obsessive behaviour due to health anxiety

[borahae]

so the current target of my health anxiety are my veins. One day, I noticed new veins appearing on my hands and body that I swore I've never seen before. In addition, I noticed how prominent and bright they were compared to others. I freaked out and (I know I shouldnt do this) went on google and started panicking.

So basically the whole day and night, I started to go through all my harddrives to find past pictures and videos that featured my hands. To see whether those veins have truly been there all along. Its been a month and I've been obsessively looking at my veins... when i meet other people, i would look at their veins to compare with mine... I know its probably nothing but my anxiety is making me convinced that I have some sort of vascular problem 😔

[Sugarplum1811]

Hi there,

I can really understand where you’re coming from because I’m exactly the same. I remember once before going into the shower my veins all over my body were so prominent and I was so worried! I thought I had some vascular disease and even cried to my boyfriend. He reassured me though that this is normal especially if you’re feeling warm. Veins can be prominent for many harmless reasons. You just have to reassure yourself it’s jusy health anxiety. It’s definitely easier said than done I admit. Try diverting your mind somewhere else as soon as you realise you’re thinking about the veins. Think about what you’re doing at that exact moment like if you’re brushing your teeth, think about how you’re brushing your teeth, if you’ve brushed your molars or how long you’ve been brushing. Just these simple techniques that will distract you from your thoughts. I hope this helps. Take care

Sim

[borahae in reply to Sugarplum1811]

Hi, thank you for replying. Sorry that you have experienced this too. I do know veins are more prominent when youre warm but idk, my veins just look so abnormal? But yeah, I will try to distract myself and stop obsessing over them so much. just have to accept this as a part of health anxiety... one unnecessary worries after the other

[Dolphin14]

Instead of continuing to escalate go see a dr for reassurance

[UFC80 in reply to Dolphin14]

I agree with Dolphin. You can even call back a Dr. after you had your appointment and leave a message with questions you have. Most will respond back with the answers. My Gp Dr. Has an online portal which allows patients to email questions through this. Yes, I hate Health Anxiety!!!!!! 😣😠 take care 😁☺👍

[borahae in reply to UFC80]

hi. my gp doesnt have anything like that and she is really busy lately. I did bring up the topic of my veins but she barely glanced at it and brushed it off with me being pale and thin. but more reassurance would have been nice :/ with health anxiety and all

[captained49]

Don’t Goggle Health issues , when Drs have said your OK . Your Obsessing over something as a Vein . Put Goggle away . Go out and enjoy Life , It can be short. Go make it a Beautiful Day Out doing something fun .

[John_Bean]

Hi! Interesting to read that