Down the rabbit hole...

[Mouse87]

I've got myself in such a tizz!

Had Health anxiety for years. And until recently had a good grip on it.

However, weeks ago now I noticed some changes in bowel habits (long term ibs sufferer aswell) but thought it was just down to a slight change in diet. Then I stepped on the scales and noticed I'd lost quite a bit of weight. I find weight loss really hard due to a condition I have so instantly my mind went to the "C" word.

I've completely lost my appetite. Feel sick at the thought of food and also when I wake up each morning.

Had bloods done. All fine. But I can't shake this feeling that something is being missed. Could this all just be anxiety?

I went through a really stressful time in 2019 and lost a considerable amount of weight within a couple of weeks but this just feels different somehow.

I've got another weigh in with the Dr in 4 weeks but I'm worried I'll drastically deteriorate before then.

So scared of dying.

[Agora1]

Hi Mouse xI'm glad you are seeing your doctor soon. I can understand your concern. Four weeks

can feel like an eternity when worried. Maybe you can give your doctor a call during

the week to see if there might be any cancellations. It does happen at times and worth

the call.

Try to not put the thought of anything catastrophic in your mind. Focus on the positive

and that is your blood tests were fine. Anxiety can indeed cause loss of appetite and with

that weight loss. Stay in touch with your doctor if anything changes more drastically.

Wishing you well. Keep us updated on your appointment. We care. xx

[Mouse87 in reply to Agora1]

Thanks Agora. It's 4 weeks to give my weight time to change... hopefully increase. But I'll definitely call them if something changes.

[Kam360]

Hey there! Try not to worry about your weight loss. If you have anxiety you will over worry, you will lose weight and experience nausea around food ( as I have). Keep away from the scales. It will only feed your anxiety. You will be fine. We are here for you. ❤️👍🏻

[Mouse87 in reply to Kam360]

This is what I keep trying to tell myself. Usually once I'm reassured,I relax and the hunger kicks in. But it just hasn't this time. Lost 4lbs this week but putting it down to now eating cos of this anxiety and trying not to worry.

[Kam360 in reply to Mouse87]

l know it's so hard. I am reading a book by Dr. Claire Weeks. She covers the weight loss and weight gain ( some people eat for England when depressed!) and advises that we should not concern ourselves with the loss of weight because when our nerves settle, appetite returns and you will regain your weight. I wake with extreme anxiety most mornings and my depression has been ongoing for 18months, trying various meds. My Dr. has suggested I stick with Sertraline and give it a good few months to work. Week 5 on 100mg and no major improvement in mood or anxiety. I have some Diazepam, which I use if anxiety is bad. The anxiety causes any food I eat to race through my system, so I end up having diarrhea. Jeez, we can't win. Anyhoo, be kind to yourself. Keep the faith my lovely, you will get better. ❤️❤️

[Mouse87 in reply to Kam360]

Thank You so much ❤️

[Butterflyfish-2021]

I have lost about 12 lb in 2 months, because of anxiety and depression had no appetites, what I have notice is on the days that am not stressing and anxious my appetite is fine , but once am stress zero appetite. I am taking it one day at a time trying to reduce my stress and anxiety, and enjoy life and eat as much as I can. Best of luck.

[Mouse87 in reply to Butterflyfish-2021]

This is every day at the minute but maybe I'm constantly stressed 😂

[Kaizen1]

A few months ago I went through severe anxiety panic and depression and had severe IBD and diarrhea, lost 20 pounds in two months from not eating very much. Horrible stomach spasms. Wound up forcing myself to drink protein nutritional shakes to just get something in my system. Scared the crap out of me literally. I researched everything I could find on the gut-brain connection and it’s now been a few months later and ibd has calmed down 75%. I did a lot of meditation and self care and just tried my best to slow down. I still can’t sleep though. Anyway, I did find some good I do on guy-brain connection and found meditations and hypnosis recordings free o line on YouTube. Mindfulness helped a lot but I literally had to make it my main focus. The fear was overwhelming me. I seem to go through 2-3 months cycles of inflammatory things and this just pushes my health anxiety over the edge. The latest is psoriasis and rosacea. It’s been a rough journey. I have a good talk therapist online once per week. I also found emotions anonymous groups online that have been very supportive. 99% of doctors just wanted to prescribe meds, but myLiver is compromised so I try to do everything but meds, and am afraid to take medication due to liver toxicity and also psychoactive effects. So, trying to win this battle on my own terms. I try to focus on what I can control, diet, staying hydrated, forcing myself to take a ten min walk when anxious or panicky, I still can’t sleep so haven’t figured that out yet, take supplements and vitamins since not eating a lot, etc. talk to therapist, and found life saver apps for meditation online like insight timer and Breethe. Things are slowly improving. It’s not a straight line but I see progress. I’m pretty much alone and isolated so it’s been difficult, but at least I have some tools now. Thisbis all new stuff for me over the last 2 years maybe, the pandemic was definitely a catalyst to my taking a downward spiral and having a breakdown last March.

[Kam360 in reply to Kaizen1]

Bless you sweetie, you're doing just fine by the sounds of things I get your Liver problem, I have kidney disease, so have to keep an eye too. I have to take meds for blood pressure and Antidepressants, my doc has done quite a bit of research to find tabs that are kinder to my kidneys so I'm on Sertraline 100mg and making slow progress. The Pandemic, most definitely, was the main catalyst for my problems. Keep doing what you're doing my lovely, you will overcome. Sending love and hugs.😘😘🤗🤗