- What is it?
- What are the symptoms?
- DIY self diagnosis
- How we can help
- Want to know more?
- Personal experiences
What is it?
Health anxiety is an anxiety disorder that is often housed within the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) spectrum of disorders. Those affected by health anxiety have an obsessional preoccupation with the idea or the thought that they are currently (or will be) experiencing a physical illness. The most common health anxieties tend to centre on conditions such as cancer, HIV, AIDs, etc. However, the person experiencing health anxiety or illness phobia may fixate on any type of illness. This condition is known as health anxiety, illness phobia/illness anxiety or hypochondriasis.
Those who are affected by health anxiety/illness phobia are convinced that harmless physical symptoms are indicators of serious disease or severe medical conditions. For example, if a person experiencing health anxiety or illness phobia feels that their chest is getting tight, they may believe that they are having a heart attack. Those with health anxiety frequently misinterpret physical symptoms of anxiety as a sign of an impending physical health problem.
What are the symptoms?
One of the main symptoms of health anxiety is that the individual may scan their body for signs that they are developing a physical illness. For example, a person experiencing health anxiety may interpret their headache as a brain tumour. Some people affected by this disorder may also link non physical problems to having a serious illness. An example of this is may be someone who forgets where they have put their phone or their house keys believing that this means that they have Alzheimer’s disease.
Some individuals who experience this type of anxiety disorder are so convinced that they have a certain physical illness, that all of their focus will be placed on obtaining a diagnosis. They will go to as many doctors as they can and if they do not receive confirmation of a diagnosis, they may continue to seek second, third and fourth opinions from other doctors. In such instances, many different tests (such as MRI, echocardiograms and in some cases even exploratory surgery) are requested by the person experiencing the health anxiety or illness phobia. Unfortunately, these tests are often not enough to convince them that they are not physically ill and can therefore be taken time and time again. Often, a lack of diagnosis is attributed to poor medical care or an under qualified doctor. It is important to remember that repeated visits and consultations with health care professionals are due to the fact the sufferer fully believes that they are experiencing a physical illness, rather than due to attention seeking behaviours. The medical profession often refer to the symptoms experienced by sufferers of health anxiety as “medically unexplained symptoms”.
Many people experiencing health anxiety or illness phobia will spend a large amount of their time carrying out excessive checking behaviours where they will look for marks, lumps, sores and rashes on their body which may indicate the onset of a physical illness. These checking behaviours also include asking friends and family members to assist them in checking. The anxiety experienced around the possibility that they may find something to indicate illness or around the idea that they may catch a particular illness can lead to high levels of anxiety. This in turn can increase physical symptoms of anxiety (such as an increased heart rate, chest pain or tightness in the chest, dizziness, blurred vision, confusion, dry mouth or sweating). Upon noticing this increase in physical symptoms, the sufferer’s idea that they are experiencing a physical illness is reinforced.
Media campaigns on specific physical illnesses can also cause problems for people experiencing health and illness anxiety. Often, watching programmes relating to physical illness or reading about specific conditions may lead those affected to feel that they have experienced symptoms of that specific condition.
An individual can exhibit symptoms of health anxiety or illness phobia for long periods of time or may be symptom free for equal amounts of time. Conversely, people affected by health and illness anxiety may refuse to go to the doctor or any other medical practitioners for fear that they will get the worst possible news (i.e. that their suspicion of having a physical medical disorder will be confirmed). Therefore, instead of becoming overly focused on the feared illness, they will avoid any reminders relating to symptoms of the illness and will stay away from people who may be ill. Additionally, they may try to avoid any places where there are likely to be people who are ill (such as hospitals and doctors surgeries). They may fear that any contact with people experiencing physical illness will cause them to catch that illness (regardless of whether or not the illness that they are focusing on is contagious).
Some individuals who are affected by health anxiety may not tell anyone about their fears as they are convinced that they will not be taken seriously.
Health anxiety and illness phobia is found to occur equally in both men and women and can develop at any age.
Although the causes of health and illness anxiety are not always easily identified, there are certain factors which may trigger the disorder:
- Having a serious illness as a child.
- Having a close family member or friend with a serious illness.
- The death of a close relative/friend.
- Being affected by an anxiety disorder.
- Having a belief that being “healthy” means that you do not experience any physical symptoms or sensations.
- Having close family members who themselves have health anxiety.
DIY self diagnosis
If you can answer YES to most of the questions it is likely that you are affected by health anxiety.
During the past 6 months:
- Have you experienced a preoccupation with having a serious illness due to bodily symptoms that has been ongoing for at least six months?
- Have you felt distressed due to this preoccupation?
- Have you found that this preoccupation impacts negatively on all areas of life including, family life, social life and work?
- Have you felt that you have needed to carry out constant self examination and self diagnosis?
- Have you experienced disbelief over a diagnosis from a doctor or felt that you are unconvinced by your doctor’s reassurances that you are fine?
- Do you constantly need reassurance from doctors, family and friends that you are fine, even if you don’t really believe what you are being told?
Anxiety UK strongly advises that people seek further information and guidance from their GP who will be able to make a formal diagnosis.
How we can help
Anxiety UK is a user-led charity with more than forty years experience in supporting those living with anxiety. By becoming a member of Anxiety UK, you will have access to a range of benefits, including:
- Access to reduced cost therapy within two weeks of submitting your therapy request
- Access to our helpline (available Monday-Friday, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm) staffed by volunteers with personal experience of anxiety
- Receipt of four issues of Anxious Times, our quarterly members” magazine
- Access to the members only section of our website, featuring regular support surgeries facilitated by anxiety experts
- Access to specialist helplines, including the psychiatric pharmacy helpline and the psychology information helpline
And many, many other benefits that will help you manage your anxiety long term. To become a member of Anxiety UK click here or ring 08444 775 774 today.
Want to know more?
The Anxiety UK site has information on a range of resources to provide more detailed information and help.
Recommended reading
“Overcoming Health Anxiety” is an excellent self help resource based on cognitive behavioural therapy. It provides information on a range of techniques to look at the thoughts and behaviours that keep health anxiety going. You can purchase this book from the Anxiety UK shop by clicking here.
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Personal experience
Do you suffer from health anxiety and want to share your experience with other people? Post your personal experience in the comments box below where it will be sent to our moderator for approval. Many people find this part of the site very useful when trying to understand their disorder so your comments really do make a difference. Please note, all comments submitted to the Anxiety UK website may be used by Anxiety UK for (but not limited to) publicity and promotional material.
If you would like to make contact with others who are living with similar experiences, you can do so via the Anxiety UK pen pals scheme which is a service available to all Anxiety UK members (in both electronic and hard copy format).
I have had panic attacks all my life.
It is five o’clock in the morning. I am so glad I found this site. I have had panic attacks all my life.I have all the symptoms of anxiety, but I believe I have some sort of cancer or incurable disease. I am a hypochondriac. The problem is I also have a phobia of doctors. I continue living with a morbid fear of a disease, but even more fear of going to the doctor. I am taking medication, because for some reason I am not afraid of counseling. People don’t understand. They think I would be running to doctor’s tests. I am so jealous of those people who are able to take all those tests to rule anything serious out. On the weekends I just dwell on my stomach problems and am sure I have colon or stomach cancer. I am so depressed because I want to go to the doctor, but I am terrified to go.I wish I could know the answer or find a magic pill. I am 58 and dealt with this panic and fear all my life.
