illness/health anxiety

[MrsN1976]

Has anyone struggled with this—am in the vein of OCD? I go through bouts where I’m so consumed with worry and obsessively poking and prodding myself, I believe I am actually injuring myself (such as checking for breast lumps to the point of bruising or causing inflammation at my ribs looking for cancer). Then, the pain from that sets off even more anxiety. Have you found any therapies or medications to help? Thank you.

[b1b1b1]

First, get a complete medical check up, as well as a mammogram and any other tests that are recommended. If everything comes out well, then look into therapy. Many people on this site suffer from health anxiety, but it is important to first have your health checked by a doctor.

[MrsN1976 in reply to b1b1b1]

Thank you for replying. I have been to the doctor and mammogram was in October. No issues there.

[b1b1b1 in reply to MrsN1976]

In that case, you do not need to check for breast lumps. If you are medically clear then look into therapy.