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Posted 4/4/2014 6:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hello! I am new to these forums and I'm looking to start helping my panic disorder and anxiety. I was diagnosed with panic disorder about a year ago and ever since I feel like it has taken over my life. I worry constantly about my health and well being as a while and even small meaningless symptoms make me fear that I have a serious condition or that I need emergency care. This is so stressful for me because I constantly feel conflicted between my logical perspective and my anxiety. I hope someone here can offer some advice as to how I can overcome this and that others are experiencing these things too. Thank you all for reading.
Posted 4/4/2014 2:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Ringo and welcome!

I am sorry to hear that you are suffering with anxiety and panic. I understand how difficult this can be. I am glad that you found us however, as we are an active group...with someone always here, ready to listen and support.;)

Health anxiety is a commom topic discussed here, so know that you are in good company, and that many can relate.

What have you done so far for relief? You mention a dx, so I am guessing that you are under the care of your doctor. Were treatment methods such as medication or therapy discussed? Both are effective in helping to manage A/P

I personally really benefitted from CBT to help me find freedom from my panic attacks, and lessen my health anxiety. This form of therapy may be something that you want to consider if you have not done so already.

I am also going to recommend that you check our our Resources here:



https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206

Inside you will find all sorts of great self-help ideas. From stress relieving exercises, to books specifically on the subject of overcoming health anxiety.

Keep posting here with us as well. Support is key in recovery!

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat

Posted 4/4/2014 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
Ringo, Hello and welcome to HealingWell.    Health worriers may be diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety or depression disorder , or a number of other illnesses, but their condition is really better defined by the mistaken ideas they have about how and why people get sick. Similarly, they have flawed ideas about drugs, doctors, and other related matters. Flawed Ideas are incorrect, but self-confirming, prejudices which lead people to behave in ways that worsen their fears. Treatment is directed to changing these behaviors so that health worriers can see the world and themselves more accurately. This kind of treatment is called cognitive-behavioral, or exposure therapy. The underlying principle is confrontation. It is necessary to confront one’s fears in order to overcome them. This is not easy to do. I have health anxiety but not to the extreme that is  OCD unless it relates to a medical dx I already have. When you have a known disease it is very difficult not to worry and takes much willpower to stay in the moment. I am going to post a few links from our resources at the top of the page for you to check out. Health Anxiety - A Self Help Guide:   http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hypochondria/pages/introduction.aspx Helping health Anxiety   http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/infopax.cfm?Info_id=53 Health Anxiety- The Super Scanner http://www.get.gg/docs/SuperScanner.pdf Stick with us as we have many members with issues with Health Anxiety and I know they will be along to help you. Kindly, Kitt
Posted 4/4/2014 5:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Ringo,

I have chronic health problems and suffer from a lot of health anxiety. I finally decided to see a psychiatrist this winter after realizing what a negative impact this anxiety was having on myself and my family. I also began cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which I have tried in the past for depressions/anxiety with mixed results.

While I see myself as someone who is generally anti-therapy, I think I am finally starting to make some progress there. It is a great to have a safe space to voice your concerns, to talk things out, to get feedback and work through problems... or in my case, sometimes to just cry for awhile.

What I think has really helped with my anxiety is medication, something I always swore I'd never take. I've been taking Zoloft for about three months now and I see a real difference in my overall anxiety being reduced. I started off really slowly with my dosing and am only now going up to 50mg, but it has made a big difference in my daily worries about things. Don't get me wrong, I still have worries about my health, but they're not all-consuming like they once were.

I would suggest definitely reading the resources SC posted above and considering making an appointment with a therapist to explore your options. You don't need to let these worries rule your life.
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