Eva
I have had health anxiety worries for most of my adult life.
They started in my early 20″s with a fear of catching AIDS or HIV and in recent years I have developed a fear and obsession with developing cancer. The thoughts and fears of missing a symptom and not getting treatment in time plague my thoughts throughout the day. At the tender age of 31 I have a real fear that I”m going die within months and leave my young son without a mummy. I have got to the stage that I”m exhausted with being like this and the countless doctor appointments are getting out of hand. I have finally asked for some help and I”m currently waiting for counselling which I”m hoping will help as I just cannot go on like this. At times I feel so alone and isolated – it”s almost as if my life is on hold until I get the reassurance that my current worry is nothing, then before I know it I”ve found another symptom and on it goes…
Jackie
Hi Jackie,
I have exactly the same problem as you. I also in my early 20′s thought I had contracted HIV. Now years later I found a lump in my armpit, convinced myself it was breast cancer, it turned out to be a swollen gland due to shaving after two visits to the doc!
I am pregnant as therefore have lumpy breast tissue, but became convinced it was breast cancer. I went to the doctor and she said she could not feel anything and that it was because I was pregnant. I then starting thinking what if she missed something, I refused to believe anything she said to be. All I could think and still do think that I am going to leave my children without a mum.
I find myself checking and checking daily that a breast lump has appeared and it is awful. I am having CBT. (Just started) But I am already feeling a little more positive.
My councellor made me Realise that whilst we are worrying about dying, we are not actually living. I found that quite powerful.
I hope you have CBT soon and I hope you find a way out of your situation!
Hi Mariama, How do you get cbt, is it in nhs and how much does it cost and is it effective.please let me know
HI Sam,
You can get it through your GP, or even though Anxiety UK. We have no waiting list currently and it is very low cost. Call our helpline on 08444 775 774 for more details.
Best wishes
Cat (Anxiety UK)
Hi Cat, how low cost? CBT In the CITY fleece you at a £110 a session and £125 for the original consultation.
Hi
Anxiety UK offers significantly reduced therapy rate. Costs are between £10 and £50 per session and all our therapists have expericne in helping people with anxiety. Please visit our Get Help session or speak to one of our helpline volunteers on 08444 775 774 for more information on the help and support available to you.
Andy
Hi, after being diagnosed with depression many years ago after losing my dad and mum close together, and the break up off my marriage, also a few other bits and pieces. I have come to realise my main anxiety is about my health. The reason being that after binge drinking and getting diabetes, i thought other than diabetes i had not got away with having anything seriously wrong with me.I was using drink as a crutch and put on a serious amount of weight. Seeing many drs over the years i still believe im going to have a heart attack. I have had cbt been in the priory a few times and i am trying to get my life back on track .But still i have these anxieties. And the crutch i use is comfort eating ?. I did up to a few months ago use weights. healthy eating.,and biking to bring my weight down. The break up of my marriage i feel was my fault so therefore i seem to chastise myself and therefore punish myself for it. I also have a fear of the dying process that eventually we are all have to succumb to. To cap it all im just one big worry wart and i know that people must get sick of me including drs. As i said earlier i do have a few health issues that have come my way gallstones, fatty liver, diabetes and at the moment having treatment for duodenitis and eosophagitis. I also had about of labrinthitis of which when had 1st symptoms wasnt a very pleasant experience. I really hate being me and just want to enjoy life and be happy. But instead just constantly worry. Ok rant over sorry folks but felt i needed to get this of my chest.
hi jackie i totally understand where your coming from i suffered with health anxiety for a while off&on but it has flared up again now&i have experienced some different symptoms which has made me bad again as i think the worse,i have a 5year old and all u think about is them&something bad is going to happen,u go to the docs and u feel better for around 10mins after but then you start over thinking once your out of the docs,it is awful and people dont understand tell u to stop being silly&get a grip things u dont want to hear ive not taken any meds off doc apart from a anti depressant which made me feel dreadful so stopped taking it doc said i didnt give it a chance,i did have counselling back in 2009 cognititve therapy which really helped,your just like me just want to feel right again and enjoy doin stuff with the little one!!!!!!!!!
my god lisa i am not alone and neither are you i am exactily the same as you my fear started the day i had my little boy 2 and a half years ago i lost a baby in 2008 and had to give birth to him and he was just so perfect and i think tht having my pther son 2 years later triggerd my health anxiety i focus all my time on checking him and wen i not panicing about him its usually me i am panicing about usually blood clots or heart attack in me and cancer or meningitus in my little one i have ten kids and only seem to panic about my youngest i hate been like this i at the docs every otherday with myself or my son if i get really bad i get given diazapan but they are highly addictive so i cant have them all the time i cant remember a time wen i felt normal it seems so long ago so you are not on your own i feel like no one understands me and that only i am going through this i am waiting for councilling coming through but dont see how this will help even now typing this i feel like i am alone and i feel like somet bad is going to happen to me i am 45 but feel like a 90 yearold with all the stress i am under so please understand you are not alone here if you ever need to talk xxx
hello, ive just read your post, and im the same has you, im convinsed that i have caught hiv, even though my partner had negitive results, now im getting symptoms , can i ask when you thought you had hiv, did you get any symptoms has well, its driving me mad and making me ill ..
im concerend i have hiv i swear i have had every symptom of hiv i have been tested 4 times all negative but my white blood count is high gp said i have an infection in the nutrophilis can hiv really go undetected i also have had oral thrush and my mouth doesnt feel right im also on medhelp i find the site usefull
Hi Jackie,
I can totally relate to your post. Since losing my mum to cancer last February, I am completely paranoid that I will get cancer and die young, leaving my little boy without a parent. My mum had no symptoms and was diagnosed and passed away all in the space of 3 weeks which was extremely traumatic for me. I suffer from joint hypermobility and ibs and as a result – get a lot of lower back pain and stomach pain. I am continually worrying that these symptoms are nothing to do with joint hypermobility and IBS but that they are in fact something else. Writing it actuallt makes me feel silly as I know deep down I am bering overly paranoid. I have started counselling now and hope that I will be able to get over this fear as it is ruining my life and I too, feel so alone and isolated. Good luck with everything, I hope you manage to get some help and are able to overcome some of your fears. Mx
I know exactly how you feel it brings a tear to my eye just reading what you wrote. I’m 27 and have 2 young daughters and im petrified im not going to see them grow up.I am absolutely convinced that I’ve got a serious condition and the doctors are just missing it. At the moment I can’t get the thought out of my head that I’ve got cancer I’ve become so aware of my body that I notice any small change and then I’m convinced it’s because I’m dying. For months now I’ve had symptom after symptom that just convinces me more that the inevitable is going to happen. It’s horrible to hear that you are all experiencing this and I wish you all lots of health and happiness in the future :)
Hi Jackie
I feel just the same I am convinced I have something wrong all the time, there isn’t a day go by where I am constantly checking myself, my tummy, breasts I have a real fear of Cancer. I must be driving everyone made. I am always at the doctors getting something checked if it’s not my moles it’s pains and even though I have test after test I feel fine for a day then I move onto something else it’s so knackering. I have stopped watching certain program’s or read certain articles in magazines as I know if I see any story about Cancer I will convince myself I have it too. I have just been to the doctors again last week fourth time in the last two months and had my breast checked she said I’m fine and I felt so relieved then after 15mins of being home I panicked because after she checked me she asked if I was going away and what I was doing for the weekend automatically I thought she must of found something but didn’t want me to get any more destressed than I was and will send me for a referral after I’m back from my holiday even though I know that’s more than her jobs worth its the way I think and I really have to stop, 3 times she told me I was ok but it doesn’t sink in. I’m afraid I take after my dads side and my aunt is just the same. There is not one person at work who have not checked my moles on my back or had me crying on their shoulder. I am now taking a low dose of antidepressant and I am starting to feel a little more positive I sadly lost my dad two years ago very tragically and i miss him very much and it’s been a horrible two years but I have to remind myself I’m very lucky to be here my poor lovely dad isn’t and I’m not being fair to my family or myself.
