We believe everything Doctor Google tells us. But when a fully qualified doctor tells us, it's another matter.

[Jeff1943]

We've all been there. We get some ache or pain, or notice some physical change, and we Google it. Before long we're 99% convinced we have heart failure or cancer or some terrible wasting disease.

After all, we do have anxiety disorder so we're bound to expect the worst. So along we go to a qualified doctor, someone who went to medical school for 5 years and has the experience of dealing with hundreds of illnesses every week. He or she arranges scans or tests using modern technology and back comes the verdict: "Stop worrying, you're fit and healthy. It's anxiety."

But instead of feeling relief and reassurance, we think: "They must have missed something!" And so we continue trying to cure ourselves of an illness we don't have. But no matter how hard and long you try, you can't cure yourself of an illness you don't have.

If I have a health worry I too consult Doctor Google. But instead of looking for the bad news, I'm looking for the bit that says "But this condition is very rare and most likely is a symptom of something minor and easily treatable." Try it some time.

Anxiety is a very accomplished confidence trickster. It can impersonate almost any genuine physical illness and you can hardly tell the difference. It can force some people to never leave their homes in the false belief that some disaster awaits them outside. And it can exaggerate our normal concern not to die before our time into the terror that death is imminent.

If anxiety was an actor it would surely win an Oscar. Several probably.

The problem with all this deception is that it keeps us focussed on the wrong things: symptoms that although extremely distressing aren't for real. Instead of directing our attention onto what really matters: anxiety itself.

Once successfully treated anxiety will see all the fake symptoms disappear faster than the early morning mist at sunrise.

This is why the first imperative of Claire Weekes is 'FACE'. We must recognise in full that our distress is caused by high anxiety alone: until we face that reality we cannot expect to move fast forward to the next stage along the Yellow Brick Road to recovery.

[Miamilo]

Somewhat comforting but I have recently been diagnosed with a rare cancer and awaiting final biopsy results. My fear is that this new stressor will heighten my anxiety and my immune system will not be strong. If I could only sleep. Doctors are so paranoid about opioid crisis that they won’t prescribe medications that can help. Not sure where to turn if the docs won’t help. I do all of the guided meditations, deep breathing exercises, everything to help my mind, body, spirit. I practically live on YouTube.

[Jeff1943 in reply to Miamilo]

Sorry to hear that, Miamilo. So many cancers are treatable today, medical science has advanced so much in the last 15 years alone. When worries like this come along then Nature provides us with the extra strength to deal with the problem, I sincerely trust this will happen in your case.

First you must wait for the final biopsy results. Please remember you have friends here with whom you can always share your thoughts and look for support. We are with you.

[Miamilo in reply to Jeff1943]

Thank you.

[IChoose]

Even hypochondriacs get sick, and eventually you will have something that's not all in your head. Some doctors do misdiagnose. Hang in there and be patient with yourself. Maybe you'll find a placebo that helps. I used to take melatonin and it reslaxed me.

[Jeff1943 in reply to IChoose]

Yes, never take anything for granted, always get symptoms checked by a doctor to make sure it's anxiety. As they say, just because you're paranoid doesn't mean you're not being followed😊

[SpiritualT in reply to Jeff1943]

The thing with this for me is confusing and I will explain why, as someone who gas suffered with health anxiety for 7 years and have had lots of medical testing and I mean lots, where do you draw the line at getting symptoms checked by a Doctor? I am at the Doctors every week or the hospital emergency room because of a symptom and i get told is its anxiety, so where do i draw the line at keep going to the doctor for symptoms because it is taking over my life.

[Jeff1943 in reply to SpiritualT]

I would say go and see your doctor as often as you want to discuss your latest fears. This will bring some reassurance and cover you for the very rare cases where your symptom may indeed be physical and not nervous. Don't be self-conscious about 'pestering' your doctor, let's face it, you've had this for 7 years and he/she has failed to cure you so what does your doctor expect.

But I would channel your cries for assistance through your doctor rather than repetitive visits to A&E unless you're actually bleeding to death😣

It will press on your doctor the extent to which this problem is blighting your life and may encourage him or her to give you the attention you haven't been getting over the past 7 years - including some talking therapy which can often be extremely helpful.

[eaglelee257]

My Doctor diagnosed me with Somatic Symptom disorder. Sounds about the same as you are describing here, with some extra add ons.

[Jeff1943 in reply to eaglelee257]

This sounds almost the same condition as Health Anxiety.

[Weeniedoglady]

This is spot on... I definitely fall into this trap all the time. Something that has been helping is that I've changed my lifestyle (no alcohol, cardio at least dvefy other day, and regular meditation). I don't allow myself to consult Dr. Good anymore.... Instead if I am feeling my anxiety rise due to phantom symptoms I instead Google things like 'benefits of exercise and meditation' because I know that right now I am doing these things and receiving those benefits. It's been helping. But there's no quick fix and I'm sure you know that! Thanks for the post