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Anxiety caused by constant health worries

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Posted 2/10/2018 9:16 PM (GMT 0)
Just wondering if anyone has had anxiety originate from constantly dealing with health issues. I used to post here years when I was dealing with CFS. I dealt with CFS for 4 years before things on that end cleared up for me. about the time I was getting over CFS, gallbladder issues came up (i think the CFS had something to do with this but that is for another day). Over the past 3 years I have had issues since that removal with periods of real good health. But this latest round of issues in my gut seems to have pushed me to a new low mentally......just thinking and worrying that I will have to deal with health issues for the rest of my life (i am 54 years old). A cycle of negative thinking that has now affected my sleep which of course only makes things worse. I have read here some very similar situations where if engaged and focused on something else, things are calm. But with idle time the "what ifs" pop up and the tension starts to build, with lightheadedness and a detached from reality feeling. How can I break this negative feedback loop my mind is in? Thinking I should seek therapy and possibly medication given the success folks have had. Thanks for reading.

Post Edited By Moderator (Scaredy Cat) : 2/10/2018 8:47:23 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/10/2018 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
I meant to day "constant" and not "contact" in my heading above......

* I fixed it for you. ;)

S.C.

Post Edited By Moderator (Scaredy Cat) : 2/10/2018 8:48:34 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/11/2018 4:11 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Minnesota and welcome!

I am glad you've found your way back to HW, and our forum...though sorry for the reason! :/ I, and many others know what a challenge Health Anxiety is...so know that you are not alone in this.

I definitely recommend talking to your doctor about your treatment options. You may discuss medication and/or therapy as your best plan to help you start to feel your best again.

For now, please see the top of the main forum page here for great self help material in our Resources. There you'll find links for Health Anxiety coping strategies, as well as general anxiety reducing practices...useful information such as book recommendations, daily meditations and more.

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

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 2/12/2018 7:39 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, at least in my opinion. It's so hard not to worry when dealing with different symptoms and not feeling well. Like you I took a break from posting because I felt like maybe I was complaining or something and that it didn't change anything but what is worse is to completely isolate yourself and never talk or vent anywhere or to anyone. Find something that helps for you, for me it's often short-term distraction in the form of online puzzles when things start to prey on my mind too much, but if I am feeling unwell then it is what it is. I also have gut issues arising but who knows the future for any of us (that's my rational mind) before I went to the doctors I was near in a panic and she actually is going to test for one of the things that I was getting anxious about, as well as some other things but at least she wasn't a dismissive doctor and it's better to know than go round in your head thinking the worst. There as a busy practice waiting room today and after so long even though I wasn''t feeling good I found myself doing something that I need to do more often - accept and let go. I just felt myself relax for the first time in a long time, and it's something I definitely need to practice at. Sending you gentle hugs. this stuff isn't easy. Have you ever looked at mindfulness and breathing exercises. Theory is easy but I know it works. I just need to practice more like I said. Whether you use distraction techniques or need to talk, there's no right or wrong, it's difficult to break loops but when you're aware of them then you have something to work with. I think if you had good health then a setback it can feel worse because you think it's going to be as bad or worse as "back then". If you think you need a therapist or meds maybe they could help if you can access them, best wishes and glad you are able to talk here.
Posted 2/12/2018 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much for the thoughts, means a lot!! I do have an appointment with a psychiatrist a week from this Wednesday. I did some research on who was in my area that deals with people like me, and of course covered by insurance. That, and a meeting with my GP this week. Your comment on having had spells of good health make these down cycles more depressing......because I know what life is like when feeling really good. Then when it is taken away, you long for the healthy days more and almost fight harder instead of accepting things at the time. I am starting to do deep breathing exercises each day now, for 10 minutes to start. Just to get in the habit of calming things down. Especially when going to sleep....I start putting pressure on myself to sleep well because that is a baseline need in order to cope with the day ahead. You can see the spiral this can set off.....the more tired you are, the more anxious you get, and so on and so on. Really appreciate being here to vent/share with others!
Posted 2/12/2018 11:47 PM (GMT 0)
Let us know how your appointments go...and if you get a plan of management going between your two consults...I am sure you will!

Keep us updated so we can keep you in support.☺

S.C.
Posted 2/14/2018 2:08 PM (GMT 0)
I found the best way to control anxiety is pray for help and then not allow those negative, fear thoughts. When we control what we think, we control the anxiety. I have scleroderma a dangerous and uncomfortable illness, so I understand that fear always tries to overcome me. But my Lord is giving me the ability to throw out those fear thoughts. It takes practice, but the more you push away those bad thoughts the more you gain control. Peace always
Posted 2/14/2018 3:49 PM (GMT 0)
Great to hear you have been able to keep those thoughts at bay. Any suggestions on how to reverse those thoughts, or prevent them from creeping in? You mention practice....any details on that would be helpful. I went to bed last night around 10, and sure enough the fears started to creep in, and there I was at 1:30 a.m. still awake. Managed 4 hours of sleep but can't do that day in/day out. Just seems like I project a worst case scenario in my mind which of course triggers the anxiety. Sleeping medications may be what I need short term to at least get some rest. Thanks for the comments here!
Posted 2/14/2018 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
Here are two great tools for combating negative/fearful/worrisome thoughts/thinking patters. smile


Positive Mantra/Affirmations for Anxiety Management
anxietynetwork.com/content/coping-statements-anxiety


Therapy Work Sheets:
www.get.gg/freedownloads2.htm

S.C.
Posted 3/26/2018 7:21 PM (GMT 0)
I know when I get sick my anxiety is triggered. When I get over being sick then it takes a bit to get my anxiety under control. I really is weird how this anxiety works. Also, if something bad happens I handle the situation at the time well, but my anxiety kicks in about a few weeks later.
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