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Health Anxiety - Possible Breakthrough

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Posted 4/7/2011 6:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone.

I posted a few months ago about my recent anxiety issues and panic attacks -- especially my health anxiety. Since then, I've been attending a weekly group therapy session at my school which has been really helpful for managing my anxiety and feeling less alone.

The breakthrough I'm writing about is in regards to my health anxiety. I've been dealing with bad HA for over a year now -- I've thought I've had everything from cancer to heart attacks to strokes (which is silly because I'm only 21 and in good health). Anyway, through therapy I've discovered that my health anxiety may be manifesting as a result of my concerns over my mom's health. My mom has been a pack-a-day smoker for about 30 years and my fears of her developing lung cancer are so high that I literally shake and chatter just thinking about it.

I've been hesitant to approach my mom about quitting smoking because she has tried and failed in the past. Also, I figured my anxiety may be unrelated to her own health. Today I finally did approach her about it though and I can't believe how much better I already feel!

We basically had a heart-to-heart and I told her how scared I was that she would get cancer and die as a result of smoking. As I told her this I was crying and shaking so I think she finally understood the extent of my anxiety and panic about the situation. She was really touched by our conversation and she's making an appointment with her Dr. in the next few days to discuss a quitting plan as well as a chest x-ray just to make sure everything is ok.

I know that my mom still has a risk of getting sick from smoking, but it feels good to actually have an honest and open conversation about her risks instead of pretending like the problem doesn't exist. Hopefully she finally quit within the coming weeks -- I know it will make me feel so much better.

Thanks to everyone in this forum for your support. This has been one of the greatest places for me to get out my feelings in a truly understanding community. :)
Posted 4/7/2011 7:57 AM (GMT 0)
Wow that's awesome, maybe that is my case, maybe I am actually worried for someone else other than I? hmmm I'll look into this and take the time to listen to my feelings
Posted 4/7/2011 7:59 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there! I'm so happy for you! That's wonderful that you think you found a solution to your HA. It must feel amazing to finally have solved the problem and a have a real answer :)

The only thing I want to caution you about is how hard it really is for smokers to quit. You mentioned your mother quitting within the next few weeks. Generally, it takes a smoker longer than that, even on medications. It can even take years.

I hope I'm not crushing you with this, but I don't want your hopes to fall if it takes more than a few weeks for your mother to quit! The fact that she is attempting to is amazing and with all of your support I'm sure she will be successful! My mother is trying to quit herself so I understand how frustrating it can be!

I wish both you and your mother luck with everything! :)
Posted 4/7/2011 12:45 PM (GMT 0)
yeah  WOW

You are a wonderful, thoughtful, caring daughter! I am sure you were afraid to approach your mom about the smoking not knowing the reaction you would get. 

I am so glad that she is going to take that first step.  Look at it this way, even if she manages to cut down considerably, it's a good start!

I quit 2 yrs ago the night I had my heart attack and it is still a struggle but I know better.

Hope it goes well for your mom at her appointment.

I used Wellbutrin and it did the trick for me and I was 2packs a day when I stopped cold turkey. Your mom will be saving a bunch of money as well. God Bless you.

 

Posted 4/7/2011 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
I am hoping to quit smoking too...you gave me hope...thankyou
Posted 4/7/2011 6:58 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your kind words!

3doorsdown, I have heard of people developing health anxiety after the diagnosis or passing of a loved one from a disease. Although my mom hasn't been officially diagnosed with anything serious, the chance that she COULD get sick was enough to make me worry about my own health. I hope you're able to decide if this may or may not be a trigger for you as well.

RiddleMeThis, Thank you for the realistic info! I know it will be difficult for her to quit. She has cut down considerably since her last quitting attempt, so maybe that will be helpful. Even if it takes months for her to stop, I'll still be happy. :)

babygirl, I know you quit your addiction!! Think about your loved ones and how much they would miss you if you were gone. That's how I think about my mother, and I think hearing that from me made a big difference in her determination to quit.

Once again thank you all and I will keep you updated on my progress (mom's too).
*Big Hugs*
Posted 4/7/2011 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
I think it is, my biggest phobia is cardiac stuff and my Dad has a mild case of diabetes (I say mild cause the doctor was surprised that no damage whatsoever has been done to my Dad and he's able to live a happy healthy life) but at the same time growing up I was SUPER attached to him and now looking into how diabetics are prone to cardiac issues, wow typing that was even hard honestly, I freak myself out over it
Posted 4/8/2011 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
I know how you feel 3doorsdown. I'm extremely attached to my mother, so much so that I feel like I identify so much of myself with her. This sounds like the case with you and your father. Do you feel better knowing that there may be a possible connection between your health anxiety and your dad's condition? Maybe having a conversation with your dad about what scares you would help -- sometimes when you verbalize a fear you stop allowing it to grow in your mind. I hope this helps!
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