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New Member needs help over health anxiety

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Posted 6/30/2009 11:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Finally Im actually going to write down how Im feeling as I cant stand living like this anymore. I gave birth 20 months ago and have been suffering health anxiety ever since. I have been previously had depression a couple of time many years ago but the panic attacks are becoming too frequent and its affecting my daily life. I am so scared of getting sick. Its become to the point that I have mild anxiety before getting in the shower as Im scared I will see a lump or bump on my skin which will inturn ruin my day by me being on the internet looking up my symptoms and convince myself its cancer etc. I have been to the doctors about all my health concerns and was put on anti depressants which made me worse and then tried another anxiety medication which I was allergic too. Now I know people will say you need to see a therapist but I dont want to. I know my issues probably stem from being abused as a child but I have dealt with that and Im very open with whats happened to me with people I love so I just dont get why I need to tell a therapist and bring it all up again. I just want to live like normal people who dont worry daily about their health. I get so worked up and worried I wont be around for my son to grow up and its breaks my heart everyday. Please if you can offer any support or advice I would be grateful. Thankyou. L
Posted 6/30/2009 11:52 PM (GMT 0)

Anxiety hits any of us.  I have episodes of severe panic and ocd and I was not in an abused situation.  I was in a very loving family - so anxiety can make anyone suffer no matter their background.

I think therapy would be a great idea.  I didn't want to either, 9 years ago when all this hit.  i felt I was weak and worthless, but I couldn't stand living in the constant fear I was always in.  I went for a while, on a regular basis, then subsided and now have not been going for many years.  Sometimes I have setbacks, I'm actually in one now for the last few days, but i use the information I learned in therapy and the books I read to really help out.  Plus getting support from people here that know what you are going thru.

Hope you'll consider therapy.  There's cognitive behaviour therapy and other techniques that help people.  I never went on medicines, as I had my own fears on that, but therapy was a huge help for me.

Good luck.

Posted 7/1/2009 12:03 AM (GMT 0)

Hi...I have health anxiety issues too, especially because we lost our health insurance when we moved to a different state and I know I can't go running to a doctor every time I discover something new.  I don't examine myself in the shower anymore...ever.  That's where I do the most mental  damage to myself.  I absolutely do not GOOGLE anything. The worst case scenario is what I always zoom in on.  My advice is to stay away from the internet, looking up symptoms.  If you do not want therapy or medication I don't know what else to suggest except to find pleasant distractions and try not to spend time looking for the lumps, bumps or anything else out of the ordinary.  It's easier said then done, but it works for me.

Donna

Posted 7/1/2009 5:34 AM (GMT 0)
Your current symptoms may be related to things going on in the present. In any case, your choices are medication, therapy or learning how to handle anxiety on your own. I don't know what knowledge you have of relaxation techniques, what diet you should be following, etc.

I have issues from childhood, young adult, adult and present ones. I hardly ever know where my anxiety is coming from. Like you, I've gone over it with therapists and I continue to do so. I've been told I'm probably just one of those people prone to anxiety and I may have it the rest of my life. It's something I have to accept.

Lastly, I examine my body for things out of the ordinary. It doesn't frighten me. If I find something I go to the doctor. Many conditions can be cured if caught early. I never google symptoms. I have a medical book I look things up in but I know to stay rational and follow up with a doctor.

You sound like you need help. You need either medication and/or a therapist. Something is going on to affect your days. Get some help so you don't have to live like this. You are worth more than substandard days!
Posted 7/1/2009 6:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, I just want to thank everyone who has taken the time to offer advice. I guess I do need to talk to a therapist and I will. Thankyou. :)xx
Posted 7/1/2009 12:46 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HW cashmere, Im glad you found people's advice helpful.

Badfish :p
Posted 7/1/2009 3:54 PM (GMT 0)
cashmere


Welcome to HealingWell.  I am Kitt.

Support groups are a place for people to give and receive both emotional and practical support as well as to exchange information. People with health conditions, as well as their friends and families find support groups to be a valuable resource and get confirmation that their feelings are "normal", educate others, or just let off steam. IMHO joining a support group is joining a family so welcome to the family.

You have received some wonderful advice from the members so do keep on talking with us.  We are here for you.

Gentle Hugs

Kitt

Posted 7/4/2009 7:31 PM (GMT 0)

Hi,

I am a new member too.  And I have the exact same problems you do with health anxiety.  I wasn't abused, but I grew up in an over protective home and had some traumatic events in early childhood. I  see a therapist once a week.  I found that it helped me to find a therapist that really understands anxiety, worry, depression and panic attacks.  There are many good therapists, but they don't all have alot of experience dealing with the types of issues that we deal with every day.  If you aren't comfortable with the first one you try, try someone else. Keep seeking and you will find the therapist that is right for you. Good Luck.

Take Care and God Bless!

Posted 7/4/2009 10:21 PM (GMT 0)
Thankyou for your reply Sudsandbubbles. I bought a self help book the other day as I am still a bit anxious about seeing a therapist. Im not sure exactly why but I basically dont want to have to tell someone about my past and whats happened to me. I know its influenced the way I am today so I dont need someone to tell me that. I just need someone to change my way of thinking so I stop thinking Im dying all the time. The book has helped a little so far ( only half way through). Today is a new day and Im going to try and break some bad habits today by not looking up symptoms, checking in mirror etc. I hope you have a wonderful day and thankyou once again. =^-^=
Posted 7/5/2009 1:14 PM (GMT 0)
I have also found significant help from books. What is the title of the book you're reading? One of the recent ones I've read is "Loving What Is" by Byron Katie. Another favorite that I've read probably 10 times is "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living" by Dale Carnegie. For me, these help put thoughts in a different perspective and sometimes, this can make a huge difference. Good luck to you.
Posted 7/5/2009 4:19 PM (GMT 0)
cashmere,

I want to go back to your question, why should you see a therapist?  During your daily struggle with your anxiety disorder, you may  tend to think that just getting by is enough. You  figure that as long as things don’t get too out of control that you  can just get over it. But how do you know when enough is enough? How do you know when it’s time to see a therapist?

This is an important question to ask yourself. Because even with all the knowledge and good intention in the world the truth is sometimes you still need help. You may have relied on a good friend or family member to confide in and help you during those bad days, but when should you try something else? IMHO when your anxiety is keeping your from living life to the fullest.

My first time seeing a therapist was after experiencing my first Panic attack. My oldest had joined the military and I was blind sided by the attack.  It was a difficult decision for me to make because I was afraid of being judged and labeled. Also I am a nurse and I knew everyone at the clinic.  However, after only my first visit I felt like someone had removed a huge weight from my shoulders. Sometimes you need a trained professional to not only to evaluate you, but also to provide guidance and a sympathetic ear.

I have had Anxiety for 26 years and I have tried in the past to speak with people I knew about my anxiety and felt like they not only did not understand but also like they really didn’t care. Coming here and talking with the members of this great forum has been a huge help to me. 

I am glad you are considering therapy as I know you will be surprised at how understanding and supportive a therapist can be for you.

I wish you peace,

Kitt

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