Hi,
Does anyone else battle with health anxiety? I have been having such a difficult time lately feeling like every little symptom is something horrible. Of course, I've been to different drs to check out the pvcs, shortness of breath, dizziness, etc. and everything comes back fine but I still struggle.
I won't even take a shower for fear of "what if" I get dizzy or pass out or.... so I wash up in the sink. I sleep downstairs on the couch cause I don't want to go up the stairs in case it makes the pvcs kick in and then I can't sleep. I am so, so very tired of so much of my life being dictated by fears. Yes, I have the program and went through it back in the fall of last year. I guess I need to do it again or seek other help cause I can't keep on like this. It takes from my husband and children way too much.
I still don't shop much, maybe CVS or a small store and that's it. Has anyone been as bad as me and come out of it? I really could use some encouragement right now. Thanks.
Health Anxiety
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Guest
Yes Somple Truths I have had problems with health anxiety.
I've struggled with any kind of pain I get. If my knee hurts I could choose to let my what if, worry, turn into obsesive thoughts. Make my self get real worked up about it.
I thought I was the worst! You are not, and neither am I. I would though step through and keep doing what ever you told your self you were going to do, ie take a shower. Tell your self if I pass out, I pass out. I'll get up off of the floor and continue to shower. One baby step at a time.
I have done better, I still think too much about what I'm going to do, but I have done better at catching my self putting things off, or obsessing about my ache or pain, or what ever.
You can do this, you have been through the program, have faith in your self! The tools taught here are good things to work on. I would give it a good shot and see how you feel in a set period of time. I think the program calls these growth spurts! Go over your what if lesson, and self talk. Thats what I would do. Hope it helps,
I've struggled with any kind of pain I get. If my knee hurts I could choose to let my what if, worry, turn into obsesive thoughts. Make my self get real worked up about it.
I thought I was the worst! You are not, and neither am I. I would though step through and keep doing what ever you told your self you were going to do, ie take a shower. Tell your self if I pass out, I pass out. I'll get up off of the floor and continue to shower. One baby step at a time.
I have done better, I still think too much about what I'm going to do, but I have done better at catching my self putting things off, or obsessing about my ache or pain, or what ever.
You can do this, you have been through the program, have faith in your self! The tools taught here are good things to work on. I would give it a good shot and see how you feel in a set period of time. I think the program calls these growth spurts! Go over your what if lesson, and self talk. Thats what I would do. Hope it helps,
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Guest
Thanks THH,
It does help to hear from others. I am my own worse enemy sometimes with the "what if" thinking. I will review that session. I did learn alot doing the program. I guess I got comfortable and let some things slip. And you are right. I need to do it anyway. As long as I let the thoughts rule my life, nothing will change. Thanks again for your words of encouragement.
It does help to hear from others. I am my own worse enemy sometimes with the "what if" thinking. I will review that session. I did learn alot doing the program. I guess I got comfortable and let some things slip. And you are right. I need to do it anyway. As long as I let the thoughts rule my life, nothing will change. Thanks again for your words of encouragement.
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Guest
Your welcome, You are not alone on your journey! I just finnished the program, and I have learned so much. We need to remember that old habits are hard to break! That is what is so nice about this forum, to support each other in our changes. I too need reminded what I am thinking about, the old habit just came so easy! Good Luck to you, and keep practicing!
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Guest
Hi, This is my first time here, I started the program last Monday, about 8 days ago. It has helped me to understand. I'm excited about it. Just by listening some o the stories, it gives me hope. Since I was a little girl, I had anxiety, but I never realized it. I thought it was normal to feel the way I felt. I'm 42 and on February this year I went to the emergency room, thinking that I was going to die. I believe I had a panic attack, first time. I love life, and Im learning to to understand how all this work together. I'm glad to be part of this group.
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Guest
Hello,
I have had health anxiety for many years and I still struggle with it. You certainly are not alone. Every ache and pain develops into something extraordinarily serious in my mind, however it never is that at all.
A pain in my shoulder, a tingle on my face, a vibration in my foot, etc etc... I think and obsess over these and others and it sends my anxiety level soaring.
I have completed the program before, but my anxiety has come back and I am starting it again and am hearing things in the program that I never heard the first time around. I'm hoping it will help.
Isn't stress and anxiety just wonderful? I'm also trying the meditation route every day and it seems to be helping.
However, again, you are not alone. I have read that health anxiety (HA) is now one of the leading anxiety classes there is. I believe it!
I thought I would post my comments just as another person who is afflicted with HA. Good luck to us all!
I have had health anxiety for many years and I still struggle with it. You certainly are not alone. Every ache and pain develops into something extraordinarily serious in my mind, however it never is that at all.
A pain in my shoulder, a tingle on my face, a vibration in my foot, etc etc... I think and obsess over these and others and it sends my anxiety level soaring.
I have completed the program before, but my anxiety has come back and I am starting it again and am hearing things in the program that I never heard the first time around. I'm hoping it will help.
