Has anyone found that CBT actually helps health anxiety?

[squashyhat]

Reposted from the Mental Health topic as I didn't get many replies:

I feel I am going mad with my health anxiety. I have been signposted to an NHS CBT programme, but by focusing on the anxiety it just seems to be making the whole situation worse. Has anyone found CBT really worked for them? If so how, and when did you stop feeling desperate?

Yes it helped me immensely- but I paid for one to one CBT sessions with a private therapist. You really have to do the ‘homework’ as well and make sure you keep reaffirming yourself for all the techniques they teach you to help you manage your thoughts. I did more of a mindful CBT approach.

It took about three months to notice an improvement. I would say it changed my life as this was back in 2013 and where as I have had periods of health anxiety since I can recognise the thought patterns now and manage them, I have never been as bad as I was back then.

Yes, but only in conjunction with paroxetine to get me into the headspace to be able to take the CBT on board

OK this makes me feel a bit better - thanks. I am on the waiting list for some 1:1 help but it could be up to 7 months! I think I will work through the online resources and then maybe pay to see a therapist privately. Health anxiety has dogged me for years and previous CBT has never 'stuck' so I'm desperate for change .

I had fantastic CBT.
The longer time goes on and you are using the processes , the better I felt.