Health Anxiety

[jamxtart]

Hi all, I was wondering if there is anyone on here that suffers with this. I would like to know how you have coped or any stategies that you have.
I have suffered with this for around 10 years now and quite frankly it is really starting to do my head in.
Im only 28 but for the past three years I have suffered with chest pains, I have been seen by three different doctors, had an ECG and various blood tests all normal but I keep thinking that there is still something seriously wrong with my heart and that my doctors diagnosis of anxiety is wrong. Its so horrible that I cant seem to trust these health professionals and im constantly living in fear that im going to die. Any advice to help get over this is gratefully recieved.

[mifta]

Hi

I suffer from health anxiety and depression. Most of the time I am fine but if I have any symptoms of anything, I always diagnose cancer!! My reaction to it, is real, I feel nauseaus, have panic attacks and have the horrible feeling in the bottom of my stomach. I also have problems thinking straight and forget things. There is a website called www.nomorepanic.co.uk, and loads of people who suffer from all sorts of anxiety use it to chat, get reassurance, and to laugh with each other about what illness you have today!

You are defo not on your own with this one.

Hope u sort it all out.

[hollie1586]

hiya....i am exactly like mifta!! im 22... i have the most irrational thoughts. i have been an anxious person for most of my life but it really kicked in when my dad had a stroke 5 years ago. there have been some occasions where i have been so depressed that i was not able to do anything what so ever! when i am depressed i just want to sleep all the time. you think that you will never be happy again. i sank into depression at christmas as everyone in my house was ill and everything was cancelled and of course, i thought everyones illness was worse than it actually was. i didnt eat a thing and lost 9lb.
at the beginning of january i joined weight watchers and the effect it has had on my mind is amazing! i feel really really good at the moment. i also take propranolol (beta-blocker) do you take anything? i have had moments where i would start crying and wouldnt stop for about an hour...the tears would just pour out...like someone had turned a tap on and couldnt turn it off! i do get the odd palpitation but no where near as much as i did!
have you been offered cognative behavioural therapy? i was offered it but i didnt take it when i really should have!
my email is.... [email protected] if you ever want to email me and have a chat! try think positive hun but i know it is very difficult!! x x x

[Eve]

I'd also recommend cognitative therapy.

I was dubious despite it being recommended for years and now I've taken the plunge I must admit I'm so impressed, it makes such a difference. I had a lot of eating problems when I was younger and they never really go away, you just learn to control them.

I'd got so stuck in controlling me to control it and she has given me some amazing ways of seeing things I really wish I'd done it years and years ago.

Why not ask your GP if they can recommend someone good as they usually have lists of the people they would refer to themselves.

I agree with the Weightwatchers as well, only if you need and want it though, I'm on it too and feeling great. I've got a acebook group and Hollie can give you the link if you're interested.

Have you tried any medication as they can make a big difference.

Things like Chi Gong can also be really good to learn how to switch off and ground and centren yourself, all great for coping strategies with anxiety.

[jamxtart]

Thank you all so much for the replies. I am currently feeling really good at the moment, I seem to get good and bad days though. I'm takin propranolol too only 20mg a day at the mo but my GP said that she wants to see if that helps me before she does anything else. Ive also registered with the No More Panic website I cant believe that there is so many people out there that actually suffer like me thought I was the only nutter lol. Anyway I'm determined to get over these horrible feelings once and for all.

[sara3]

why don't you pay for a private check up? then you'll know they're not rushing, not fobbing you off, etc (not that I think the NHS would fob you off!). it may cost a few hundred pounds, but you can start looking forwards without this worry.

for the record, I'm sure that physically you're fine :o)

[LoftyLottie2]

I put my hand up here and say I am another one!! I have suffered since childhood from anxiety and panic and recognise everything about me from all your postings. I will look at that website too, so thank you mifta.

[LoftyLottie2]

Sara, the problem is that people like us are never reassured. Once we get something into our mind it never goes away. I get anxious and panic about everything.