I am really struggling and have times when the feeling of hopelessness becomes overwhelming and I can barely function. I have health anxiety and keeping convincing myself I am very ill, it’s all I can think about at times. I have lost interest in hobbies and just feeling I am spiralling down a really dark hole and worry I won’t get out. I am terrified.
Any advice on how to cope with these feelings? I have been having CBT for a few weeks but I don’t feel like it’s helping yet. Dr has also proscribed me Sertraline, but I am a bit scared of taking them in case they make me feel worse.
Written by
JC33
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This is relatable. I don’t have a health anxiety, though, but still it’s an anxiety.
I dread these moments when you feel that spiraling down phase is starting. I know that during this phase you should never just sit alone and eat yourself with dark thoughts. But it’s hard for me to be around people during these times.
Yeah. They say it’s because the panic hormone is at its highest in the morning. That’s why it’s both physically and mentally the toughest part of the day.
Yes I was told this the other day my partners Mum who is a counsellor. She said to line up somethings within reach to distract yourself when you wake so I have some podcasts lined up to listen to first thing, which helps a bit.
Thank you for sharing. I can relate to the morning being the worst and how to change my thoughts first thing in the day. Uplifting, Encouraging Podcasts are a great idea. I also listen to uplifting Christian music, read a devotional and watch sermons. This church actually has a four part series on how to cope with anxiety (bit.ly/34C3xvA). I also have a journal I have written to remind myself what I thoughts are good for me and I say them to myself every morning. It has a list of what is healthy to think about in the morning to replace those anxious thoughts. That way I can focus on the uplifting thoughts instead of the anxious thoughts. Anxiety is also a chemical imbalance. I know you are afraid the medication may make it worse, but it is designed to help you and if you are in contact with the doctor, he/she can regulate it until you find the right dose and amount that works for you. I am also glad you are doing CBT - it helped me, because it works on our thoughts and how our thoughts affect our behavior and our beliefs about ourselves. Our thoughts can really affect our behavior and mood. So if we can take a hold of our thoughts before they cause us to spiral and we change them quickly to ones that will keep us focused on the true and right things about ourselves, then we can control the anxiety from taking over. I tell myself everyday to take baby steps, be proud of the things I accomplish no matter how small they may be, and know that anxiety is something I struggle with from time to time it is not who I am. I will be praying for you. Have hope and believe you will feel better and not struggle. Hugs and God Bless
Thanks so much for asking and for your first post, very kind of you and I really appreciate it. On the whole I think I am doing a bit better, but can still have ups and downs. I have spent some time with family and doing a bit more exercise. Just trying different things to distract myself if I get thoughts creeping in again. Thanks again for asking.
Just remember you can reach out anytime here. Someone will always responds with encouragement and support. If you ever what to chat privately. Feel free to pm me. Hugs
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