Understanding & Overcoming Health Anxiety - A Psychologists Top Tips On Beating Health Anxiety

Understanding and overcoming health anxiety is complex. Health anxiety is more common than we think and can be hugely damaging to people. In this week's episode of GetPsyched, we take a look at understanding and overcoming health anxiety with my top tips as a psychologist on beating health anxiety.
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[@wallyrbc]

Health anxiety is unbelievably horrible and delibitating. Thank you so much for this helpful video!

[@SomeGal]

FACTS! "Just because something can happen, doesn't mean it is going to happen." - I need to adopt this as my mantra!

[@gabbyyoung7944]

Me too!

[@hereshoping6992]

I think the fact one day its gonna happen fuels it

[@barbarastead1227]

Breast removal in my 30’s. Then, after my bust removal, they said there was nothing wrong with me. My consulting left and I was left with not knowing what to do…..

[@lune78]

What hurts the most is when people don't understand health anxiety, they're just like "Oh you're fine, get over it". I've been laughed at because of my hypochondria. It really hurts, because health anxiety is debilitating and keeps you from living a normal, fulfilling life. And the problem is that just like with every other mental illness, it's not something you can just turn off and go "Oh, it's not that bad, I'm being overdramatic and illogical". Your brain automatically jumps to the worst-case scenario with every symptom.

[@kyliedavidson7915]

I can’t find it. What is the video called

[@taylorwarren2436]

The ways I relate to this….

[@harmony5807]

This is an old comment, but I relate so much! Hypocondria is no joke. People do not understand that this is a psychological disorder, and we can not switch it off just like that, it is like saying to a bipolar, a scizophrenic, an ADHD, a Ocd to turn it off and stop being it. Logically it needs a healing, a treatment( not specifically medical) from my experience a Faith to God( without any religious conditions attached to it) helps tremendously, prayong helps, some breathing techinques, calm yoga, or a faith and HOPE in general, appreciating every little moment thing that we have, but again Hypocondria usually is developed since childhood not always though, it may be a result of going through a parents divorce, tramatic event when a child, a death of a loved ones, a personal health issue that is healed now but the stress stays for a while, so from my personal observation usually people who suffer from health anxiety are hypersensitives/empathetic they feel strongly every energy from within and from outside world, those people ofthen have been through tremendous difficult painful events, horrible life difficulties and circumstances so yeah people saying we should stop worrying does not work like that, there should be more scientific studies on hypocondria so we are more compassionate with those people who suffer from it, and of course as a conscious human beings we should have compassion with each other in any aspects and understanding. I wish all the best to all the fellow hypocondriacs out there, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!! YOU will be fine just have faith and pray💜🪐🔥🙏 bless this broken humanity, we all suffer in a way or other and only LOVE can heal us from our own shadow!!!!

[@hugo3conde]

hard to breathe, dizziness, constant pins and needles in hands and legs, constant feeling of doom, heart palpitations, fear of increasing HR, headaches, ear pressure, tingling, numbness, eye issues, sore throat all the time, chronic pain - i can go on with all my symptoms - this has all started after a health scare - I really hope that this gets better and not worse - I fear the health scare happening again, or developing now a degenerative disease....

[@hugo3conde]

@@notamemer7515 sure thing

[@notamemer7515]

Whats ur insta?

[@hugo3conde]

@@notamemer7515 Hugo3conde

[@bombchu9308]

How are you holding up now? I can relate to this

[@hugo3conde]

@@bombchu9308 still dealing with this - doctors say everything is fine .. so I have to continue to work on my stress and anxiety … hope you’re doing well

[@kaiiids815]

Thank you for validating us & making us feel heard. Most of us suffer in silence every single day because we’ve exhausted our friends and families with our anxieties.

[@abrahamhernandez1913]

You got a alot of physical symptoms?

[@fannyingabout]

I currently have the Olympic gold medal for Google symptoms. It’s absolutely a massive issue.

