Health anxiety

[LucyCharlotteP]

Hi ladies, I really need some help and advice please. I suffer terribly with anxiety in general but health anxiety is I think my biggest. Since lock down I started to feel really not myself not every single day but most days extremely tired, headache, sickness and really spaced out. I’ve been to the drs and she wanted my to get bloods done which I did this Monday along with a smere which was due. I’m extremely extremely scared I’m worrying myself to death. I’ve had no symptoms that I am aware of of cervical cancer but I’m so scared. I have two daughters, I’ve been with my partner for 13 years. I don’t feel like there’s anyone I can talk to my mum just keeps saying I’ve probably got anaemia and everyone else just doesn’t understand how I’m feeling and my anxiety and just say things like stop looking online. Please if anyone’s got any advice for me I would really appreciate it.

Hi OP, firstly I hope you’ve managed to calm somewhat since getting this off your chest.

The positive is that you’ve got yourself checked out, it is difficult to do so with health anxiety, so I imagine it wasn’t easy experience. Take a moment to breath maybe do breathing exercises, or EFT you can follow this on YouTube and there are videos to help with anxiety.

I’m no doctor so I won’t try and diagnose, but symptoms like you’ve stated are also aspects of anxiety. You maybe feeling things more intensely especially as you say it’s since lockdown, and considering it’s health anxiety that is severe for you it would be no surprise if it’s heightened it further.

With myself I can get waves of anxiety but nothing on a daily basis for long durations but symptoms can vary drastically. From waking up with night sweats, having vivid dreams to being incredibly tired and nauseous. I equally get migraines which give me balance issues, fatigue, headache and sickness amongst so many other things.

Are you doing anything at the moment to help manage your anxiety? X

Hi, thank you so much for your reply. I have a long history with mental health issues eating disorder, depression and anxiety. I’ve been somewhat ok at managing them with help from my gp and antidepressants up until March this year. I got put on sertraline in March stopped taking that because I thought it was that, that was making me feel so ill (I know not a very good decision). I called the drs last week in a panic state and she saw me and prescribed me something different. I’m just scared of everything at this point And waiting for my blood and smere results is sending me over the edge :(.

I really feel for you! I have someone close to me with health anxiety and they won’t even visit anything medical related so I understand how debilitating it is. Sometimes medications don’t agree and can make things worse. I hope you find the balance soon so things begin to ease.

Also I’m not sure how the mask situation will effect you, if you’re comfortable wearing one or not. You will be exempt and there are things you can print off or save to your phone on the government website if you feel unable to wear one.

Again thank you, I am actually ok wearing a mask because I’m absolutely terrified of getting covid and the thought of passing it on to my family is terrifying so wearing a mask is ok. I am almost like that with going to any health care appointments but I have to think of my children if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t go. I know I need actual help again but right now I’ve been told is impossible ☹️. I am at a very low point right now and literally don’t know who to turn to.

Hi i'm glad I'm not alone. I too have health anxiety and constantly worry about the big C. Everytime I have an ache or pain I think the worst. I zone in on the pain which then amplifies to the point where I dont even know if the pain is real or not. I'm constantly googling stuff and looking for reassurance I'm ok. I had been attending a CBT counsellor but that's on hold due to covid. I've had another flare up with breast pain which is taking over my life. I can't eat or sleep. I've been to the doctor who examined me but couldn't feel anything. Shes referred me to the breast clinic. The same thing happened to me 2 years ago and I got the all clear. I'm peri menopausal and was told my breast pain was mastalgia but now it's got sore again and I'm climbing the walls with worry. Health anxiety is a terrible thing but is part of the menopause for me. I definitely would advise a CBT counsellor who puts things in to perspective. Due to covid you may jot be able to get face to face counselling but video link is always an option or telephone, Good luck.

Hello, I have been having some issues. Not sure if it's just health anxiety...I have been having bad stomach pains, on the left and in the pelvic area. I have been having some bleeding, and discharge. My coil is due to be removed early next year (2020) I'm terrified I have some form of cancer or a tumor. Anyone had the same experience? I'm scared :(

@Moxxi

Hello, I have been having some issues. Not sure if it's just health anxiety...I have been having bad stomach pains, on the left and in the pelvic area. I have been having some bleeding, and discharge. My coil is due to be removed early next year (2020) I'm terrified I have some form of cancer or a tumor. Anyone had the same experience? I'm scared :(

2021*

I hope you’re feeling a bit better since you posted? I have had health anxiety a while since I had some hormone issues following a head injury. I saw a therapist a few years ago who was very helpful. One thing she said was not to google my symptoms. I really found that a key piece of advice. I had CBT and hypnotherapy for it as the anxiety stopped me going out. It was really good. I still have some health issues so it hasn’t gone away completely but I do feel more in control of it.