New to the forum - Hypochondriac crisis

Hi everyone!

I'm really glad I found this forum as I am a long-time sufferer of anxiety and panic disorder. I am recently struggling with my hypochondria more than ever before. I just don't know how to cope anymore.

I have been to my doctor's office many times since I have been transferred to his care (When I was about 16, I am now 22) and he knows me by name, face, and is always very understanding (Thank god!).

However, recently, since coming off the birth control pill I've noticed differences that are causing me great panic. I bruise quite easily and am just starting to notice it (Or it has just started?) and rather than go to the doctor to ask about iron deficiency or something like that I have been obsessively looking up leukemia and leukemia symptoms.

I have no symptoms of anything and am just concerned about the bruising. I know I'm being irrational and unreasonable but it is taking over my life.

It's gotten to the point where I'll be shopping with friends and see a shirt or dress I like that is kind of expensive and tell myself I shouldn't buy it because I'll probably be dead soon and can't enjoy it.

I am really starting to feel my anxiety is taking a turn for the worse. I've been fairly good with coping in recent years (Since meeting my now husband) but I feel that it is just going downhill fast and I don't know what to do anymore. For the last year I've thought I've had MS, ALS, Leukemia, Lymphoma, Meningitis, HIV, Brain cancer, Muscular dystrophy, blood infections, herpes of the mouth, and oh my I can't even remember the other ones that would pop up for a day or two and disappear. It's starting to affect my everyday life and I can't take it anymore.

I am even too scared to go see my doctor about the bruising in case he tells me I'm dying. I wouldn't even go in when I had a sore vein on my leg, I waited a good 3 months before I made an appointment! (And it turned out to be superficial swelling!!!)

I'm just wondering if any of you hypochondriacs have any advice on coping with the day to day worries? I saw a therapist for years and saw no improvement and I don't wanna live at my doctor's office either!


Please any hypochondriacs out there???

Hi.  I have severe health anxiety.  I am feeling how desperate you are.  Have you talked to a psychiatrist about your anxiety?  If not, maybe you could and it would help.  I have been in a horrible state the past week and everyone on here has been wonderful with their support and advice.  I learned two very important lessons - 1) never google and 2) have to face our fears.  I was actually able to do that today.  I thought I had cancer for a week.  When we have health anxiety, every twinge turns into a major obsession and it is that obsession that we must try to control.  The people who have helped me on here suggested CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and read the resources section here as there is a lot of great stuff to help, even an entire section on health anxiety.  I hope it helps you knowing that you are not alone in your anxiety.

Hi GG and welcome.

I am really sorry to hear of your struggles with health andxiety. This is not the way you want to spend your time...worrying about every symptom and disease:(

I know how hard this can be, but there is hope and recovery.

Do you recall if you were doing CBT specifically during your therapy time? I ask because this method can be really effective in treating health anxiety.

You may want to consider looking into it, or checking our some of our self-help ideas in the Resources here (main page, 1st post)

I am going to pull up a couple of links that I think would be helpful to you, and you can check the rest of the resources out whenever you like.

Keep talking with us here as well. We understand, care and are here to support anytime.:)

http://www.amazon.com/Treating-Health-Anxiety-Cognitive-Behavioral-Approach/dp/1572309989

 

http://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Health-Anxiety-David-Veale/dp/1845298241

Health Anxiety - A Self Help Guide:

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hypochondria/pages/introduction.aspx

Scaredy Cat

I feel the same way started out with tests for some
Bowel issues that never got resolved so I kept googling all night and that led to anxiety I believe. I also think about death often which scares me and creates anxiety and haven't been sleeping!!! Just want to let you know that you are not alone in such feelings. I think my boyfriend is getting irritated with all my health concerns
And I keep calling in sick and feel overwhelmed :(. These forums definitely help though so good luck ! :)