Nina
I have always been an “anxious” type
worrying about my health and fearing a serious illness which would result in death. Silly really when you consider I am now 63 – I have wasted so many years in fear. What is so sad is that I am now worrying even more, my current obsession is that I have “heart problem” and am about to die. No matter how much I reason with myself the fear always wins. My GP is a good doctor and I feel guilty each time I visit him. He has accurately diagnosed previous medical problems and resolved them but at the moment I leave his surgery feeling that “something serious” has been missed He says he would refer me for CBT if it was available on the NHS in my area – but it”s not . I just wish I could put things into perspective and not panic every time I get a small chest pain. I get so annoyed with myself not being able to control my negative thoughts. I tell myself that I don”t have heart failure and I am not about the have a heart attack and for a few moments I convince myself and feel euphoric with relief. Then I get a twinge and I\m back to where I started. Knowing there are a lot of people out there just like me doesn”t help when it”s the early hours of the morning and I feel so alone with my fear. If I get a chest pain I run up and downstairs thinking it will bring on a heart attack and then I”ll know I was right – it hasn”t happened yet though. My husband is going away for two days on a golfing trip tomorrow and I”m terrified of being on my own in case “something awful” happens to me. If only someone could discover how to get commonsense to prevail people like me wouldn”t be like me any more.
Ann
hi i am experiencing this exact same thing.. i hve been like this for about 2 years now… i am 20 and have been back and to to my docstors nearly everyday for 2 years. its getting ridiculous. some days i wil go to my docs and then a&e and then to the out of hours doctors. my doc just keeps saying to me that its health anxiety which i cannot believe for 1 minute. i always get really bad headcahes and feel really dizzy. its wrecking my life. i have a 3 yr old daughter a gorgeous fiance and a baby on the way. i always think i am goin g to die and now i have got it in my head that when i give birth i am going to die. its really bad and like you i dont want to be wasting years of my life thinking i am goin to die if thats not actually whats going to happen. because hten it wil be just a waste all these years worrying for nothing and getting myself all worked up about it for nothing but its hard to think like that.. i am constanatly thinking i have an illness which is going ot kill me.. and no matter what i go to my doctors with they just say its anxiety
hi christine,
iv just stumbled across this website..oh my im so glad its not just me!
i no how you feel completely…im 37 and had anxiety for a long while but about 2-3 years ago i started getting the doom that comes with health anxiety…im constantly feeling as though im dieing,its so bad that the other day i just wanted to drop in to the hospital and tell them to sedate me for a while just so i dont have to think about it anymore:(
im currently seeing someone about this anxiety but in the back of my head im always thinking about dieing even when we are having our chats its awful…
i no its easier said than done but chin up huni you are more than welcome to chat if you need to xx
ive came across this website and am astounded at the ppl who have the same illnesses as me my have had anxiety for about 10 yrs now always checking me body for things always going to doctors but still no cure my family say its all in my head and only me can sort that out every chest pain think im taking heart attack every headache think ive a tumor etc etc etc will it ever end
CBT is the way to go. I start next week.
Hi guys,
im the same huni,iv often thought of walking into my local hospital and asking them to put me to sleep for a while!!its awfull isnt it?iv got that bad that when my cat comes for a cuddle im thinking that she knows im ill…and also a friends nan passed away a while back and i convinced myself that she was going to visit me and tell me that im right!! iv been taking meds for a while and has counciling but i couldnt stand talking about it so didnt go back after about 4 sessions :0( im so glad that its not just me…but i do wish that something could just stop it..i feel for you all
love donna xx
OMG you sound so like me although I have had it since I was 22 and am now 33!!! No one can ever begin to understand what it feels like.
Good luck
x
have had bad anxiety for about 11 yrs myself been 2 docs 99 times told me 99 times im not gonna die thought i had ms cancer heart attacks rare nervous system and everything that goes with bad illnesses my mind still gets carried away but i have 2 deal with it just outta shower checking my body for lumps again lol nothing there will it ever end dont think so not when its in your mind u think ur gonna die young but i laugh when i read some of theses coz i had all them symptons i know its no laugh keep head up keep smiling and enjoy life
i am so glad i have found this site!!! i have a gorgeous finance, plans for a wedding and children next year and a gorgeous step son and it has to be said everything is more perfect than it ever has been for me! However, all i ever hear at work in magazines and on every television program i watch is about cancer and i cant stand it – i have become fixated that i have cancer or am just waiting to be told i have it! its ruining my life so much so i can be watching tv and see an advert about cancer and just burst into tears! i hate it! and hate myself for it too! what shall i do can i get over it myself it has been happening for about a year now – I’m 22 and my worries are not based on anything particular i have no family history of cancer or anything else!!!
I was amazed when I read this because I could have written it about myself. I am the same age and have worried every day all my life since I was late teens about having a fatal disease. Tonight I am panicking because something will cause collapse as my family are going away for a few days and I will be on my own. I have realised that my problem is down to over anxious parents who taught me from early childhood that I must look after myself because they couldn’t cope if anything happened to me. Since my older sister had died as a baby I understand their fears and I know they did not intend to make me so anxious. However no therapy has healed me but I have found mindfulness meditation has started to take the edge off the anxiety. I hope that this will continue to help because I feel that everyone, doctors, health professionals, friends and family are as sick of my anxieties as I am. I recommend mindfulness meditation to anyone who feels like me
Hi
Sorry to sorry your story. I want you to know that there is help and support for like yourself as long as you are looking for it. Health anxiety is very common and is thres result of irrational thoughts/beliefs/fears we have in our minds. These thoughts trigger our bodies to react and change our behaviours. Thinking you’re going to die soon uses the same thinking process as thinking you’re going to live forever. Managing your anxiety is all about distracting yourself from all these negative and irrational thinking, and to stay more positive and have faith in yourself. I would recommend the “Overcoming Health Anxiety by David Veale and Robert Willson” to you. Understanding for yourself how anxiety works and why it becomes a problem will help you a great deal, and these books provide excellent explanations and self help techniques.
