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Posted 11/30/2018 7:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, I have been recently been going through the worst time of my life. I randomly get fast heartbeats and flutters, which puts me into panic mode.I have been to a cardiologist and they say it isn't life threatening, but I have such a hard time believing that. I feel like I can't leave my house anymore because I am afraid to drop dead. Do any of you recommend any books to treat or cope with health anxiety? Thank you for listening.
Posted 12/1/2018 5:41 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Pheebs,
I'm sorry you are having a difficult time right now. Please know that you are not alone.
I can't recall any specific books about anxiety that have helped me, but there is an online health anxiety workbook in the "resources" section on the forum main page here that I have been working through which has been helpful for me.
I also have found things online by Peter Levine, Bessel van der Kolk, Pat Ogden, and Eckhart Tolle that have been helpful for ideas, meditations, perspective and understanding of my health anxiety.
I hope you are able to find some tools and resources that are helpful for you and you find yourself feeling better very soon!
Posted 12/1/2018 6:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Pheebs,
Sorry to hear you are having tough time.

Please know you are not alone. My palpitations and chest discomforts make me feel so anxious. It ia never ending. I have had several cardiograms and just had holter monitor that showed tachycardia. But, that is it.
I have decided to make peace with it. Further tests will increase my anxiety. There is some invisible force that I want to believe in. Some faith in myself and that force will make me go!
I have been trying therapy and might start with medication.
Just try to convince yourself that root cause is anxiety and not heart! I am still trying. Not fully convinced but getting there!

May peace be with you in this tough times.

Regards,
Posted 12/2/2018 11:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome!

I am sorry to hear that you are dealing with these symptoms and the natural increase in anxiety that they cause!

I do echo the above advice to check out our RESOURCES here at the top of the main forum page. You'll find general coping skills, as well as specifice links for help with heart palpitation and Health Anxiety. Working the suggested exercises there will make a different in how you feel!

I also suggest considering therapy if this is an option for you...

...and finally, you may want to talk to your doctor about the possibility of a beta blocker to help with the physical symptoms you are experiencing.

Finding the right approach to management takes some time and effort...but it is worth it. We will be here to cheer you on anytime you need encouragement. You are not alone, so post anytime.

Scaredy Cat
Posted 12/4/2018 2:54 AM (GMT 0)
I totally understand what you are going through. I have suffered from anxiety for the past 12 years and it gets better then I have times that aren't so good. Right now is one of those times that I am struggling. sad
Anxiety is a great trickster in that it always returns with symptoms that are fairly new so that it keeps me thinking something is really wrong this time because I've never felt like this before it can't just be anxiety. 3-4 years ago I wore a halter monitor as I was assured something was wrong with my heart, when it only showed tachycardia, no heart problems. For whatever reason now, I'm having weird sensations in my head and chest that are making me nervous that something is seriously wrong this time. sad I've been keeping a super close constant eye on my heart rate which I know makes it rise but of course I can't get myself to really believe that's all it is. Some reassurance that everything will be okay would be much appreciated right now. Thank you <3
Posted 12/4/2018 4:27 AM (GMT 0)
Hi maddixone and welcome,

I am sorry to hear that you are struggling currently.

I am going to echo the advice I gave pheeps above.

I hope that you will find what works for you...be it the self help, or a plan that you and your doctor come up with...or a combination.

Post with us anytime if you find it helpful. We are here to encourage you anytime!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 12/4/2018 7:22 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your kind words and resources you made available to me. Are there any cbt books that I can buy that really have helped some of you all suffering from the same thing. I have no idea where to start, or if I should do multiple book and worksheets at once. I think that makes me more nervous lol. I know you have to really have to try and put forth effort in order to get better, and I have had just about enough of feeling bad. so I am willing to try.
Posted 12/4/2018 8:25 PM (GMT 0)
I will get back to you with the titles of a couple of books when I get back home.smile
S.C.
Posted 12/4/2018 9:58 PM (GMT 0)
Okay, I have used and/or bought these for my daughters, and they are both good!

The Anxiety and Worry Workbook (The Cognitive Behavioral Solution)
David A. Clark PhD and Aaron T. Beck MD

The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook
Edward J. Bourne PhD

I hope you can find them and that they bring you relief and progress!

S.C.
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