How do you manage health anxiety?

[kt460]

I am 22 years old and am living by myself for the first time. I've always been more anxious than the typical individual, but now that I'm alone, I find myself constantly concerned that something will happen to me while I am alone and won't be able to call for help. Currently, I'm experiencing muscle pain in my thigh and now can't stop thinking that it's a blood clot that will turn into a pulmonary embolism. (With the pandemic, I've been locked inside my apartment for the last week and have not left my apartment in 8 days nor done any physical activity that would pull a muscle).

I have a regularly scheduled doctor's appointment tomorrow morning that I plan to talk to him about, but I keep thinking, "what if I don't make it until then?" I'm working remotely right now but am finding that my anxiety is getting in the way of working.

What has helped you (or someone you may know) deal with their health anxiety? Anything is appreciated !

[WinnieTheDog]

I have that same pulmonary embolism anxiety! Twins! I'm not sure if this will help, but sometimes leaving music on in the background of whatever you're doing can help to forget that you're by yourself. When I get leg cramps that set off blood-clot-fears, I get myself a glass of water and do a couple of stretches. It's important not to give in to the fear, but to try and get a glimpse of what's happening objectively.

[Penguins_Rock]

I experience health anxiety too. I support you in your journey seeking ways to deal with this.

Since you asked ... one thing that's been helping for me in the past few months is going on Youtube and finding one of their zillion or so relaxation videos. There's one that's on 24-7 ... gentle rainfall. The sound is so soothing. I've been leaving it on at night, helps me get to sleep. Has nothing at all to do with pulmonary embolisms or (in my case) cancer worries ... but wow it's so relaxing. For me ... speaking for no one else ... ...

Thank you so much for sharing!