Andy
Hi, I am so so happy I found this page. Omg!! I am 31 years old I have 2 kids and a fiance. This Friday was my first experience of anxiety. I was cooling with my fiance smoking and drinking, laughing and talking and out of nowhere my chest tightened up, I was short of breath, I was feeling faintish, there was a pull like muscle behind my my neck and head, my head and eyes were very heavy, I was seeing black floaters in my eyes and I was experiencing hot and cold flashes, my heart was racing extremely fast like I was going to have an heart attack. Omg immediately I thought I was about to die. Weeks before this I noticed I couldn’t sleep and always worrying about someone breaking in. My kids ride bikes to school and I’m paranoid because its so much going on and I’m constantly worrying about them being safe so I call the school to make sure they checked in after watching them get there, I’m in school and Ill be the first to be a successful college graduate in my moms family but with so much going on I focus hard in school and sometimes its tiresome and overwhelming. I lost my mom August 27, 2010 and that took a whole lot from me. She was also very ill and I took care of her. This is my first real relationship since 2007 and I have to put a lot into it because he isn’t use to such an honest, faithful, loyal woman and this is taking a lot of emotion. I watched very close family die from hiv, and some living with it, and that’s my worst fear right now. Though my partner has been tested over and over again and he is negative I am still living in a worrying state. I have had plenty plenty plenty of test done at the hospital and all came backed negative, I went to the Dr. Monday 1-30-2012 and had more test thyroid and some other one done but I got no call from my Dr yet so I guess that’s good right? I constantly check for marks, scars, bruises and on my body in my mouth and lumps in my breast but so far nothing. I’m not having no discharge or other physical illnesses but this worry is tearing me apart. I have been prayed for and over constantly the last week of this anxiety believing the devil is trying to attack me and kill me because I have a godly spirit but these worries and questions are still here. I went back to work today and I honestly felt so much better because Im forced to talk to customers and take orders I’m a telemarketer. But as soon as I got in the car to come home the worries started all over again. I was sent to a heart Dr. He assured me I was ok and I have what may be a very small murmur maybe due to a lil stress but nothing to worry abt, and he made an appt to get a holter to monitor my heart for 24hrs on the 7th just to be sure I don’t have irregular heartbeats and a cardiologist appt on the 21st for a sonogram for my assurance and to be more on the safe side. Through all of this I also have asthma which I kinda grew out of but since now I have been pumping at least twice a day bc I feel like something is happening when my chest tighten. Everybody like almost every person I meet depend on me for my advice on some situationa and I hate seeing others do bad so I always try and help everyone I possibly can. I think this may have been in the process of happening since my mom’s diagnosis and high blood pressure. I have been uneasy ever since. Now I think of this I’m going through and all I do is cry and wonder why me? I’m so scared, like really I can’t go to the restroom alone in my home. I can’t shower without my kids r fiance in the bathroom with me. When my fiance go to work from 6pm to 2am my friend girl stay over every night. I am a great person and I try hard to take care of my body. But why am I so scared I may have a major disease. I’m crying as I type right now. My family is in Louisiana and I’m here in Arizona and I just want to pack up and leave because I don’t know whats going to happen to me. Please please please someone help me!!!!
Hypochondria after death of my Mum.
My beautiful Mum died of cancer in August 2008. Since her diagnosis in December 2007, I have become obsessed with cancer. I have a different cancer practically every day – it consumes me. I totally believe I have the disease. I often look at my two amazing sons and think they have it too. I have gone to the GPs lots of times looking for reassurance for myself and my children. I rope my poor husband into the self checking, prodding and poking – and I live on the internet diagnosing myself with every type of malignancy out there. It is destroying this wonderful life. I have asked for counselling in the hope that I can start to ignore this beast and live my life. Good luck to everyone. x
Cathryn
I lost my dad to cancer in 2010 – i was on my way in the plane when he died and i never got to say goodbye. i watched him suffer in his last few months of life and i cared for him. Unfortunately he hated me. he left me out of his will. I had to contest so the NHS would not treat me. i have been struggling with health anxiety since his death. i wish i had never seen his body. I have convinced myself he is going to give me cancer because i stole his money. yesterday i got paid my share of the inheritance and i totally lost it, convinced i have throat cancer. i know i need help i just dont know what to do.
Hi Anonymous,
It sounds like you have had some difficult issues to deal with recently. We would advise that you go to see your doctor about your health anxiety and perhaps see a therapist. There is more information about health anxiety here http://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/about-anxiety/anxiety-disorders/health-anxiety/ There are also a number of products in our shop which may help you through your health anxiety here http://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/products/health-anxiety/ It’s important that you try not to look up symptoms online or seek reassurance from others as this will only increase your anxiety and will continue the cycle. If you feel that you need someone to talk to for further advice or support, please call our helpline on 08444 775 774.
All the best,
Chris, Anxiety UK volunteer.
I”ve had anxiety all my life because of bad experiences during my childhood.
One day I had a full blown, scale 10 panic attack which left me not wanting to leave the house for two years. Over time I gradually started to challenge my fear and slowly but surely I managed to go out, however the panic came back. Over the last few months I”ve been convinced that I”m ill and am going to die. The doctor says that I am fine and although I”ve had six ECGs I”m not convinced that nothing is wrong with me. The GP has referrred me to see a psychiatrist who says that I have “health anxiety” or hypochondria – so now I have another label around my neck.
Ryan
Hello. I just wanted to share my experience of anxiety, and connect with others.
I have had post traumatic stress disorder all my adult life but I have coped with it pretty well until now. I had my first panic attack at 20 years old and never had another until about eight weeks ago. I am 36 now. I have an acute health anxiety and I think it has developed through stress of caring for my grandmother who is now in a care home for dementia and inevitably she is going to die. Also my partner”s mum died of cancer very quickly in February 2007. Being open to suggestion my OCD tendencies have turned to morbid preoccupation and I am obsessed by death – my own, and any small physical sensation can lead into a full blown panic attack. As my attacks started out the blue – I got very dizzy first then knelt down at the side of the road thinking I was going to die. I became obsessed first with my physical health and rejected the idea that anxiety could be causing my physical symptoms. It is still hard to accept but I am trying to learn to accept where I am in this moment, and replace my feeling of “I”m going to die” and the feeling of impending doom with the thought that “this is anxiety creating symptoms and I will find ways to manage it again”. It”s not easy to apply when anxiety is acute but it”s the only way out of the loop that I can think of just now. May we all recover from our anxiety and find inner peace.
Janet
I felt that I was surely going mad until I read Ann”s personal experience.
Everything she said could have been written by me. Any slight pain in my chest must surely mean I am having a heart attack. For ten years, on and off, I have had the same feelings. When I am strong I know there is nothing wrong. I have even had numerous operations under general anesthetic where a heart complaint would be found. Then I sink into this deep hole where I think this is the end. My husband is fantastic and pulls me back to the surface. Thank you Ann for making me realise that I am not going mad. And yes I have done exactly the same as Ann. I have run up and down the stairs to once and for all finish it. I am still alive and kicking. Then the guilt sets in for all the people who really do have a heart attack.
