Horrific health anxiety - seem to be no options left to try

101 replies

Whatagooddog · 10/09/2026 21:55

I don't really know what I'm hoping for writing this post.

I've had horrific health anxiety for years but today has been off the charts.

I've tried:
CBT
EMDR
I have a psychiatrist
I have a wonderful GP
I've had lots of counselling, therapy, and CPNs.
I've bought more apps and books and programmed than I can count.
I've breathed and I've visualised and all of the other things that suggest, 'maybe this will work'.

Nothing seems to work.

I do have a huge list of other health issues, some of which mean that a lot of medication isn't safe.

I guess I'm just always, always hopeful that someone out there knows something, that someone can help.

Tonight I'm convinced I'm going to have a stroke. I'm just waiting. And if it doesn't happen? I'll think it again tomorrow. And every other tomorrow will have something else.

Has anyone ever got through this?

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Original poster

Whatagooddog · 13/09/2026 18:22

VanGoghsSunflower · 13/09/2026 00:29

I have dealt with health anxiety for much of my life and had a difficult time with it recently, so I can relate. I am also turning 60 in a few months and was diagnosed with a chronic leukaemia (stable at the moment) 3+ years ago. My sons, although young adults, are autistic and living at home. They don’t know because they are also anxious souls. My husband is thankfully unlike me.
What has lessened the ruminating for me is exercising. I use a stationary bike which forces me to concentrate on something besides my anxiety.
I also started seeing a therapist and take an antidepressant (currently not effective, and am in the process of lowering my dose to try another, but having my blood pressure taken at the doctors is one of my anxieties, so I haven’t made the switch yet).
Like you, it can be anything (this wart, that mole, colon cancer, and cardiac arrest concerns just in this week alone).
I also have the Claire Weekes’ book and it is good.
I’m sorry I don’t offer much help, but I do understand 💐🌸

Thank you for replying, it does actually help to know other people get it. There's a list every day isn't there?

I'm glad that exercise is helping you and I have wondered if I could use it as a distraction, but it's often all so physical when it happens.

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