Health

[hollie11]

I need some advice, I suffer from health anxiety and everyday I fear I've caught the silliest of illnesses such as cold, flu every night I go to sleep worrying I've got it in the morning overthinking I won't be able to go to work etc. I don't know what to do?!

[susieanna]

Hi Hollie, have you been diagnosed with anxiety?? I have generalised anxiety disorder. Get very stressed over alot of things. Have you been to see your GP; also what is your age if you don't mind me asking? Its horrible having such anxieties/fears. I do worry about my health too and often think im gonna kick the bucket for example/panick attacks etc. But anything can bring on these anxieties i have. There may be medications that could help?? I am only allowed very small amounts valium myself and started on an anti anxiety medication (but i need it increased as little effect at the moment). How long has this been going on for?? Mindfulness has been recommended to me, but i have yet to try it.

[hollie11 in reply to susieanna]

Hi I have been diagnosed with anxiety, I am only 16 but I have been suffering for about 2 years

[susieanna in reply to hollie11]

Id suggest going back to your GP. In the meantime, try to eat healthy, make sure you get enough rest/ learn breathing techniques; good luck xx

[hollie11 in reply to susieanna]

I have been to my gp and I was referred to have cbt but am still on the waiting list as it is huge! Could be waiting months. In the mean time I'm struggling I usually take 6 deep breaths whenever I feel anxious but doesn't always do the trick

[Biggles22]

Just get on with living. Ignore all illness symptoms.

[susieanna in reply to Biggles22]

Not very helpful Biggles really.

[Hidden]

Biggles do you suffer from it? If so from a young age? Your so blunt but a can understand what your saying if only it was thay easy no one would be on this site

[hollie11 in reply to Hidden]

Respect that comment very true if it was that simple we'd all be ok

[Hidden]

Thanks just the truth biggles must be magic eh just blank it out and its gone wow id love his magic powers

[hollie11 in reply to Hidden]

Be a dream come true if it was that easy haha

[Hidden]

Aye definitley would soon be xmas man hahaha. A try not to worry and block it out but its always at the back of my mind ive had depression health anxiety for 8 years nearly am alot better but tbh i dont think it will ever go from my head from morning till night no Matter were i am or go i think what if this what if that x

[Biggles22 in reply to Hidden]

I apologise for any offence, but I didn't suggest it was easy. Definitely not, but in essence this is what much of what acceptance and commitment therapy is about. Focussing on things outside of yourself. It takes a lot of work to change behaviour and especially ruminations about ill health.

I am a sufferer and do sympathise and see a psychologist every week to try and help with this, but still am unable to conquer it.

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[Chloececilia]

Hi Hollie, I suffer from the same, triggered by unexpected ill health. I have been to CBT and Hypnotherapy to help. Both are excellent for health anxiety. I was paying privately for CBT and unfortunately found it too expensive to sustain for the time being given the amount of sessions needed. Hopefully you will go through the waiting list quickly. Hypnotherapy I find really works for me and I can dip in and out of it whenever needed. Different therapies work for different people and CBT is definitely highly recommended for health anxiety in particular.

I also found two books really useful that are both available on Amazon kindle: Stop Worrying about your Health by George Zgourides and Overcoming Health Anxiety by David Veale.

I also practice Yoga which keeps my mind and body in check and has only benefits. A yoga breathing technique called Alternate Nostril Breathing is my favourite breath exercise for calming down (look for yoga with Adriene on YouTube alternate nostril breathing).

Lastly, if you want to give it a try, EFT/Emotional Freedom Technique or 'tapping' has helped me stop a good few panic attacks in their tracks.

What's good is that you have recognised in yourself that your worries regarding health are possibly irrational or obsessive, as is the nature of health anxiety. Now you can start helping yourself to overcome it.

There is also a great NHS leaflet available online that gives exercises to write which I found really freeing.

Happiest of health to you.

[hollie11 in reply to Chloececilia]

Thank you so much! Makes me so happy I have people to talk too, I'm about Too find the books on amazon and research the video on YouTube, thanks for your advice. Just the waiting game for the therapy now x

[Chloececilia in reply to hollie11]

No problem at all Hollie, you're not alone and we're all here to help and support one another! X

[susieanna in reply to hollie11]

Ahh yes, the dreaded wait for therapy; some great info given on here for you to try. xx

[MysticNova]

Hello. I'm exactly the same. I always worry that I've got every illness you can image! But I'm completely fine and healthy! If you are really worried maybe see your doctor as a way of cancelling out any of those thoughts.