Sue
I’ve been suffering on and off for a few years with various undiagnosed symptoms, but in the last year they’ve got a lot worse. As I sit here and type this, I feel light-headed/dizzy, I’ve got a tight feeling in my chest and a cough, I have a tension head- and neckache, last week I had shoulder pain, I’ve had problems concentrating, blurred vision, heart palpitations, etc…
I’ve pretty much “had” (in my mind) every form of cancer that it’s possible to get (lung cancer, testicular cancer, bowel cancer, brain tumours), impending heart attacks, and loads more, and have been quite worried over the past year.
It was only last week that I discovered an American website which listed symptoms of anxiety – and it pretty much listed everything that I’ve been going through over the past year! (Unfortunately, you needed to pay to join the site to get information on how to cure it – and I’m sure that information can be obtained elsewhere for free, so I didn’t bother!)
I plan to visit the GP next week and see what he says, and what can be done about it. It is a bit of a relief to read these sites to see that I’m not alone, and that my problems are probably *not* immediately life threatening! But stress can lead to problems later down the line, so I plan to do something about it now!
Hi Gareth,
If you are looking for some good info on health anxiety the book above is really comprehensive, other than that cognitive behavioural therapy has a lot of evidence for its effectiveness. Give us a call in the morning and we can get you booked in within 2 weeks with a therapist.
Good luck with your recovery
Best wishes
Cat (Anxiety UK)
Thanks, Cat. I’ll see what the doctor says first, and if I don’t get any joy there, I’ll try the book and give you a call!
Gareth :o)
Oh my god i really thought i was alone!!! its somewhat of a relief to hear there a lot of other sufferers out there, my constant battle to overcome this illness actually makes me ill, if its not this ailment its another, you name it i’ve had it, on my must be my 50th or so visit to my GP, this time for blurred vision, only to be told everything looks ok, not convinced with that diagnosis im off to the opticians tomorrow only to have been there 2 months ago to be reassured i’ve got perfect vision. I just want to say what a great site and disappointed i didn’t find it earlier as being a avid internet surfer. Looking forward to reading everyones comments and suggestions
thanking everyone in advance
Adrian
This is such a relief. I have all of these symptoms mentioned in the top paragraph, I know they are a result of the anxiety, yet still I attribute them to a terminal disease. (mostly cancer, but sometimes I indulge myself in more exotic diseases, my new favourite is Lyme disease)
The more anxious I become, the more symptoms of anxiety I experience, thus precipitating more and more worry. What are we like? Sometimes you just have to laugh about it. But it is hard. I will phone my gp in the morning for a other blood test and chat, hopefully that will bring me some peace over the Christmas time.
I love my life so much, I guess that is part of the problem, destined to see it’s fragility, bound to this worry of it’s inevitable end by the very love which perpetuates it. Anyway, I am rambling, YOU ARE NOT ALONE, we are not alone. I think the important thing is to give in to it, to succumb to it (which is pretty hard for people that think like us) then we can facilitate the rebuilding of our lives.
We are the architects of our future, we can be happy, most of the time I am happy, and the times when the worry is bad, I find solace in the fact that it will be good again, it will be so so good. Life is beautiful.
Harry
Hi everyone,
It’s such a nice thing to see I’m not alone! I’ve suffered with health anxiety for a number of years & I’m 31. Mine started when I was attacked at 16yrs on the bus. It then reared it’s ugly head where I won’t travel on transport anymore unless I’m with some one who I trust. Then it wnt on from there really I have quite a few family members who duffer from health anxiety it’s horrible & I can’t take anymore I have a four year old & I don’t want to pass on to her. I’m seeing the doctor tomorrow to try & get councillong good luk everyone
Hi all, i’ve just stumbled onto this website and particularly health anxiety, my parents both died of cancer and mother also had MS, i started with symptoms 5 weeks ago of light headedness and pressure in the face, i wasn’t concerned at first and visited the GP who referred me to ENT, however i think i have developed this anxiety in the meantime because i had to wait 5 weeks for an appt, as i developed other little symptoms like tingling and feelings of panic as well as feeling like i’m off balance when i’m not, because i kept going back to my GP being very anxious about my symptoms she has referred me to neurology too and now i am in a complete panic over that, which isn’t for another 4 weeks, i have started seeing a counsellor through work, i am off work sick at the moment and find it hard to carry on day to day or even think about going back, i have some sleepless nights and get rushes in the night that can wake me up sometimes. its all very scary and now that i’m going to see a neurologist i’m convinced of the worst.!!! its hard for friends to understand how you are feeling and how debilitating this is!!… Kathy
Hi Kathy,
I know how awful it can be to live with health anxiety – I have been there myself and convinced myself I had a rare nerve disorder, etc etc. I would reccomend the overcoming health anxiety book – the reason for having a look at it is that it can be reassuring to identify the symptoms that may be anxiety, rather than a physical health condition. The other thing is to try and distract yourself – unfortunately going off work for many people can make anxiety symptoms worse as you have a lot more time to sit and focus on how bad you feel. I wish you all the best with your recovery – let me know if there is anything we can do to help you.
Best wishes
Cat (Anxiety UK)
Wow I can’t believe I’ve only just found out about health anxiety.
I’m 18 and had never had a panic attack until the day after I tried cocaine for the first time in november. My racing heart beat sent me into a panic attack and I’ve been having them ever since. I’ve had countless ambulences called out for me as there’s been a fair few times of me feeling like i’m dying.
I’ve had a 24 hour heart recording, many ECG’s and blood tests and everything came back clear. So the cocaine hasn’t left me any long term damage apart from this anxiety disorder that’s ruining my life.
Even though my GP has confirmed to me many times that I just have an anxiety disorder I’ve never been able to trust that. I’ve always felt that i’ve damaged my heart in some way from taking cocaine.
And this is the first time I’ve said this to anyone, but In the space between november and today i’ve thought I’ve either had throat or breast cancer.
And now i’ve realised that health anxiety is a disorder in it’s self and i’m so glad i found this website!
I’m currently waiting for cognitive behaviour therapy for my anxiety and also ADHD. But can anyone recommend any medication that might help me relax in the slightest bit???
I’ve been put on beta blockers but when i took my first one i had a panic attack a few hours later so i didnt take them again.
Would really appriciate some advice, I feel my doctor is sick of seeing me lol
xxxx
Hi Emily,
I can’t advise on medication, but you could try some relaxation to decrease your overall anxiety levels making it less likely for you to have a panic attack. I found yoga really helpful, and trying to bring your breathing down – but even knowing what I know I sometimes still have worries about my heart. I think the clincher last time was going out for a run, where I thought – if I do have angina I will drop down dead and I survived so that was enough evidence to convince me I was OK. Always a good idea to get checked out first by your GP to make sure, but once you have had the tests you can be confident that it is your anxiety. Have you thought of getting the ‘overcoming health anxiety’ book? It has a lot of good coping tips in about dealing with this problem.
