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Posted 1/18/2017 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
Have had general anxiety disorder most, if not all, of my life but am generally OK with managing it but in October was diagnosed with a rare skin reaction which catapulted my anxiety to the extreme.

Since then, have dealt with other medical issues and have a procedure on Friday which may reveal that I have a lifelong, incurable condition. Needless to say, anxiety is still heightened.

I have entered therapy (weekly) and started on anti-anxiety medication (recently switched from Zoloft to Celexa). Part of therapy focuses on breathing exercises, meditation, and thought redirection. Struggle with all of them but trying.

Guess I am just here looking for some support. Hard to speak to those in my life about how overwhelming my anxiety has become.
Posted 1/18/2017 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hi LM,

I am sorry to hear of the struggles with health...anxiety, and the natural combination that the two create together.

The good news is that you are proactively seeking to get the help you need for your best management plan both for your physical and mental health.

A certain amount of worry about a legitimate health concern is to be expected...

...however when the worries become intrusive, and affect our quality of life, then it is time to see help as you have.

The medication, therapy...and self help will all benefit you with continued time and effort. (If you've not already done so, see our Resources at the top of the main forum page here for more great material! )

Keep posting with us as well if you find it helpful. We understand, care and support is key!

S.C.
Posted 1/18/2017 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi LM
Sorry your struggling, health anxiety unfortunatley is common .... i now know.

That is what set of Anxiety for me back in October, after i had been unwell in the september and October.

I had not been to a GP in two years except for usual blood pressure and breast screening etc.... Then all of a sudden i was there every week.... which also spiked the anxiety.........
So i understand where you are coming from..
It took me about 3 months to get back on track with hard work and detérmination mostly self help , meditations, personal mantra,s, walking, upping my fluid intake, when my head calmed i was still left with some physical symptoms as your body gets quite sensitive after being on high alert for so long, but doing progressive muscle training really helps with that. Its not as bad as it sounds as you either sit or lie down to do them.

And i still do them morning and night they make your body really relaxed.

I hope your results are good. Hang in there and keep up the good work your already doing 😊
Posted 1/18/2017 7:15 PM (GMT 0)
I'm really proud of you for taking care of yourself and getting help. For some people, getting to that place is half the battle.

Keep us posted. This may be upsetting to hear about if you have the condition, but I know you will no doubt manage it.

I'm going through some health anxiety too--but mine is compounded by fear of medical environments--and all we can really do is take it one day at a time. Right now, sounds like you're preparing to give yourself coping tools for when/if you need them...super smart.

Keep us posted;)
Posted 1/19/2017 9:39 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Sorry to hear you are dealing with health anxiety it's a tough on to live with and can really take over your life if left untreated.

I am pleased to hear you are in therapy as that will really help you learn how to deal with your anxiety better.

Keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 1/19/2017 3:09 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, everyone.

I have avoided therapy for some time but this bout of anxiety was really impacting my quality of life and am happy I finally took the plunge. It is has been a slow road but am improving and hopeful it will continue.
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