Health Anxiety coping tips

[BasketK]

anyone got some good ones? In a pretty bad bout right now and some of my old strategies don’t seem to be cutting it. Restarted medication 3 weeks ago but not noticing much help yet with the obsessive thoughts and ruminations. Appreciate any positive suggestions. Thanks.

[Agora1]

Welcome BasketK...All things in life take time but well worth the wait.

Even restarting medication can take from 4-6 weeks to reach full efficacy.

While waiting, look for some other methods/tools that can be used for your

ruminating and obsessive thoughts. Medication isn't enough. It can have a

band-aid effect while your mind is off in another direction. Therapy helps in

addressing the issues but it's about changing the course of our thoughts that

will show progress.

YouTube has many subject matters that teach us as well as show us how to

overcome the situation we struggle with.

The purpose in finding ways to interrupt the negative thoughts can be done

through Meditation before bed, upon awakening and midafternoon. As you fall

asleep to the positive words of the speaker, the subconscious mind absorbs every

thing it hears. When done continuously, the mind is basically brain washed into a

more positive frame of mind. We're here to help support you reach your goal.

I'm so happy you found us. We're here for you because we care. xx

[BasketK in reply to Agora1]

Thank you! On your suggestion, I found many meditation videos that address this concern and will begin putting them into practice. With all my googling symptoms over my life you would think I MIGHT be sharp enough to google “dealing with health anxiety” but alas, never have!

[cashew78]

Hello, sorry to hear things are difficult for you at the moment. About the obsessive thought.. been there. Something that worked for me but took me a long, long time to catch onto is acknowledging the thought, taking a (or a series of) deep breath(s), and continuing with whatever I was doing. It wasn't easy to just sit with the thoughts coming back again and again, but acknowledging them and not necessarily giving them primary importance in that moment allowed me to free up some energy to keep on with my day, or at least not get as bogged down and stressed. I'm still trying to figure out rumination :/ Good luck.

[BasketK in reply to cashew78]

Thank you. I do try to “let it pass” and it does work, but those old ways are weirdly comforting and I return to them. Just another reminder of how powerful our thinking can be, isn’t it? Sorry this devil bothers you as well. I hope you have the best day.

[Dolphin14]

BasketK

Welcome to the community. I'm sorry you are having a difficult time.

Three weeks isn't always enough time to feel the effects of meds. I'm assuming it was an anti depressant you were put on.

I agree with Agora1 meds ate only one piece to the puzzle. The rest is hard work.

What have you tried up to this point?

🐬

[BasketK in reply to Dolphin14]

I try to accept the feelings for what they truly are; fear. That works sometimes, but usually I return to my old ways of googling symptoms, making appt and generally feeling damned sorry for myself. Have been trying to get some exercise in there but it is still cold and rainy where I am so I’m not motivated. I did read one thought that has stuck with me:

Focus on living your life, not trying to prevent death.

That hit me right between the eyes and I’m still coming to grips with how true it has been for me all of my life.

Thanks for your reply. I appreciate it and hope I can be of some help to you and others here. Have the best day.

[Dolphin14 in reply to BasketK]

Love that quote! There are so many that tell us not to look ahead. Stay in the present and enjoy. Couch time gets wasted on the what ifs.

We are glad you are here with us.

[blackcat64013]

Hi BasketK,I can recommend an audible book called "The Essential Guide To Health Anxiety."

You need to go to the Audible Books 📚 website, create your account for a free one month trial, get the book, then cancel your subscription to avoid the $17 fee.

I presume the book would be available in hardy copy from your library or Amazon.

Sometimes a few sessions with a psychologist, either online or in person is useful.

Of course, our knowledgeable forum members are great supporters too

🐈‍⬛

[BasketK in reply to blackcat64013]

book ordered! I have some therapy sessions arranged as well as the meds, and the book looks very helpful. Thank you. I truly appreciate you taking the time to reply. Hopefully, I can be of some help to you and others who suffer from this along my journey. I am not alone and I need to remember that. Have the best day.

[sunshinefan]

Hello- BasketK.

I find calming music to help, meditation helps me too. A walk in nature, calling a friend, petting my cat, taking deep breaths. Those are some things that help me.

[BasketK]

oh I miss my dog so much! He was such a comfort when I would be really suffering. I can see where petting a sweet pet would be calming to you. Music is a great comfort already and I am trying to use it along with some guided meditation, but I find it hard to relax. Takes practice, I guess. Thank you for your reply. I appreciate it. Have the best day.