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Hypochondriac (Always worried about my health)

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Hypochondriac (Always worried about my health)

19 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1

Hello, my name is Erin. I'm a recovering hypochondriac and a filmmaker. At the moment, I'm in the process of applying for grants to fund a documentary that focuses on the positive aspects of the imaginations of recovering hypochodriacs around the country, and offers humor as a way of coping with our anxiety. I have some film crew who are interested and the idea is really coming together. I want this film to be casual, without scary medical terminology. This could really help in putting our focus into something constructive and informative for others. Thanks! Erin

19 years ago 0 +0 / -0 151

Being concerned, hyperviligant about every little ache, pain and odd sensatation keeps the anxiety alive and supports the "what if" thinking that leads to PAs and an oversensitized emotional state. First fear is the feeling of "I'm sick, I dont feel right, something is wrong with me". Second fear is "what if... " Thinking like this pumps adrenalin into your body and makes you more "nervous" sensitized until you are finally so consumed with this worry that you panic. Break the cycle, try to change the thoughts so that second fear doesnt enter into the picture. When you think "I feel sick" tell yourself, well maybe its a cold starting or maybe its allergies, then let it go and [b]don't[/b] let the second fear start. Doing this takes pratice, and patience.

19 years ago 0 +0 / -0 16

I can so relate to this hypochondriac thing. I am constantly worried about something. Maybe it's a control thing? All that I know is that it drives me nuts. Any little symptom I get I'm right on the internet searching for what could be "wrong" with me. I've convinced myself that I have a brain tumor this week. It's a pretty scary thing. I had a headache for 2 days and drove myself nuts. I also get this tingling sort of squeezing feeling in my head, feels like my scalp is tightening?? This leads me to believe that I really do have something wrong! I do and always have had ear problems... blah blah blah. The thing is that, for me anyway, I know it could be nothing but I choose to think the worst and think it's something terrible and drive myself crazy. I think it's the only way I feel like I have control over something... in some strange way!! We shouldn't do this to ourselves!!

19 years ago 0 +0 / -0 8

I go thru this too. My problem is that I'll have a symptom and get on the webmd.com and start looking up all these diseases and just make myself all worked up. I have my family physican on speed dial.

19 years ago 0 +0 / -0 658

i too suffer from this!you are not alone. gina

19 years ago 0 +0 / -0 18

This post sounds like me. I feel a symptom and then go through this whole list of possibilities, then try to assure myself I'm ok. What's weird is I'll get the same symptoms and sometimes worry a day, sometimes a month for the same symptoms!!! When people say you're fine, how do they really know, right??? You know it almost is a relief to read that others feel this way.

20 years ago 0 +0 / -0 5

Thanks Josie, I better go get ready. Gotta go to petsmart puppy class graduation.

20 years ago 0 +0 / -0 12049

Freedom, That could be some of the reasons. Pressures of a new school, puberty, hormones, can all factor into the equation. Talk to your doctor and in the meantime do some relaxation techniques. Read a book, go for a jog, take a hot bath, go to the gym. Take whatever relaxes you and do it when you wake up in the morning, so you have a fresh outlook on the day. Also, do your relaxtion before bed. This will calm you down from your day's activities. Try your doctor as well as see what is suggested. Keep us informed, we are here to help. Josie

20 years ago 0 +0 / -0 5

I really don't want medication. I used to be able to manage it but its worse now, and I don't know why. Could it be from stress(new school,puberty, etc) or hormones(again puberty)or both???

20 years ago 0 +0 / -0 12049

freedom, You are on the right track. You school counsellor may possibly help, but can also advise you where there are clinics and therapists that specialize in panic and anxiety. Try all avenues and get the assisstance needed. Make sure you take our Panic Test and bring it with you. This will better assess the situation, for you and your doctor. Hope this helps, Josie This message was edited by Josie, Support Specialist on 9/5/2004 @ 10:09:59 AM

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Hypochondriac (Always worried about my health)