Anxious about Health?

Can you reduce anxiety if you have health issues? Does "positive thinking" help with health anxiety? Or is it cognitive reframing that helps? This video shares the key to being able to reduce anxiety that is focused on health.
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Disclaimer:
This video was created by Barbara Heffernan, LCSW for educational purposes only. These videos are not diagnostic and provide no individual consultation. Consumption of these materials is for your own education and any medical, psychological, or professional care decisions should be made between you and your primary care doctor or another provider that you are engaged with. Barbara Heffernan is not available for individual consultation via KZbin, social media, or email, and provides services only in the manner mentioned above

[@bella061309]

I remember when I felt a lump on my right breast when I was 35. I thought I was going to be diagnosed with breast cancer and my mind spiralled to dying that same evening. It was a Sunday night, so I told myself that before I plan my funeral, I'd first go to the doctor to get this checked out. Once I decided that I'd get it checked out first, my mind calmed down a little and was able to get sleep that night, not a restful sleep but enough. The next day, I went to my GP and she ordered a mammogram for me. I had to wait a week for the mammogram appoinment. (I live in Canada, so there's really no private breast centres here at that time.) As it turned out they were just sacks filled of fluid.

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

Totally understandable! And, of course, it helps us realize the "fantasy" in our catastrophizing... Thanks for sharing - a very relatable example.

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

Tell me what you think: was this helpful? Do you think it is possible to think about the anxiety separate from the health issue?

[@julielivingston9207]

I appreciate your videos so much.. you have helped me alot in dealing with my panic attacks and anxiety issues. I have a vestibular disorder that causes a lot of anxiety .. I have dealt with it for 30 plus years and have recently had a flare up that has put me into a spiral, .. literally... which also activates my panic. Oddly enough, i was just talking to my husband this morning and telling him that i woke up with no anxiety this morning, (which in the last month is rare), and even though my balance is still very off, it is much easier to deal with when i am not panic riddled. your videos have been helping me get a grip on how to calm myself down so that my anxiety levels don't escalate into something that feels unstoppable. I am new to this all, so its a process, but one worth the efforts put into it. I thank you for your videos, as i live in a very small place and my access to anything medical is limited. I came on youtube looking for vestibular exercises and CBT videos, and found you. Diaphramatic breathing did not come easy to me.. but i practice it multiple times a day. i did not realize how much i breath from my chest area until i actually tried to breathe differently. Again.. thank you. i look forward to going through your videos and did download the PDF.. i just havent got busy with it yet. but will do so.

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

So pleased to hear how much my videos have helped your anxiety! Keep up the great work you are doing now! And how wonderful re the morning !

[@thomasoxland3158]

Great video, Barbara. Atrial Fibrillation is my health issue that causes a lot of anxiety. Hard to apply some of the techniques when my heart is palpating. However, I do like how you separate the health issue and the anxiety and suggest more of the general techniques. Thank you.

[@meghanmengel437]

Oh wow definitely checking this out

[@louiseyoung1231]

This was helpful, but it's hard. I have CPTSD from my family and medical trauma, so my amygdala believes this time I could die when my health challenges flare or get worse. Something I'm working on with my therapist. Appreciate your videos ❤️

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

Yes, it is very challenging, I do hope this is helpful and I wish you all the bet!

[@brooksconery8088]

I think way too much about my chronic pain syndrome, resenting the constant pain and my diminished quality of life, and spending too much time thinking about where do I find pain relief. I’m going to read my CBT book again. I appreciate your video!

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

Thank you for sharing - I think many people are in this situation. And it is understandable how hard it is AND there is something we can do differently, right? I wish you all the best!

[@suponglongkumer5393]

Very helpful madam Barbara 🙏

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

So glad it was helpful! Wishing you the best!

[@carlbepa]

I agree with a lot of the comments on here about people with anxiety. it’s easy for the middle class privileged able bodied members of society to continue making these videos about anxiety because these individuals never been oppressed. it’s easy for people to talk about how certain individuals have overcome their oppression and why isn’t it possible for other people to do the same?because they LACK that perspective of being in the same position. and you can tell they’re not doing any significant work in the society because all of their listeners and people that they are reaching out to continue to be in the same position as they are, and that doesn’t create change at all. if you want to make change in the world,you reach out to people who come from diverse backgrounds.

[@Alphacentauri819]

Be careful about your own narratives, fueled by confirmation biases, cognitive distortions (assumptions, jumping to conclusions)....how do you know who has been oppressed or not? Do you get to determine what "counts" as oppression? Do you truly understand each individuals epigenetic stories, intergenerational trauma, personal trauma, childhood, and more? To believe something without having all the information, is to have a combination of arrogance and ignorance....a sort of god-complex....and that leaves you blind and judging. We judge that which we fear and/or don't understand. What's it for you?

[@kindgurly1]

Total victim mindset. Some people just carry their burdens well. We can never tell what someone has gone through just by looking at them or by their socioeconomic status, so it’s best to not judge. You need to let go of your resentment and focus on your own healing. Your resentment for what others have or haven’t gone through will hold you back a lot in life.

[@_AllenParks]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@ahmadtharwat2670]

Are you a professional psychologist.?

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

I'm a professional psychotherapist, still licensed, but I no longer provide 1:1 psychotherapy. Info about me and my current coaching programs is available here: www.awakenjoy.life. Stay well!