Severe health anxiety

[jn3w2]

I have always been super in tune with bodily sensations but in a bad way. Ever since I was a kid I would always think that anything I felt, even if it was a normal feeling, was a sign of something terrible. It has carried into my 30s and when it strikes it is debilitating. It usually happens about every 2 years and completely destroys my days and nights. I of course try to research what I am feeling thinking that I will find information that will ease my mind but naturally it only makes it worse. This specific time, Ive been dealing with twitching muscles for no apparent reason but of course my anxiety takes over and creates a narrative that I must have ALS. Even though I spoke to the doctor about it and was told that I just need to drink more water this was still not enough to ease my mind.

[Agora1]

Hi jn3w2, Welcome to an amazing community of supporters.

Let me start by saying your doctor is right in suggesting more water.

Hydration is so important in eliminating many of the physical symptoms

we experience with anxiety. Hydration provides the body, the muscles with

the fluid it needs in allowing good circulation to every part of our body.

Of course, just as important as water is proper breathing. When we are

stressed, we tend to over breathe causing hyperventilation which can cause

other symptoms. Catastrophic?? No... frightening?? Yes because we tend

to associate these symptoms with physical issues. But they are not...our

Health Anxiety starts with a thought, a negative thought which we then allow

it to fester/grow within our minds. Reaching out to Dr. Google is a no no. That

just drives our fears to the max.

Now that you are here in a safe and caring place, know that all of us have experienced

the same fears, the same symptoms and the same hopes that one day this will get better.

I've gone through years of Health Anxiety myself as well as 5 years of Agoraphobia.

Throughout my struggling and fears, I never once gave up on the thought that I would

win back control of my life. With hard work and perseverance, I did win Anxiety's game.

I am now here to forward my success to others who live in that daily nightmare of fear.

This too shall pass. We are here to help you through this journey xx

[SayNOtoPanic]

I feel you on this so much with the struggle of health anxiety (hypochondriasis) and anxiety in general. Try to uplift yourself with meditation or deep breathing, even listening to books for encouragement and support. I recommend the late Dr Claire Weekes work: Hope and Help for your nerves. You are not alone and I don’t wish these fears and the symptoms that anyone them on anyone. It’s cruel. Don’t shrink to it. Prayers up.

[Ley97]

Hi there, I hope you are feeling better. I have anxiety issues. Recently been getting eye and lip twitches as well as cheek tension. I am also grinding my teeth at night and wearing a splint. TMJ specialist checked my jaw and said nothing is wrong. My family practitioner said it is due to anxiety-to forget about it. I really really try. Couple months ago I had a brain mri due to another reason( fear of Chiropactor practice gone wrong) and everything seemed ok. I just wrote to say that you are not alone. I also panicked the other night and decided I have a serious disorder. Twitches come and go. I started laying down with meditation music and breathing. Looking good so far.