Isn't stress and anxiety just wonderful? I'm also trying the meditation route every day and it seems to be helping.
However, again, you are not alone. I have read that health anxiety (HA) is now one of the leading anxiety classes there is. I believe it!
I thought I would post my comments just as another person who is afflicted with HA. Good luck to us all!
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Guest
Welcome, Yvette!Originally posted by Yvette Smith:
Hi, This is my first time here, I started the program last Monday, about 8 days ago. It has helped me to understand. I'm excited about it. Just by listening some o the stories, it gives me hope. Since I was a little girl, I had anxiety, but I never realized it. I thought it was normal to feel the way I felt. I'm 42 and on February this year I went to the emergency room, thinking that I was going to die. I believe I had a panic attack, first time. I love life, and Im learning to to understand how all this work together. I'm glad to be part of this group.
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Guest
I have suffered with health anxiety, primarily about getting a heart attack. I was 41 when I started worrying about health issues.
I would suggest searching a therapist who deals with health anxiety, also called hypochondria, and utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Check your local mental hospitals/institutions for free or low-cost outpatient programs/studies, and also your health insurance directory. In 2006 when this started for me, I was EXTREMELY unfortunate to learn of such a free program in NY, and to say it helped me is an understatement.
You also need to believe the good test results. Aside from the heart procedure that goes through the groin--its name escapes me--I have had every type of cardiac test. Everything thankfully is normal. I had been to the ER literally a dozen times from 2006 to 2007. Blood tests (for cardiac enzymes), heart monitor, and X-rays--all normal. It took a while but eventually, with the help of the CBT, I incredibly and immensely decreased my health anxiety. I finally accepted that "the ole ticker" is fine. I would say now my concern for my health would be the same as a non-anxious person feels.
I would suggest searching a therapist who deals with health anxiety, also called hypochondria, and utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Check your local mental hospitals/institutions for free or low-cost outpatient programs/studies, and also your health insurance directory. In 2006 when this started for me, I was EXTREMELY unfortunate to learn of such a free program in NY, and to say it helped me is an understatement.
You also need to believe the good test results. Aside from the heart procedure that goes through the groin--its name escapes me--I have had every type of cardiac test. Everything thankfully is normal. I had been to the ER literally a dozen times from 2006 to 2007. Blood tests (for cardiac enzymes), heart monitor, and X-rays--all normal. It took a while but eventually, with the help of the CBT, I incredibly and immensely decreased my health anxiety. I finally accepted that "the ole ticker" is fine. I would say now my concern for my health would be the same as a non-anxious person feels.
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Guest
Thanks to everyone who has responded and welcome Yvette!
THH - we'll make it through this and I will keep practicing!
Flyer99 - thanks for sharing your story. I can completely relate. I too am looking back over the program again to refresh and retrain my stinking thinking. I so appreciate your post.
Charlie B. - thank you for your recommendations and sharing. I actually did go to a therapist today and she is familiar with this program and wholeheartedly endorsed it. She said I had all the knowledge - I just need to put into practice. That is where I have struggled. Following through with facing the fears, just doing it afraid. I think I too have had every non-invasive heart test done. Some of the people at the ER know me by name or face from doctors, nurses and just staff! Mine have been all normal too - except for benign pvcs. Listen to this list: in the last few years, I have been to:
5 different cardiologists (just had to keep getting that second opinion!)
3 ENT doctors (are you sure it's just allergies?)
1 Allergy specialist
1 Internal medicine doctor (again for a second opinion)
2 Neurologists (Am I financing the medical field or what?!)
And numerous trips to the immediate care center, my family doctor and the ER. Needless to say, I think I've done my share of supporting the medical community!
Glad to hear how you have been helped and come through and I am looking forward to the day that I can share my testimony too!
THH - we'll make it through this and I will keep practicing!
Flyer99 - thanks for sharing your story. I can completely relate. I too am looking back over the program again to refresh and retrain my stinking thinking. I so appreciate your post.
Charlie B. - thank you for your recommendations and sharing. I actually did go to a therapist today and she is familiar with this program and wholeheartedly endorsed it. She said I had all the knowledge - I just need to put into practice. That is where I have struggled. Following through with facing the fears, just doing it afraid. I think I too have had every non-invasive heart test done. Some of the people at the ER know me by name or face from doctors, nurses and just staff! Mine have been all normal too - except for benign pvcs. Listen to this list: in the last few years, I have been to:
5 different cardiologists (just had to keep getting that second opinion!)
3 ENT doctors (are you sure it's just allergies?)
1 Allergy specialist
1 Internal medicine doctor (again for a second opinion)
2 Neurologists (Am I financing the medical field or what?!)
And numerous trips to the immediate care center, my family doctor and the ER. Needless to say, I think I've done my share of supporting the medical community!
Glad to hear how you have been helped and come through and I am looking forward to the day that I can share my testimony too!
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Guest