it too!
I definitely have some kind of virus as I can't move, I am bed bound and on and off tears because I'm terrified it's not just a 'virus' as I've been sick now for a whole month 😭😭😭 I'm fed up with this. Also I did try CBT but they discharged me, they said that my issues are a lot more 'deeper' and I need to talk through my past before I can start CBT as it was having no effect at all for me. I'm on the waiting list for private counselling currently.

OP posts:
SleepingisanArt · 02/12/2023 16:16

I haven't read the whole thread but you need to know that your temperature fluctuates every day whether you are unwell or not. This is why when you are actually unwell you tend to feel OK in the morning but progressively worse from late afternoon up until when your temperature naturally peaks at 11pm to midnight. So stop taking it constantly as you really aren't helping yourself.