Best wishes
Cat (Anxiety UK)
i was exactly the same as you i had a panic attack the day after trying amphetamines i got rushed to hospital since thinking i was having a stroke as my face and arms and legs tingled.. since then i have constantly thought i have done damage to my heart, i get tingly face still and occasional dizzyness i know its anxiety yet some times still experience some form of it everyday i can control it to some extent though as i havent had a panic attack for a year. i have felt one coming on a few times but i have learned to stop them. i have good days and bad days but i find lots of exercise and cutting down on stimulants i.e caffiene in tea an coffee etc has helped me no end.
I first had one after I was offered cocaine, I took it, it turned out to be ketamine. I freaked out, thought I was going to die and had a massive panic attack.
I only realised it was a panic attack, and not a symptom of the drug, when I had my second one. It was horrible. That was two years ago, and I am on top of the panic attacks now. Once you learn to control them you will never have one again. If you do they will become less and less severe until they are gone completely.
Check out the Charles Linden method, I found it a great help for general anxiety. I am currently battling health anxiety, which is a whole different beast. C’est la vie non. Good luck, and happy thoughts :)
Really pleased to hear that you have done so much to overcome your panic attacks. Sorry to hear that you are now battling health anxiety. Have you looked at the section on the Anxiety UK website on this anxiety disorder? The link is- http://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/about-anxiety/anxiety-disorders/health-anxiety/ There is an excellent book which Anxiety UK recommends and currently has in stock- ‘Overcoming Health Anxiety’ which is a self help guide using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques.
Best wishes,
Volunteer
i have always been a worrier and suffered panic attacks since i was 18, i am now 27. i am at the stage now where i think i have a brain tumour or tumour on my spine! it started with headache which has been constant for 3 weeks, now its made my neck hurt, my eyes hurt. the more i stress the worse it gets, i read these sights and feel better for a few minutes but then i always think ‘what if it is’. its driving me crazy! i keep going docs and got painkillers which dont work. i just wanna be normal!
I have exactly the same problem, and I dont know how to cope with it. I see a doctor at least twice a week and no matter how often I’m told that my problems are stress and anxiety I cant accept it.
I dont know what to do and I’m convinced I’m dying and no-one is noticing. This dominates my life.
I suffer from Health Anxiety, and in the past two days my anxiety on this has been bad. I keep thinking I am going to died, at the moment I have a ear infection and I am adimant I am going to get pneumonia, like my granny did when she was ill.
I took two panic attacks today, one in the morning and one during the day, I joined the site this morning in hoping I could get some help today and over the weekend until I see my GP on Monday. but I haven’t been able to access anything. I’m very scared and at wits end about this. I just wish I could speak to someone else (as well as my friends), but someone I can share more with.
I have a feeling I will be going back on medication, I just don’t want to go back on the ones I have been on because they haven’t really helped.
I suffer from the same thing like for example if I get a cold and right now I have a sore throat and it makes me really anxious where I have panic attacks and insomnia. I never used to be like that at all and I think its something that started gradually over time. I am doing CBT at the moment which helps along with meditation but sometimes anxiety can take over my life.
hi pammi i read ur blog on this site i am 29 years old i developed my health anxiety disorder last year when i nearly died after having my daughter the hospital told me thats whats caused my anxiety i get so down and depressed some nite that i cry myself to sleep my partner has to hold me and comfort me whilst i cry that i just want to be normal i have two weeks of a good period and then two weeks bad usualy when im mensturatein. i keep thinkin im gona get cancer or an illness and i will die and leave my kids with out a mom and i dont want to die. i then worry about the future if something bad happens to my loved ones. i refuse to take medication as it is the last resort for me. tqalking about how i feel to someone who wants to listen is good i have a good support network around me.have you tried exercise and yoga or anything that relaxes u like music or reading when you start feeling down go back in your mind to a happy place i go back to the days when i was a child safe and secure with my mom it always calms me if you want to talk im here i understand how you feel
i find reassurance everytime i read this article, and i’ve been dipping in and out here for 6 months. I thought i was getting over it, and accepting that my mind has a tendency to over react until i’ve been suffering again, thinking something is up. I deal with it slightly better now in that i don’t have a panic attack as soon as i feel somethings not right. For 6 months, i have had everything, i’ve thought i had brain tumour, went for a ct scan, it was fine and i still didn’t believe them, lung cancer, heart attack, infections, everything that could affect a person! Its horrible, and i hate that i’m not in control of the way i think, i used to be so strong, and no i was right and i trusted my instinct, now i can’t, cause now i just worry about dying all the time, and with two children, the thought petrifies me. After yet another doctors app he has referred me for counselling, i am glad, but not sure it will change the way i think. I will let you know!
Hi Louise, how are you doing? I too sufer from this dibilatating illness Health anxiety :(, no matter what i do it overwhelms and consumes me, in all aspects of my life. Today im still convinced ive got a brain tumour which is effecting my eye, which goes out of focus all the time, optician says ive got perfect eye sight, the doctors say im fine, the third visit, yet still ive not been able to digist this, im now on 2 types of drugs Mirtazapine and Fluoxitine, really just wanted to say your not the only one out there, and i hope you find something that works for you. thinking of all you sufferers out there
AJ
Hello,
I’ve suffered from anxiety for the better part of 3 years. It has pervaded my life, like everyone above who has posted on this page. When I wake up in the morning, I check myself for physical symtoms of illness. Inveriably, they exist. I stumble to the bathroom, shower, and painstakingly convince myself that it’s nothing. I worry about everyone I care about, everything I have to do; it lasts all day until I get into bed and cajole myself into a restless sleep. I map my weeks on episodes of panic; Sunday, it was a brain tumor; Tuesday my mother’s plane had crashed; Friday, my girlfriend had died. It’s overwhelming, it’s ineffable and it suffocates you from the inside out. I obsess, I make half hearted attempts to ‘change’ myself, I exist and it seems meaningless. I loath what this illness has done to me; I blame, and rationalise and make excuses based on it, and for that I will ever forgive myself.
Sometimes, though, I think back on the last three year and realise that they’ve been pretty fantastic. I’ve loved, travelled, worked, lost, studied, made incredible friends, had bizarre nights out and incredible (ehem) nights in, read things that have moved me to tears, seen things that have made me grateful to be alive – even if it is only fleeting.
But, it doesn’t stop me from thinking myself months away from death. It seemed to reach a climax a few months ago. I didn’t leave my bedroom for 4 days. If there was a cure for this, that would be fantstic – but there’s no easy solution. I’ve finally accepted that anxiety it’s going to be with me for the forseeable future, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It gives sufferes a unique compassion and, I think, empathy.
Basically, what I’m trying to say is – don’t fall into a routine, and don’t expect every day to be a nightmare. If you think you’re going mad, do insane things. If you think you have a brain tumor, go on a run (this is apparently difficult to do if you actually have one)! If you’re convinced a loved one has died, write them a letter before they call. Just… Don’t sit there and dwell on whatever you think is wrong.
Kate
I totally understand what you have been feeling as some of those aspects affect me. I have tears running down my face reading this as i understand the pain, fear, frustration it causes.I hope you are now getting better and hope i can conquer this or at least not have it in my mind everyday.
