Health anxiety

Eleny · Apr 06, 2019 at 09:26 AM

I have health anxiety and it's spiraling out of control. I am completely convinced I have an illness that I'm too afraid to even type. I barely made it into work today and I've vomited twice since being here. I have no appetite and I can't even shower, I feel so low, convinced of this terrible illness.

My GP has put me on anti depressants (Lexapro) and I am waiting for those to kick in. (I started them yesterday). But I feel like I'm going crazy and was hoping someone here might understand

My thoughts are so obsessive. My brother has OCD and he said much of what I'm experiencing sounds like this. I am utterly terrified and feeling so alone and unable to cope, I am close to going home from work as I feel so panicked.

Apr 07, 2019 at 11:38 AM

were you able to stay until the end of work?

I'm sure if you have something big, the doctors will tell you and they can help you cope

(((hugs)))))

Misfit Toy · Apr 07, 2019 at 02:05 PM

I get health panic attacks. If I am not panicked about me and something killing me, I freak out about my husband. My mind is a doomsday movie that keeps changing endings. One day my health, the next global warming. It seems silly to dwell on these things, but when an attack happens, it seems so real. Weird thing is, the things I think could happen, but wasting time in a panic about them is the worst. I would love to live with a free mind instead of anxiety and panic.

I hope the Lexapro helps. I can't take SSRI. They make me worse. Hugs!

Apr 07, 2019 at 05:01 PM

Do you mean, that you have hypochondria where you excessively worry about your health?

I have that too, and antidepressants did nothing for it, b/c it is a learned behavior from emotional neglect in childhood. I'm against antidepressants in general as I've tried them, and all they did was give me dangerous side effects.

I have used DBT and CBT to address the triggers for my hypochondria and learned a lot about myself in the process. Do I still have bouts of it? Yes, when something new pops up from a doctor's visit, I worry but then I use learned behavior techniques to cope with the overreaction and panic attacks, which usually works.

It's learning coping skills and new behaviors -- that is the key to overcome your panic attacks related to your health issues. But if you need to be on antidepressants, I will only say those didn't work for me at all.

xmascarol · Apr 19, 2019 at 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StreetcarBlanche

Do you mean, that you have hypochondria where you excessively worry about your health?

I have that too, and antidepressants did nothing for it, b/c it is a learned behavior from emotional neglect in childhood. I'm against antidepressants in general as I've tried them, and all they did was give me dangerous side effects.

I have used DBT and CBT to address the triggers for my hypochondria and learned a lot about myself in the process. Do I still have bouts of it? Yes, when something new pops up from a doctor's visit, I worry but then I use learned behavior techniques to cope with the overreaction and panic attacks, which usually works.

It's learning coping skills and new behaviors -- that is the key to overcome your panic attacks related to your health issues. But if you need to be on antidepressants, I will only say those didn't work for me at all.

When I get sick oh boy do my anxieties get bad.I feel like I am about to jump out of my own skin

rainbow8 · Apr 23, 2019 at 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StreetcarBlanche

Do you mean, that you have hypochondria where you excessively worry about your health?

I have that too, and antidepressants did nothing for it, b/c it is a learned behavior from emotional neglect in childhood. I'm against antidepressants in general as I've tried them, and all they did was give me dangerous side effects.

I have used DBT and CBT to address the triggers for my hypochondria and learned a lot about myself in the process. Do I still have bouts of it? Yes, when something new pops up from a doctor's visit, I worry but then I use learned behavior techniques to cope with the overreaction and panic attacks, which usually works.

It's learning coping skills and new behaviors -- that is the key to overcome your panic attacks related to your health issues. But if you need to be on antidepressants, I will only say those didn't work for me at all.

I have GAD too. I am just getting off of Celexa (citalopram) because it hasn't helped my anxiety. I felt shaky inside all the time while on it. I don't like meds! I tried Zoloft years ago it didn't help either. I've been in a DBT group before I developed the anxiety.

Now I see a pain psychologist ( I have sciatica) and we are doing CBT and biofeedback. I am trying to change my ANTs but it's hard because I've always been a negative person. Do you have any tips? It does really help with your anxiety? Thank you.

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Anonymous32451 Guest Posts: n/a	Apr 07, 2019 at 11:38 AM #2 were you able to stay until the end of work? I'm sure if you have something big, the doctors will tell you and they can help you cope (((hugs)))))
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