Health anxiety !!

Hi all,
This is my second post in this forum. I posted a few weeks ago and got few responses with coping strategies.
Just to give some background, i have been anxious person for my whole life but, since May this year, my health anxiety is over the roof. I have had bouts of throat infections. I also have ear issues. My hearing on one side has affected drastically along with tinnitus and vestibular issues..i have had series of tests to rule out serious issues in last few months. I am convinced that there is nothing seriously wrong with my ear.
But, my health anxiety is still terrible. I get palpitations every now and then. I also get chest pains. I have been to doctors plenty of times. First time when It happend in July, I went to ER, where I was told it is anxiety! After that, I had many cardiograms and blood works done. I insisted my GP to also get further tests done. Flutters that I get are difficult to ignore. I have had holter monitor for 24 hours..reports are still to be received. My GP is so confident about how healthy my heart is.

Can someone suggest some practical ways to deal with it? I have been seeing therapist and using CBT and meditation..I am also taking very mild dose of meds for restlessness. I dont think it is helping much..i dont want to go for more medications!!!

Please suggest some ways to work on anxiety when there is real physical issue too!! I have ear issues but, again it is my inner ear problem. Inner ear is connected to nervous system. So, ultimately it is brain game!!

Hope I make sense!!
Thanks

Regards

Hi DP,

I'm sorry to hear that you have been having so much difficulty. I, like you, am dealing with health anxiety as well. It has been pretty tough. Posting here has helped me at many times where I have felt like I am in over my head with this. The anxiety workbook in the resources section has also been a help to me lately. It may be worth looking into to help.

Also, have you ever considered acupuncture as a non-drug treatment for self care/stress relief? One on one acupuncture can be costly, but more places/practitioners are taking insurance now. There are also places that do community acupuncture which are usually on a sliding scale (either way, just be sure the practitioner is certified/licensed).

I hope you are able to get some relief and reassurance soon!

CBT has a really good track record with health anxiety, so hopefully you will make some progress with that. Make sure you are "all in" with the CBT, doing the homework etc.

Why do you not want to take more medication? I am not suggesting it (I am not a doctor, so I am not qualified), but if it might help then maybe it is worth considering? (In my book, anything that improves one's quality of life is good -- medication, meditation, therapy, social activities, exercise, etc.)

Good luck.

Thank you Searching 1

I have not tried accupunctuer or other non drug treatment yet. I would love to try them. I wi enquire. Thank you for suggestion.