How do you know when things are real and when they are not?

So if anxiety takes shape of other conditions like heart attack and other things, how do you know when it is in your head and when it is really something serious? This is my major concern, and  I cannot come up with anything to cope with this thought.

Hi

Welcome to HW and good to meet you. This is a common question when people are suffering with anxiety and your right anxiety does mimic a whole range of other conditions and I have had experience of this. What you must not do is to start to google your symptoms as the mind is very powerful and you can start to convince yourself you have the symptoms which is called health anxiety.

What I would say is that if something is really worrying you go and speak with your doctor and get it checked in my experience they usually are very understanding. Also they can give advise on any medications which can help ease your symptoms. They could also refer you to get some talk therapy such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy) which teach how to recognize your triggers to your anxiety and then give you techniques you can do to lessen your anxiety to a more manageable level.

Sometimes keeping a log of what makes you feel anxious can help you to find out what in at the root cause. In my view it is important to keep in regular contact with your doctor because things can change quite suddenly eg you may be feeling fine for weeks but then have a down period. An other tip is to learn to just run with your anxiety and know that it will get better also just take one day at a time. Do keep posting here and you will get support and advise.

Hibee

Hi Mel,

I wanted to let you know you are not alone. Many people with anxiety have physical sx that are related to anxiety.  I would suggest you start with a good medical screening exam and be upfront with your Dr. re your fears.  Explain to him you are unsure of when you need to see a Dr. or when your having anxiety attack.

 

Because the anxiety disorders are a group of related conditions rather than a single disorder, they can look very different from person to person. One individual may suffer from intense anxiety attacks that strike without warning, while another gets panicky at the thought of mingling at a party. Someone else may struggle with a disabling fear of driving or uncontrollable, intrusive thoughts. Still another may live in a constant state of tension, worrying about anything and everything.

But despite their different forms, all anxiety disorders share one major symptom: persistent or severe fear or worry in situations where most people wouldn’t feel threatened.

Be Well,

Kitt