Horrible hypochondriac as well as generalized anxiety.

I know all about hypochondria. I am a 28 year old female. I have been a hypochondriac since I was a kid, but as I got older the fear of having the flu has changed to diseases, mainly cancer. I have diagnosed myself with almost every form of cancer there is. I am in constant need of reassurance. When a doctor gives me a diagnosis I always want a second opinion because I feel like the doctor doesn't know what he is talking about or he missed something. Last year i was in hysterics because I was determined I had pancreatic cancer. I have a lump in my breast. I have been to a specialist 3 or 4 times in the past year. He tells me it is just glandular tissue, I even demanded a mammogram. Mammogram and lots of ultrasounds confirm there is not tumor there and that it is just glandular tissue, but being a hypochondriac I am constantly poking and prodding it and making it sore. I know the lump is there. I know the lump is going to be there. It has not changed I just go through these spells where I do not enjoy life because I am poking and prodding my body and I have realized you will always find something. There will always be a bump, lump or whatever and every time I feel something I almost pass out. I just recently got married and I should be enjoying my life, but I spend so much time in bed because I feel like I just going to die and there is no point in doing anything because I will be dead anyways from a terminal illness. AHHH! I hate it so much! I go to a psychiatrist and therapy, but it only helps sometimes. I am a very anxious person and my mom says I will always find something to worry about which is true. Anyways just wanted to rant a little and let others who suffer from hypochondriasis that you are not alone. I would love discussion as it makes me feel better when other people can relate. People who do are not hypochondriacs do NOT understand at all. They do not get the severity of it.

Hello and welcome!

I am sorry that you are challenged with this anxiety regarding your health. I know how that feels, and it is miserable.:(

The good news is that you are gettting help, and there is much healing to be gained, so have hope!

How long have you been in therapy? Are you specifically challenging the health anxiety? Do you do CBT exercises or workbooks?

We have some excellent materials on health related anxiety in our Resources here. You can find them on the main page, 1st thread. Check them out and see if anything looks helpful, and can compliment the work you are doing with your therapist. (let me know if you'd like me to provide direct links to these and I will!)

If you read enough post here, you will see that you are not alone with these concerns! There are many members with simialr issues.

Keep posting because we do understand and care...support is key!!

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat

This tends to be one of the most common forms of anxiety. While I know that doesn't necessarily make it go away, I hope it's comforting to know that what you're facing,....you're not facing alone!

If you type in "health anxiety" in the search bar, you'll see just how many, and how often, this particular manifestation comes up.

At some point, the biggest, and best, thing we can do for ourselves (especially after multiple repeat testing) is to learn to let go and trust our doctors. Especially if, (like a bunch of us here), you've got more than one source confirming that your health is fine.

This is a very active forum and you'll find plenty of comfort here, reassurance, and lots of company with folks going through similar things....so welcome! :)







M.

Thanks to everyone who posted. It is horrible to be a hypochondriac, but it's nice to know we are not alone.

Health anxiety is maybe the most prominent manifestations of anxiety disorder. Most of us have gone through/will go through acute stages of this. We will invariably move on from one issue to another. Having an understanding doctor will be a help; someone who will give you an explanation as to why "it is not X" and why the pain you are experiencing is not related rather than the "brush off".

As a result of this health anxiety, we will invariably learn a lot more about certain issues/ailments but we CAN use this to a positive end. That of challenging our negative thoughts with facts !

Nice answer Kitt, that helped me!