Anxiety and ocd

[Tjgg]

Hi there. My anxiety is very bad, I just feel so overwhelmed by it, I think I have a health issue maybe 3 to 4 times a day and my thoughts just come out of the no where. I can be having a very nice moment and then my OCD will kick in and tell me to enjoy it because it's like if God is giving me the opportunity to be happy because I'm going to die. My dad just died of cancer 3 months ago and everything started since then. It's a nightmare and I can just be happy anymore because I'm always worrying about something bad happening to me, like getting cancer and suffering. I am so aware of new syntoms in my body, like if my stomach hurts I will get very wory about it and then my anxiety kick in and I will start thinking about it as if I have cancer. I can literally see myself in my mind suffering, going through chemos, and leaving my kids behind. It's just crazy and I feel I can not deal with this anymore. I went to get a physical and blood work and everything came out good. But now I have a pain in my lower abdomen that is triggering my anxiety and it's working my creativity to 100. I feel lonely because I don't feel God, I am a Christian and I pray for him to help me, but it just seems he is not listening and that I'm by my own against anxiety. It feels so bad. I dont want to feel this anymore. Any advice? Help?

[Hidden]

Hello Tjgg!

If you seek God with all your heart, you will find Him. Sometimes it just takes repetitiveness and a strong desire. Keep seeking and praying. In the meantime, you know that you’re ok because you’ve been checked out by a doctor. So, hold it there and distract yourself when those health anxiety thoughts flood your brain. Believe that nothing is wrong with you physically and move on. Block those thoughts by thinking of something good or distracting yourself fully. Do something when you feel this way. You have no real reason to believe something is wrong. We all have aches and pains from time to time. That’s normal! Hang in there and dwell on something good! Wishing you peace of mind!!

[Tjgg in reply to Hidden]

Thank you tip take the time to reply! Its just hard to tell my body im fine.

[Hidden in reply to Tjgg]

I know it’s hard, but for your peace of mind, attempt to break the cycle!

[Worrywort626]

I can so relate to your anxiety and OCD. I have health anxiety and my 90 year old father had a stroke this month. I’ve fallen apart since then. He’s actually doing very well but it has upset me immensely. I analyze and worry over every physical symptom and visualize myself going to the ER, etc. I wish I had advice other than to trust your body, take deep breaths and visualize positive thoughts.

[Tjgg in reply to Worrywort626]

I will try to do that it's just so hard.

[Worrywort626 in reply to Tjgg]

It is. I get it. I struggle daily and at times it’s so bad I loose a whole night’s sleep and have to take Xanax. I hate it.

[APOR2017]

Tjgg, my heart hurts to know what you are facing. God promises to not leave us, and I know it can be very hard to believe it, but I think He is the closest when He feels the farthest. All that you are going through are normal feelings when grieving. Your emotions and mind are trying to process the unfathomable. My sister in law has been facing the same thing since she lost her mother from cancer. It is traumatic and is a process.

Here is a link to an article that may give you helpful information on how to help cope day by day with the loss of your father: bit.ly/2NEvm0V

I am so sorry about your hurt and anxiety. Try to take it one day at a time, and maybe find a way that you can cope and honor your dad. Maybe something you can do once a day or once a week, that you know would make you smile of his remembrance and make him proud.

[Tjgg in reply to APOR2017]

Thanks for the article l, it is a traumatic experience and injustice want to get better, hopefully I will some day.

[Mdrobinson991]

My condolences. Um perhaps seeking counseling may also help you work through it. Or a supportive loved one. I personally cant afford counseling but when I'm anxious talking to someone on the phone helps. Hang in there though you get through it.

[Tjgg in reply to Mdrobinson991]

I try to talk to someone but it's hard for them to understand me.

[Soaring123]

I completely understand your anxiety. I have health anxiety and OCD. I am constantly thinking that I am sick. Its an awful feeling. Sometimes I try to say the serenity prayer: God give me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. I also have been reading the bible (although I don't consider myself especially religious). There is a passage in the gospel of Matthew: "And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Depending on how acute my anxiety is, sometimes it works to remind myself of this passage. Just know you are not alone.

[Tjgg in reply to Soaring123]

Ir is an awful feeling, thanks for taking the time to write back. I will read the passage and I love the serenity prayer

[AWTTY]

Hi Tjgg- I was in your shoes about 5 years ago. I had no idea why I was thinking/fearing what I was. Saw my doctor numerous times and was always fine. Finally saw a therapist and was diagnosed with GAD. It took time to get it under control- but I’m finally managed. Please go talk to your doctor and tell him/her about your worries.

[Tjgg in reply to AWTTY]

Oh she knows.... and also knows the story behind, I had blood work and thank God everything seems fine. I had chest xrays 6 months ago, ekg, ultrasounds. But I am just afraid of going again and they find something bad.

[ebelljae13]

Get some therapy