[@tomsale5142]

What are your symptoms

[@snow12343]

Me too...that's literally horrible

[@MultiAssif]

Me too, But I experience this after every 4 to 5 years for around a month or two

[@ruzabeztrna5883]

Stay away from Google, that's hell for people with health anxiety

[@franz2697]

Finally someone that can relate to me.... I must have afew hundred google searches including screenshots of diseases that I think I have soo sad it's HORRIBLE

[@johnwestgarth8011]

The reassurance lasts 24 hours maximum but then it very quickly pops into my thoughts “I wonder if the gp missed something”

[@Gingerbearded]

same.. it sucks so bad

[@rakhichakraborty5164]

this comment describes my life

[@swldn]

💯

[@ap_4271]

@@rakhichakraborty5164same

[@Froggydreams]

I’m 17 weeks pregnant right now. I started having health anxiety after a series of drug-induced paranoia and panic attacks. Since then, I’ve been scared that I’m going to die of a heart attack, or brain aneurysm, stroke, etc. And now being pregnant, I’m feeling all kinds of new things in my body. I’ve had palpitations due to pregnancy, hot flashes, headaches, sinus pressure, and cramping. All of these are freaking me out to no end. I’m trying to go to sleep right now, but it is very hard, because I keep being woken up by a heart palpitation. I started looking up symptoms (horrible idea) and thought I felt better. Then I stumbled upon something that kind of scared me. Then all of the sudden it felt like I was shot into a dream and my heart started racing. I sat up as fast as possible and just took deep breaths. I started crying when I finally calmed down. Health Anxiety is the most stressful disorder in the entire world. As far as I know. I just wish it would go away.

[@godloves9163]

Are you better now?

[@asfiyakulsum7364]

Hope you’re better now ❤ me who’s planning to conceive being an health anxiety patient it scares me thinking about the baby and what not… unstoppable thoughts 😑

[@Froggydreams]

@@asfiyakulsum7364 actually… I found out it wasn’t just health anxiety. I had pulmonary embolisms in my lungs this entire time. Thank you for checking on me though! Lol. ❤️

[@asfiyakulsum7364]

@@Froggydreams I am very sorry to learn about this…. hope you’ve detected it early and getting treatment for it …. I would like to know about how’s your baby… hope you both have got out of the difficult times God bless you 💙

[@Froggydreams]

@@asfiyakulsum7364 thank you. He is the most beautiful, precious thing this world has given me. 🥰

[@marissathomas5483]

my health anxiety has been so bad for the last year, but especially the last few months. to the point where I wake up nauseous or get nauseous throughout the day often and then get scared to do anything in fear that I'll get sick. thank you for validating our experience 😭❤

[@saswil2010]

Same here. I’ve been nauseous every single day and haven’t been going out afraid I’ll throw up in public

[@comedyisacid3316]

@@saswil2010 That has been sort of one of my problems, But I've found a way to work around that You just have to imagine that someone has also thrown up in the public before, and that it can happen to anyone, even if you do it's awkward at first, but no one blames a sick person for being sick. So I hope this will help you with that problem!

[@Fxper]

I think its also known as "Catastrophizing" - meaning fixating on the worst possible outcome ... i was told i do this,and this video is spot on !!👍

[@Mandance]

I wish I was rich so I could have my own health clinic and team of doctors built into my house 24/7 service 😂😂

[@killerrush77]

so im not the only one that thinks this?

[@ashleydennis5648]

Ugh same!!

[@gabrielametodieva8360]

The problem is that we need to stop looking for a reassurance all the time. My mum is a doctor (she doesn’t practice it now but she’s got the degree and has worked for a number of years) and she was visiting me last month. Omg I was asking her for every single sensation, every minute when I experienced something. When she left I realised what I did was just as bad as googling. What we need to do is accept uncertainty and that things will happen but it’s unlikely that it’s the worst case scenario. It’s very hard for me to do this though and I am still struggling with this concept lol. I WANT TO know I’m healthy but when people tell me I’m fine I either get reassured for 1 day tops or I just don’t.

