Looking for support

[nsuth44]

Hi, I'm a 29 year old male living with health anxiety mainly focused around my heart. I have been overweight most of my life and made poor diet decisions and did not exercise. My mother passed at 58 from heart disease and I think my issues stem from that. I have been struggling for the last year with constant heart palpitations and chest pain. I've had multiple ekg's, bloodwork and a halter monitor. Everything came back fine. I've also lost 80 pounds (I'm American) in the last 8 months. For some reason I just can't relax and stop thinking that something is wrong with my heart. I was hoping to find some people to talk to and maybe some advice. Thank you.

[stevejb1810]

Making bad diet choices, being ‘over weight’ and losing a close relative so young is a cocktail almost designed to create anxiety. In this country, we would probably suggest seeing a counsellor but in the US I don’t know how easy an option that would be. It would still be my suggestion however.

[Bagrat]

Health anxiety is the pits. I do have a mild heart condition and being diagnosed when it hit was almost a relief after several years of anxiety and panic attacks. I had 3 sessions of counselling with a human givens counsellor which gave me lots of tools to help myself although I was already trying mindfulness and meditation.

I am also a retired spec nurse so am damned if I do and damned if I don't visit doctor!!!

There are ways of keeping your concerns to a reasonable level. I have had chest pains for years and work on tbe principle that if it had a physical cause I would have taken ill by now!! If I get chest pain I search my memory banks and if it is familiar I try to relax and breathe. There are many breathing exercises on youtube.

I like 7 -11 in for 7 out for 11 this re lleases calming hormones. Good luck

[CrashBC]

Hello, which anxiety services have you used and what strategies have they given you. Great news on how well you are doing.

[jowalk6]

So sorry to hear this. I too suffer anxiety and depression, a lot of this through health issues. I started CBT therapy and then EMDR therapy. I don't know if these are accessible to you over there. There are people to help. Also people like you so never feel you're on your own.

[Ethel3]

First I am sorry to hear that you have lost your mother so young. I do wonder if asking some questions about her condition and death might help. Knowledge is power. If you know what to avoid and how to do that hopefully your anxiety will reduce. You have made such a good start by loosing weight but you need to control the stress too as it is not good for your health. You have had a clear result about your heart so you must make the most of this by taking care of it. Continue the weight loss and ask for help with your anxiety. Good luck!

[isobelhannah18]

Anxiety is awful. Have a look online about ways to alleviate it, especially meditation or mindfulness.