Newbie

[April7]

Hi everyone, I have been reading the posts for a while and decided it was time to jump in. I want to thank everyone for posting their difficulties here. It has helped me to accept what I am going through as anxiety, no matter if it is caused by my lyme, hashimotos, adrenal fatigue, etc; alot of symptoms I am experiencing is anxiety. I hate when people say "it is just anxiety" because it is the hardest thing I have ever dealt with in my life. Although I have never been officially diagnosed, I suffer from anxiety - especially health anxiety and I have suffered for 20 years.

[endearingsea]

hi,I've suffered the same fo about 20 years too,what's your symptoms for your health anxiety?

[April7 in reply to endearingsea]

Hi I get a lot of stomach symptoms and almost all of the symptoms that come with anxiety and panic attacks. I take cortisone for adrenal fatigue which brings me out of most of the severe panic attacks, keeping me from throwing up for hours and a trip to the er. So I do feel that some of my symptoms are related to my health issues, but to what extent or how much i make them worse, I dont know; or could it all be anxiety related. I try to tell myself that there has to be a cause, but I have been trying to fix myself for so long, maybe it is just anxiety.

I know its crazy but I am afraid to take meds, my diet is very limited because I think that I have a food sensitivity to everything. I get afraid if I get bit by a bug or I do something that makes my body feel a little wierd, I freak out and the thoughts go wild.

This all started out when I got really sick from a botched dentist job 20 years ago and I have been fighting a never ending battle ever since.

My mom also suffers from anxiety and health anxiety, although she wont admit it and is searching for an answer. I see how she reacts to things and the fear she creates, and I see myself in her and I dont want to be like that, but I am.

Sorry for the long winded reply, its more info than you ever wanted to know. lol

[Agora1]

Hi April7, It's always a good idea to test the waters first. Glad you decided to jump in. This forum is great in supporting you with anxiety issues no matter what medical issues may be going on at the same time. No matter what we go through in life, keeping anxiety lower will help. And yes, I agree with you wholeheartedly to people even doctors who put the word "JUST" before anxiety. There is nothing about it that can justify someone taking it down a notch by using the word "just".

20 years is a long time to have suffered from anxiety. I agree that the dental incident you had was traumatic enough to cause you health anxiety over anything and everything. Your mother having anxiety issues predisposed you to it happening as well. Genetics does play into it as well as learned behaviors from watching a parent go through the patterns of anxiety while growing up.

Actually it doesn't sound crazy at all to be afraid to take meds. We're all like that. Step by step now that you are in the forum you will feel the support of others going through the same issues. You will hear a lot of positive feedback in how they have handle anxiety. Always keep an open mind to what you read. Pick and choose what works for you and don't allow someone's bad experience with a medication deter you from taking what your doctor prescribes. We are all different in how we respond.

I wish you well and look forward to seeing you on the forum. Make it a good day