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How to deal with hypochondriasis?

Posted , 7 users are following.

tisiphone
tisiphone

Apologies in advance, this ended up being really long, and more of a rant than a question, but any advice is really appreciated. (I'm also not sure if I'm posting this in the right place?)

I need some tips on how to deal with hypochondriasis. I deal with anxiety and panic attacks, and constantly worrying over whether I'm going to die or not is making everything a lot worse.

Since December 22nd, I've been to the hospital four times, and they can find nothing wrong with me. But no matter how much searching on the Internet I do to prove myself wrong, I'm always sure I have some kind of disease. I also feel really bad because I'm always trying to get my mom to take me to the hospital because 'I think I'm having a stroke/have appendicitis/have dementia'. Right now, I'm convinced I have leukemia. My physical anxiety symptoms are similar to leukemia symptoms, and even though I can find more connection to anxiety than cancer, I'm in tears because I think i'm dying.

I'm not sure if anxiety can cause breathlessness all the time, even when I'm not having an attack, or if anxiety causes headaches and stomach aches, or muscle aches. Or if it can cause pain and tenderness in your ribs. I think may have a sinus infection. I've been having a pain in my lower right side and abdomen, around my hip bone, for a long time - I thought it was appendicitis at first. I've been having a lot more trouble concentrating, and I'm pretty sure my memory is a lot worse than before.

Like I said, I've been to the hospital four times, I've had a blood test that said everything was fine, when I thought I was having a stroke, the doctor did some tests and everything was fine. But that blood test was from around the beginning of January. And I have no idea if leukemia suddenly appeared after that blood test. I wanna get another one, but I don't know if that'll change anything.

I usually blame all my symptoms on anxiety, but whenever I experience something new or am just worried, I end up blaming my symptoms on something that probably isn't likely. I really wanna blame everything on anxiety, but right now I'm so scared I'm in tears and posting my fears online. I don't know what to do about this, I just want to be able to go one day without thinking 'this is it, I'm dead, there's nothing I can do because I have some symptoms of a deadly disease. May as well start saying goodbye to everyone because these are my final hours.'

I'm only 14 and I probably shouldn't be posting here, but I don't know how else to calm down. I have an appointment for next month to see if my physical symptoms could be something else. I'm just so scared, I don't know what else to do. I just wanna know that everything's gonna be okay.

Thank you for reading, and thank you in advance for any advice!

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • catherineB24
    catherineB24 tisiphone

    Posted

    Hi it does sound like anxiety to me I have all the symptoms you've mentioned I have health anxiety (hypochondriac) so I presume the worse then get checked out and told I'm fine so I suppose all we can do is listen to the doctors and medical professionals because they know more than us ..These feelings suck I do understand your not alone that I'm certain of! And please don't research symptoms that makes me and others so much worse. Hope your ok try not to worry and stay strong ☺
    • june1976
      june1976 catherineB24

      Posted

      I agree with Catherine I have the same problems, if I get a pain or upset stomach etc.., I think it is some really serious wrong with me and keep researching on the Internet. This only makes me feel more anxious and I'll. I have found this site to be very helpful, talking to people who are feeling the same way, keep strong and think positive.
  • Guest
    Guest tisiphone

    Posted

    This is totally normaly with hypochondria. I have it myself. I'm sure you've had times where you think that you;re crazy and you know that's it's all in your head. Remember those moments of clarity and use them as benchmarks. Think of how happy you are when you know you're okay, and reach for that. You're fine, and you can get through this. Don't let your anxiety ruin your life.

    All the best.

  • Rahb01
    Rahb01 tisiphone

    Posted

    stay strong my dear..be positive..you are 14 and so young and healthy..so dont worry too much..i am also struggling like you but it does cause alot of physical pain so just relax and try to keep your mind occpied with school and stuff..sleep early..have a healthy nutritious diet..you'll be fine..trust me..i have the same worry for 8 months now..im 23 and im still here healthy apparently..so dont worry..hugs
  • jenny99721
    jenny99721 tisiphone

    Posted

    Hi - to have all these admissions at the age of 14 is quite a big deal. Can you make sure that there is not an underlying depression. I am not sure where you are but i think you need some kind of specialist support as this level of anxiety is a lot to bear.Are there other bis issues going on for you? I would umagine that there are people invokved in your care and support - if no then this needs to happen. i agree with other posts re how to think about and deal with this fear of illness, I would just like to think that there are others around you helping you and giving you advce on a day to day basis, hope things improve for you and take care.
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