[@user-su7hk3si2f]

That's literally what I was planning to have when I was a child/teenager. I'm now 31 and still cannot afford it lol. I even thought about scouting boyfriends based on med.profession lol. Didn't happen neither hahah

[@karanpandit2023]

Cardiophobia is the worst anxiety disorder with several physical symptoms......

[@TjappieForLife]

Absolutely not.. Ever heard of benign fasciculation syndrome? If not.. DO NOT bother googling

[@RiceBallEnby]

I've had severe health anxiety ever since I got really sick and almost died. I've been physically healthy for a while now thanks to therapy and medication but now that I'm trying new meds that aren't nearly as strong, I'm really struggling. I'm just so scared of death. At the same time I have so many other mental health conditions and comorbidies. Thank you for talking about health anxiety in a positive light. Everyone thinks we're crazy or annoying but they just have no idea how bad we're struggling just to feel safe.

[@GetPsyched]

So sorry to hear that. Really hope you’re getting support and I’m really happy to hear you got value from this video. It makes it all worth it!

[@swank1526]

PTSD causes health anxiety and seems you have a reason to have PTSD

[@RadTrav270]

I have the fear of death and I’m not sure why, I recently am trying to get back into my Christianity, even though I don’t find that very logical. But I guess choosing to have some faith has given me some peace that even if or when I die I’ll be okay, hope that helped.

[@infinitegalore1266]

Health anxiety: you are no longer able to live in my mind and body rent free, time to evict you.

[@sanyeung1620]

I feel like the exposure therapy works for me. I tell myself that if today is the last day on earth, do I want to spend time worrying about health anxiety? I almost always answer ‘no’ and then focus on things that I actually want to do on this supposedly last day. ❤

[@melanie0223]

yess i always try to think this as well. i think about how I could be doing way more happier things instead of worrying about something that won’t happen. I tell myself “you only live once so don’t spend most of your life worrying about things that have never happened”

[@fractalofgod6324]

The mental health anxiety is worse than the physical stuff because it feels so real and nobody can help with it.

[@fractalofgod6324]

@drobalar_is_the_total_cure can't find that channel can you link please

[@fractalofgod6324]

I've tortured myself for over 30 years with health anxiety, it's been hell. Ever since watching my brother die at 20 from cancer, I've never been the same since and it's clouded my view on life totally.

[@bobdec6665]

its horrible

[@CupCake-sc9eb]

I am so sorry i dealt with similar.Hope you are ok 🩷

[@fractalofgod6324]

@@CupCake-sc9eb thank you, I am surviving just. Sorry to hear you had a similar experience. Peace to you my friend.

[@positive4128]

​@@fractalofgod6324hope we come out of this health anxiety soon my friend,Hugs

[@theresaerbe2705]

My health anxiety and fear of dying is crippling me. It sucks.

[@robertkitchens6341]

Me to my friend

[@dessiecoder2116]

Same here. HELL

[@HylianSoldier64]

This was nothing short of incredible. Thank you.

[@lyarc3757]

This video was spot on! Thank you so much❤God bless you.

[@NocturneSonate]

If there were cures being produced for illnesses vs life long treatments I believe health anxiety would be less of a thing.

[@vnkmy]

Thank you! You seem to actually feel with us and hence you were able to actually help me out 🙏

[@morihershey7780]

Thank you so much for this video. Just listening to you was comforting and helpful. I can't wait to learn more because Health anxiety is very frustrating. I got it from being my husband's caregiver until he passed away. Thank you for being present for all of us who suffer from this.

[@peteacevedo3822]

Absolutely amazing video! Thank you for this!

[@candidcameron2079]

I’m only 12 and I fear cancer and this helped a lot, thank you 🙏

[@alexleigh2646]

I’m 29 and share your fear. Good luck to you dear, keeping you in prayer

[@no3867]

My daughter also your age does this. Stay away from googling symptoms because it will make you focus on the worst case scenario. You are young so remember to enjoy life sweetie

[@candidcameron2079]

For those people who have health anxiety like me, I love this movie called What About Bob and it’s about a guy who has health anxiety and it’s a comedy. It’s super funny and it’s really fun to watch. I recommend watching it when your stressed out.

