Can anxiety make you see/experience things that aren't there?

Posted , 5 users are following.

I know the question is worded strangely, but...

The past week or so has been an absolute mess for me. The bruises on my legs that showed up suddenly are just now starting to fade, but I'll swear there's more that's showing up! And even though it appears the swelling on this cyst is finally starting to go down (it was sore for two days, now it feels smaller), I'm convinced it's something awful.

For example, a dark spot in the middle of my neck. A little off to the left, but generally under the thyroid gland(i think that's where it is?) and near the windpipe. In certain lighting, it's really prominent! But then my mother can't see it on me at all, even with her glasses on.

Can anxiety/depression/high stress make you see these things...? And can it really make you experience symptoms of things you don't have?

3 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Posted

    I have gone through something similar. It's like I notice things I haven't seen before. Then I focus on it and it seems to be even more noticeable. A few months ago I noticed a lump behind my ear. Then my ear started to hurt. I went to my doctor and she said my ear was fine. A few weeks later I went to urgent care and that doctor said my ear was fine and he couldn't feel the lump. I finally went to a specialist and he must have thought I was crazy because he said he didn't feel a lump and my ear was fine. Shortly after that my pain went away. I swear I still feel a lump but no one else feels it. I know it's not exactly like your situation but it's similar. You are so focused on it that your mind plays tricks on you.

  • Posted

    I swear its so funny that you mentioned bruises that appear out of nowhere , that happens to me on my legs like around my calf's and I know I didn't hit my legs on anything it's the weirdness thing

    • Posted

      I had one on my calf actually! And one on my upper thigh too...both are starting to fade off now but they just...showed up. Of course I panicked and googled which I know is the worst thing to do (I'm still anxious over it...), and now I swear there's more showing up even though no one sees it!!

      Maybe it's really stress/anxiety related after all?

    • Posted

      Yes I can't help but think something may be wrong , and for some reason they always pop up on my legs I've gotten one on my thigh before also. But mostly on my lower legs . scary for sure , I've been through so many different anxiety symptoms , to think anxiety can cause so many symptoms and sensations and nothing is actually wrong its sickening

  • Posted

    So my anxiety makes. me feel. like its some type of disorder or disease or something is just wrong with me
  • Posted

    Once you start focusing on anything i would think yes you will start seeing different shadings and be a lot more aware skin coloring and changes. Im almost thinking levels of hydration would alter coloring makes skin look molty at times. So, id say yes to this.
  • Posted

    I think we often bump into things and dont remember it,especially if it didnt hurt. Personally I have anxiety but ive never heard of bruiseing caused by anxiety
  • Posted

    Oh yes - anxiety can certainly do this.

    I'm glad the bruises are going!

    x

    • Posted

      I don't think it causes bruising , but again I can't explain how anxiety can do/cause a lot of things that happen to us honestly

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