How do you cope with Health Anxiety?

I was wondering what everyone's coping techniques are when it comes to health anxiety/overanalyzing symptoms.  If there is a thread that already exists on this topic, I couldn't find it.....

If I have a headache, it must be an aneurysm.

If I'm short of breath, it must be a blood clot.

If I'm dizzy, I must be having a stroke.......

etc, etc, etc.....

I know these thoughts are not rational, but lately it's been getting the best of me.  It doesn't help matters any that my Crohn's is not doing well and that I AM sick right now, lol!  It seems when I am sick and at home, my Panic/health anxiety shifts into overdrive.....

Thank you so much for any suggestions you may have.  I'm really struggling right now.  Blessings Julie

 

What helps me is to come up with all the not scary things it could be -- but that is dangerous because if it leads to researching you can find more scary things. I guess I don't really have health anxiety but I like to be over educated about everything. So if I have a bad headache for too long instead of thinking aneurysm I think, tired, stress, allergies, loud noises, jaw pain, neck pain, bored, etc. The list of not scary things is usually longer than the list of scary things.

Also, I give myself a time table. I'll say, ok, this is probably just a rash but it could be skin cancer. Skin cancer will not kill me in 2 days. A rash should start going away by then. So I will wait the two days. Usually I see tons of improvement and am relieved. If not, I go to the doctor. Giving yourself a waiting period before running to the doc is usually enough for the anxiety attack to pass.

Or you could date a doctor lol!!!

Hi Julie,

I think I have the reverse problem! I have to be dragged to a doctor! That said, I have self diagnosed myself with every mental diosrder under the sun!! I think its a good idea to stay away from internet diagnoses. They are really broad. And when you marry this doctor can you find out if he has a cute brother? lol!

Stay in the moment..

Meg

Kitt is not an Emu so her head stays out of the sand! Live today. Live it well. Get it checked out, but never let it rule your life. It's really hard I know!!

I have HUGE health anxiety! I can totally relate. The smallest ache and pain becomes a terminal illness :)

I don't have it 100% under control by any means, but here are the steps that I took a few months ago that really helped:

1. I had a physical. Totally healthy.

2. I stopped researching on the web. It doesn't help - it only makes you more nervous.

3. I used a CBT log sheet that my therapist gave me (I started making copies and writing down...now I can "complete" the form in my head). Basically, when you feel a pain, shortness of breath, etc. - on the left hand side you write down what your mind immediately goes to (I'm having a heart attack, I can't breathe, I'm dying, etc.). Once you have completed that list, you must write a percentage down of how much you truly believe in that statement (from 0-100%). On the right side of the paper, you write down more positive/logical thoughts (I overate and have indigestion, I ran up the stairs and I'm lightheaded, I slept wrong and my shoulder aches, etc.) and then rate those thoughts with how much you truly believe them (0-100%). I'm sorry if this sounds complicated to write - I wish I could just show you - but it really puts things in perspective!

Good luck! It's the WORST. I'm a total hypo too, so you're not alone :)

I'm certainly in need of some tips/pointers as I have been driving my wife crazy for the last 3 months with my HA.

I've had a physical and all the normal bloowork, 2-EKGs, Thoracic spine x-rays, 3 chest x-rays, multiple other blood tests (CEA, CA19, Lipase, Amylase, bilirubin, celiac screen, etc)....everything comes back fine.

Do I feel 100%? No, because I seem to be getting new issues on a weekly basis. Newest one is a tightness/pressure in the back of my head, not really a headache but a different sensation, my neck is sore too. The minute I feel the sensation to me it means I have some sinister disease. The hard part is that I can't get the thoughts out of my head...they're in my head likely 16 of my 18 waking hours.

I find even if I stay away from google it helps only slightly.

Any words of wisdom anyone could offer would be great.

Thanks