Dealing with health anxiety

[XOshannon81]

Just how? How do I cope? How do I live with this? I hate that I’m so sensitive to every feeling my body has. My brain comes up with the worst possible reason. Then it feels like I make my body have symptoms to match the health reason that my brain is convinced I have. I don’t know how to function properly if I’m afraid of my body.

[EleanorRose]

I completely relate to this. The last line really hit me, I've said a few times that I am scared of my body but its really hard to explain to people who don't experience it. I have had severe health anxiety for at least 15 years. It gets better and worse, its not always really bad but it does become debilitating at times.Have you spoken to a doctor about the symptoms you have? I have an intense fear of doctors as well but I know lots of people with health anxiety are the opposite.

Therapy has helped me somewhat.

The mind is very powerful and I'm sure sometimes exacerbates feelings/sensations and makes us notice things more which we then interpret as something bad.

I don't have the answer as to how to be "cured" from it but I do understand how difficult it is and am happy to talk about it if that helps.

Take care,

Eleanor Rose

[XOshannon81 in reply to EleanorRose]

Thank you so much for your response. It’s comforting to know that I’m not alone in this struggle. Some days I’m doing really good and others it’s like I’m looking for something to be wrong. I have been to the e.r twice already for the year, had multiple tests done that all came back negative. I used to be this person everyone used to come to when they needed someone to talk to. Now I’m too afraid to hear about anyone else’s problem because my mind and body might start imitating them.

[Chipotle in reply to XOshannon81]

My daughter is going through something similar. For over 2 years now she can barely leave her bedroom. She’s afraid she will touch something and get sick and die. I feel bad for you. If I find anything that helps her I will let you know so maybe it can help you too. Please don’t let it get that bad. Keep reaching out for help.

[EleanorRose in reply to XOshannon81]

This sounds so much like me, I'm sorry to hear you're struggling with this too but it is a relief to hear someone else's brain works the same way. I find my brain is really susceptible to hearing things and then thinking they are happening to me, too. If you can, do try and seek some professional help for the anxiety.

[XOshannon81 in reply to EleanorRose]

It is comforting to know we’re not alone

[Daveacr1959]

I have this too. Push yourself to exercise 30-40 minutes daily. And tell yourself if you can do it your healthy. And it burns off nervous energy. And do guided deep breathing exercises free on you tube. And here is the one nobody but a dozen people on here have tried with me, and they said it works wonders. 5-10 minutes cool shower rinse at the end of your shower. Don’t time it just play songs on your phone and after a couple songs get out. And lower the temperature a bit colder each week. All the information you need about the 2 million people worldwide doing it is online or you tube. Besides mental health help it comes with 10 other health benefits. To bottom line the cold water. Let’s say we are close friends. And you are freaking out about some health anxiety, or anything else. And I push you into a 50 degree lake or pool. And I come in there with you and comfort you. And tell you to exhale slowly, while we are in 5 minutes. You would get out and be mad . But then you change clothes and warm up. And instantly I said instantly.. your problems have left . Because it’s a total reset of the brain and nervous system. The late actor Paul Newman used to dunk his head several times daily in real cold ice water. Try this and see too. We have tools .

[XOshannon81 in reply to Daveacr1959]

I will definitely be trying that. Thank you

[Daveacr1959 in reply to XOshannon81]

I have had over a dozen people p m me here and say it helped. And then a few quit and told me they had to start up again because it works good. I know it sounds harsh and hard . But you just do what you can . And push yourself a bit more each week or month. After the cold water your heart rate is down 30 beats per minute. In just 30 minutes. And it stays slower all day long. A fast heart rate is a sign of stress .

[BeamMeUp in reply to Daveacr1959]

Daveacr1959 That is really interesting about Paul Newman. In the movie The Sting (if you haven't seen it, find it somewhere and watch it-- one of the greatest movies ever), Paul Newman's character dunks his head in a sink full of ice water! I'm definitely going to try making the shower colder and colder toward the end. Thanks for those great suggestions. I also suffer from health anxiety. It's better and worse depending on what is going on in my life. But when it hits, it just seems to come out of thin air like a wrecking ball. Next time, I'm having a cold shower! 🙂👍

[XOshannon81]

I’ve seen testimonies about it but have never considered it for myself.

[Balthazar]

Hello.

Practice self compassion as best you can. We must love ourselves as we are- even in our imperfections.As others have suggested seek out professionals that can help; I belong to an OCD Support Group and it is beneficial also. For me prayer is crucial as I feel loved by

God. My spiritual director assists with this endeavour.

Yes there are many , many people in the world that suffer anxiety like us. We must support ourselves and one another.

God bless.

[XOshannon81]

Thank you so much for your kind words and suggestions