Nicola
Hi Kate,
I feel everything you are talking about, health anxiety is such a massive part of my life, but I have so much happiness as well, and I am so lucky. I just wish I could get rid of this illness but I dont think it will ever completely go away. Would you be interested in chatting abit more, its so refreshing to find someone who sounds similar to me! Thanks, Ellen
hi i am similar 2 u i am 40 have had bad anxiety for about 10yrs now found this website by accident and cant believe so many ppl with similar anxieties me to have great happiness in my life but in my head i think health anxiety will b with me all my life coz my mind tells me im going 2 die young and no matter wot the docs say they cant change me mind
Kate i feel for you, i experience the same and also worry about well pretty much the world and the human race and where its going. Empathy is a good thing as you say, but the anxiety is dreadful and people who have never had it look at you with what i feel is a look of disgust. I hope you finally find peace within yourself and every other person that is suffering. martin
I have just found this site and have read some of the above, which has upset me greatly as i suffer from health anxiety and it is very distressing. It comes and goes in bouts (im presenting in the grip of an episode). I have a terriflying, real fear that any aches, pains etc is something serious, mainly cancer. I think especially that the cancer is in my stomach but the area changes. I hate feeling like this and wish i could stop these thoughts. I am on medication for anxiety and depression. I do have mild panic attacks. I just wish someone would take these thoughts away as sometimes i feel as though i am going mad.
I have suffered with anxiety for about 6/7 years and only just found out after reading this page that this is the kind i suffer with.
I used to think every headache was a tumour and of course the more i worried the worse the headache got the more i was convinced i was right. But i don’t seem to worry about that anymore. The main thing i worry about is my periods thery have always been stupid but everytime they do play up after being ‘normal’ i worry its cancer. I’m 28 and you’d think that by now i would be used to the fact that this happens with them as it has always been the same.
Its nice to know that i’m not alone in this matter. I find it hard to talk to people about it as i have had people in my life who’s attitude has been ‘oh just get over it’ they don’t understand that that is exactly what you want to do but the one thing that is the hardest to do.
Recently I have found that I think I am going to take a heart attack almost all the time. It seems to be brought on from eating. Every time i eat a big meal or a takeaway I feel certain twinges and pressure on my chest. Next thing I know I am apparently in the clutches of death. I am very rational and reasonable in all other aspects of my life yet this seems uncontrollable. I used to play football but haven’t for a few years and don’t exercise as I think I should. Deep down I think this is what’s causing it.
The problem is anytime I say to myself “All these times you’ve felt symptoms you would have had a heart attack by now” yet part of me comes back with “but what if its the next time…”
I have to feel my pulse all the time. Always convinced that I’m minutes from death.
I haven’t only experienced this to an extreme degree within the last few months but I will not accept this. I will not let this be part of my life. I need to fix it, I just need to find out how.
I am 23 years old.
My goodness!
I’ve just stumbled on this site and I can identify 100% with the ‘sufferers’ on here.
I have terrible health anxiety which has been going on for about three years.
Checking everything to look for lumps, sores, weird moles, blood in my unmentionables etc etc.
The awful thought of cancer hidden in my body terrifies me, yet my rational mind says get a grip, but at four in the morning it’s a different story. The panics I’ve fallen into are unbelievable with tremors and shakes, unable to think straight when I’ve ‘found’ some sign of an awful disease.
I had all this before after my father died in 1995 and after a couple of years it faded away, but at present it seems fully entrenched with a different illness every few days. I even have had two illnesses on the go at the same time on occasion!
I’ve always had a slight bit of health anxiety even back as a child but never in the way it grabs me now.
Why has it returned? Maybe it’s due to my declining work. Like so many people I’m finding it hard to stay afloat as I own my own business plus I have a lot of time on my hands now due to lack of work. Time to ruminate on illnesses and my health in general. When I turned 50 (I’m just 53 now) I also started to worry more as so many illnesses seem to affect the over 50′s. My turning 50 almost seemed to be a marker to start worrying as I would soon succumb to something or other.
The worst habit I have is Googlling symptoms on the internet and frightening myself stupid by the results that come up. My mum had to throw away her doctor book as I would be looking in there for symptoms as a kid, so nothing’s changed! Just easier access to a lot of frightening (and quite often contradictory) information.
I went to my GP last year about this as I had counciling back in 1995 which may or may not have helped, but alas he said all funding was gone and very sorry but he couldn’t help. He was a nice guy and sympathetic but there was nothing he could offer now.
So that’s me.
I’ve been there before and got over it, which should tell me it’s all in my mind, but it doesn’t and I continue to constantly worry about every little pain, mole, strange feeling, blurred eye ect. etc. but at least I’m not alone.
Hi Mike,
The googling thing is the worst, ive become obsessed with it, it makes me wish sometimes the internet didnt exsist, everything leads to a terminal diease of some sort, i acutually googled ”thinking positive” and the first result back was a site aout Aids!!!!
I have tried to stop myself, prefering to call my Mum or a firend when i get the urge that seems to work
Hi Ross. I have the same problem and can spend two hours or so an evening looking at sites to see what illness I have or am suffereing from. I get stressed when I cant access the information and then my imagination runs wild and I have some terrible disease and will die in my sleep. I do also wish that the internet did not exist! but I would be looking things up in books as I have done in the past. I have told my husband about my obsession with this now in the hope that it will stop me doing it.
Hello Everyone, its so good to read other peoples experiences, I myself suffer from Health Anixety which started when i was 20 and my Dad was diagnosed with Cancer. i was so convinced at the time that nothing was wrong it was like my whole life came crashing down, since that time things have got worse and worse. This year i was convinced i had Heart diease and underwent lots of tests, then in June my mother was diagnosed with Cancer. since June i have had full blown panic attacks including one at my wifes bedside when she was giving birth!!!! our baby was poorly when she was first born and and this just added to the whole mix.
Im so desparate to have the old me back, Ive had a swollen lypmh node in my neck for 6 months(although it has gone and come back a few times) im now convinced i have cancer and am going to die before seeing my daughter growing up. Every little twinge i get i believe is a sign of cancer even thoughj ive seen three doctors who all say ” there is nothing physically wrong with you” People who are not afflicted dont seem to realise but in your lowest moments, you dont think you might have the diease, you DO have it for however long it takes for your brain to rationallise again. I should point out both my Mum and Dad recovered from Cancer and they have a wonderful life going on holiday and what not, this then makes me more frustrated as i should be enjoying my life. but at the moment Anxiety is tying me down
its 1st jan 2011 just after 8 in the morning and ive just found this website and i cant beleive somany people suffer the way i do it makes me feel a little better to know i am not alone but worry (ironic ) that so many poeple do suffer from this and still do after so many years ,visits to the docs , experts and so on and still do with no end in sight it makes me wonder will i every get this thing sorted or will i just have to build a ( so could ) like around it . i myself started having health issues after i had a bad van crash that a walked away from without even a scratch even thou the van flipped over 4 times and split in half
then a little while after i started getting chest pains thought i was having a heart attack rushed into hospital everything fine then sent to a cardioligest told i have an etopic heart beat but its not life threatening go live your life come back to me when you are 70 but i could not play rugby,football or go back to kickboxing all things i love and have been doing for many years and now i affects every aspect of my life for every little pain or niggle i fear the end and over the last yr or so have been getting panic attacks where i end up 2-3 in the morning sitting outside a&e to scared to go home in case it happens to scared to go inside the hospital in case i am right where do i go from here ?
