Hypochondriac and anxiety sufferer needs some advice?

Question

I have suffered with anxiety for at least 20 years, since I was about 10. I have had symptoms of every disease imaginable from the west nile virus, to heart attacks, to cancers, and other awful diseases. I am constantly at the doctors and they tell me I am fine. I have numerous tests just in case that all come back ok. I had 3 cat scans in one week just in case. my bills are thru the roof. Now I am worried because I have a burning feeling in my foot. I want to stop this cycle. I want to not have invasive tests for nothing. I want to believe my doctors but I'm too nervous. I often have panic attacks and hardly can eat a thing. I do see a therapist and basically it has taught me to recognize my fears as panic but it doesn't make them stop. It is awful. Suggestions Please.

Answer 1

1. See a clinical hypnotherapist who may be able to help you uncover the origin of the panic.
2. Decide that dying, since it will definitely happen one day, is OK with you. Tell yourself you'll die one of these years anyway, and you don't care what you die of - the end result is the same.
3. Decide to treat your addiction to medical tests as such a quit cold turkey.

Answer 2

I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL!! A few years ago I had anxiety so bad that I had frequent panic attacks every day that were so bad I couldn't breathe. I didn't know what was wrong with me and constantly thought I was going to die. I was even scared to look in the mirror while I was in the bathroom because I was always scared someone was going to pop up behind me. I also had very bad health at the time. I went on a diet about two years into my horrible anxiety, and after having cut ALL JUNK FOOD out of my diet, my anxiety virtually disappeared. I can't say this will work for you, but I know that healthy diet and regular exercise have made my anxiety almost disappear without medication (though I am on medication for depression, but I didn't go on it until recently after I cleared up my anxiety). From what I've heard this method has helped many other people as well. If this doesn't work, try natural herbs. There is an herb called St. John's Wort, which helps with depression but might also help with anxiety. If you want a really good herbal fix, smoke marijuana. It will virtually cure your anxiety (as well as liven your mood and help with headaches, body aches, or any other general aches and pains. This powerful and amazing herb also is known to cause cancer cells to attack themselves as well as help all health in general). Also, herbal remedies are much healthier for you than medication, and some will help you live a longer, more fulfilled life.

Answer 3

I feel for you because i suffer from the SAME thing. I get a pain anywhere in my body and im forced to believe its going to lead to my death right then and there, every little thing i feel, i think its a symptom of something bigger. Its horrible. I've been going to a shrink for about 4 years, been on Effexor for about 3, and its helped a lot. I go to doctors all the time- they tell me im fine, theres nothing wrong with me- and i dont beleive a word they say. So its like no matter HOW many test i go through, its not going to make me stop thinking im dying of something. the only person that can help you is yourself, its probably going to take time but find something that will calm you, a simple walk, excercise, until your rational side comes into play. Seeing a doctor on a weekley basis always helps- but the only thing thats going to help in the long run is yourself, you'll find stregneth to get over this one day. I know a lot of people who have, everyones different. if theres a will theres a way. Try and think postitive.

Answer 4

Taking medication is not always a quick cure for many people but in your case, maybe it would be. I'm glad you're in therapy but it's two fold (antidepressant & therapy) to conquering your panic attacks & being a hypochondriac. I was a bit of a hypochondriac so many years ago but now I see that it was because I craved attention from those close to me & wasn't getting it. Has trusting people always been a problem for you? I ask because you seem as though you don't trust your doctor. I used to experience panic attacks all the time, but they stopped once I lost weight, liked what I saw in the mirror, & got back my self confidence, & feelings of self worth. If you aren't on meds, ask your doctor about Lexapro. It was a God send for me & many others I know who suffer from panic attacks. I'm free of panic attacks & no longer crave attention. Good luck!

Answer 5

I would definitely suggest being giving medications. There are many mental health medications that have changed lives.

I know. I'm on a medication myself, and it changed my life anxiety wise.

Answer 6

You can gain support and relate at this website. www.panicsurvivor.com. Good luck to you.