hiya, just been reading the past comments and i really dont feel any better at all, as im writing this my head feels heavy, my eyes r blurry, and i just feel totally wierd! i sit awake at night scared that something is going to happen to me, and leave my young son on his own without myself as we live alone, im constantly at the doctors, finding myself ringing the out of hours doctors or at worse ringing a ambulance.
i feel like this every second of the day, it doesnt just come and go.. and its ruining my life, i have been like this for 4years now after i left my ex partner (sons dad) after he was violent and tried to kill me. and it just came on so sudden i was lying in bed one night n turned over to go to sleep and started shaking, feeling like i was going to throw up, couldnt walk etc and ive been like that ever since, im only 21 and cant do normal day to day things or go out with friends, holidays etc.. i’m on medication for depression and anxiety which ive been on for 2years but doesnt help, been to see a counciller which doesnt help either.. im at the end of my tether with it as its really effecting my life and my sons life :( i was thinking about c in a hypno therapist but dont see how that would work either! please help :(
Hi Kim,
AUK do offer Hypnotherapy if that’s something you are considering. There is more info here:
http://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/get-help/what-kind-of-treatment-is-best-for-me/clinical-hypnotherapy/
Or you could always call 08444 775 774 and im sure you will find out all you want to know :)
Thanks,
David
reading all these put a smile on my face i have had health anxiety since 29 coming 41 soon still take panic attacks still believing im going to die just been to doctors who has still told me for the 1millionth time im not going to die but still ive just left bathroom checking for lumps etc the only time im happy is when im having a few pints with me friends then all my anxiety / stress comes back next day i think everybody looks at me when im outside and think they talk about me and smile at me which brings on my attack its all in me mind i know but hard to control it ive just been referred to a mental healh person to c where my anxiety comes from will it help i dont think so just think the docs r sick looking at me
Hey i have just read this statement about health anxiety and I have to say its all true, I used to and still do examine my body for cuts,bruises,scratches,lumps, ect and i constantly seek reasurrance from others I was convinced I had all these crazy illnesses like cancer and HIV (which i dont) however after suffering two fairly serious car accidents and the death of a good friend i suppose my mind is in the frame of “whats going to go wrong next” its having a detrimental effect on my life and holding me back from being positive and getting on in life i constantly worry and think the worse is going to happen is thier any way I can get help to stop me or help me stop thinking negative as this is now taking over my life im only 19 and should be enjoying myself not worrying over silly things like this.
Hi guys
I am 20 and have suffered with severe anxiety for 2 years now I used to smoke a lot of weed which I think started the issues. I know my own stupid fault but you don’t think about it at the time! I have ‘had’ everything you can think of. Diabetes Aids brain tumour epilepsy stomach cancer lung cancer multiple sclerosis parkinsons huntingtons disease motor neurone disease etc etc when I write it all down t sounds ridiculous!! I have good days and bad days and the bad days are….BAD! as I’m sure you all do! I have this book ‘coping with anxiety and depression’ by Shirley trickett although i don’t suffer from
Depression it makes u realise all ur sympoms are anxiety not illnesses! I also take citalopram daily and see a psychologist weekly which really helps. Anyway guys hope u all feel better soon. Peace x
hello all, just found this website and cnt believe im not alone, i have a terrible fear of sickness haate it i cn convince myself im dying and will b leaving my daughter without a mother, im 26 and been like this since i was 19 i trapped a nerve in my arm and thought i was have a heart attack becos of pain in it, silly really but i cnt find logic somedays. im laid in bed satm becos my partner is wrking away and its the only place i feel safe as its next door to toilet in case i ill, i also have a fear of going out if im not with my partner in case i die lol, my head is a mess, i am on meds and r helping slightly just want to get better for my daughters sake aswel as my sanity lol. good luck to all x
hi,ihave suffered with healthanxiety for a long time it has taken my life over, i scan my body for lumps and marks all the time ,ithink i have throat cancer at the moment because i have a mark on my tonsil ,i have been to see the nurse 3 times she told me it is not cancer as she has seen throat cancer but i am worried sick i stay focused on my mouth all the time. if it is not that is something else ,it is a nightmare i even wake up in the night thinkingt about death i am so scared.iam waiting to see someone who i hope might help me ,i am seeking reassurance all the time ,people get fed up of you because of it whitch i donot blame them it is so morbid and negative.i have come to the point i donot know how long i can go on like this i feel so alone. how ever it gives me a little comfort to know i am not the onlly one .
Hi all, what an amazing site this is. I found it around a year ago when i had just about had enough of loosing my mind. I had turned to booze to block out and medicate my thoughts and feelings and things were moving quickly from bad to worse. I check back in occassionally on days like today when i have convinced myself i have some kind of cancer. In the last year i sought help and gave up the booze, step one. Went to the doctors as i was one of these people who didn’t, and she made me make a list of things i am frightened of and checked me for them. (new one every day so not easy!) I am now in CBT which helps because i feel it is about taking responsibility for trying to change my behaviours. Writing down things as they come up, noticing what triggers them (usually something that is happening to someone else or a news programme – but also i tend to focus on health anxiety if there are big things happening in my own life – which there are) – i kind of transfer the anxiety onto myself. I always think i am coping with all this – but if ‘this’ happens then i couldn’t cope. The checking was getting crazy and i was so ‘happy’ when i realised i wasn’t the only one doing this. I am loads better as it is a bit less debilitating now, its still there but i am no longer crying on the sofa, exhausted and with no hope. I wish everybody loads of luck and hope and thanks for being here. Perhaps it is about being a little kinder to ourselves and trying hard to just live in the day. No matter what happens chances are we have today :)
Hi folks
I’ve read this site with great interest and some sadness, as all your stories are just like mine. Mine started after my mum died of lung cancer 9 years ago. However, after 3 middel of the night visits to the hospital A&E department and a diagnosis of panic attacks, the doctor blackmailed me (I thought so at the time) into going to anxiety classes, rather than finding a cure for my mysterious disease. They were brilliant, and I couldn’t recommend them enough. Everyone there suffered as I did, and the techniques we were given to stop the anxiety really do work. I forget sometimes and start myself off on an anxiety pathway again, as I have dome this week over a knocked tooth, which is now hurting because i keep prodding it!!! It stops when I forget about it! However, there are breathing techniques and mindfulness techniques which do work for me.
1. You have to make sure (it’s not easy) you breathe slowly from your diaphram rather than fast chest breathing, which is very likely to cause adrenalin rushes and anxiety.
2. Also you have to take time out (2 minutes is enough-time yourself) to tune in to your environment just using one sense, eg listening or focusing on one thing. This calms your mind, which is the main cause of all the anxiety, whcih leads to googling ailments, which leads to more anxiety, which leads to panic attacks. Yoga too is excellent. It works for me when I tell myself off enough and recognise the symptoms coming on. Wishing you all restful sleep and calm minds…I’ll try too!
meditation music on youtube helps i find