[@Cognitoman]

Hey little man I’m 36, I suffer from this as well, I’m surprised you that movie lol. That’s an awesome movie

[@AngelasJoys]

Baby steps 😉

[@ChristinaDay-vi1yb]

He actually has OCD. More so than health anxiety. The health anxiety is there..but it's a small part of his over all condition. .

[@dharshayr8265]

Thank you for this.

[@elisegray6962]

I needed to hear that. Been having anxiety about my health, fearing about brain trauma or hearth attack, I had plenty of test and I have a very good diagnosis but I still have anxiety something can happen. It really eats me alive. But I am fighting and it feels good to hear or speak about it. I want to leave this anxiety behing for good 🙌🏻 thank you for understanding what health anxiety is !

[@73lurch]

omg I have just seen this and this is soooo me - thankyou for this video :)

[@amasterofone]

I really like the idea of showing appreciation for the anxiety and what its trying to do (keep us safe) and having compassion towards ourselves when its going overboard. This is really helpful for me. Thank you. 🖖

[@leodalionful]

Great tips, thank you so much. 🙏🏼

[@Expansion1111]

Great video I struggle with health anxiety and many symptoms. It’s a pain in the ass lol

[@hereshoping6992]

I have this shit since im 13 im 34 now cant hold a job because of it and everyone just thinks im a waster but its all my mental health . I just feel safe at home as soon as im outside its worse than inside anxiety

[@Mojeebsahakofficial]

Can you tell me your experience I suffer alot and i have experience sỗ much symptoms of anxiety

[@scds1082]

good, balanced approach. Thank you.

[@tendersaying]

Thank you ♥️

[@alanahsarginson7765]

I feel SO seen with this video! This has helped so much. Will definitely be trying out these tips + getting in touch with a therapist also. Thank you so much for making this!

[@GetPsyched]

Over the moon that you found it helpful Alanah. Really glad that you'll take on board the tips and consider seeing someone. Thanks so much for th e support

[@kassiep]

I work at a doctors office and honestly reassuring words from the doctor does nothing so your sooo right!! Like I always come in with some stomach pain, some pain in my head, some nausea, some severe shaking, my eyesight so bad I can bairly see afew meters ect etc and im asking if I'm ok and the doctor checks me out and says it's just high stress but then my symptom might change a hour later , like the pain has moved or I'm more anxious so it feels way more worse and again I wish I can ask the doctor but I know I can't just spend all day asking them and I'm sick to death of blood tests!

[@psychologyis]

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful and informative video! I really love that you mentioned how we need to step beyond "giving reassurance" to assist those with anxiety

[@GetPsyched]

So so kind of you, thanks so much for your support

[@charmain2126]

The Scottish accent made me smile! I’m from Glasgow! I’ve struggled with health anxiety since I was young but it got really bad a few years ago… it’s completely debilitating and life destroying… an endless cycle, I pray for everyone going through this! 😞❤️

[@Mandance]

I’d be more afraid of the knives in Glasgow!

[@hughdncy]

Im scottish too...homesich since i live in germany

[@charmain2126]

@@Mandance weird comment…

[@Mandance]

@@charmain2126 Glasgow smiles…heard of it?

[@amitbawa2544]

How are you now??

[@TutoriaIs4MineCraft]

I have been dealing with health anxiety that is so miserable to deal with, it has gotten to the point where anything that happens I automatically think the worse, like my foot swole up the other day and I went to the hospital thinking it was congestive heart failure or afib, then I almost had a full blown panic attack today when I noticed my stool was lose and had bile in it for 3 days, I googled it and automatically thought it was colon cancer. I didn't go to the doctor but life with Health Anxiety is miserable, it it definitely causes depression and stops you from being happy, all it does is make you miserable all the time. I'm tired of it, I realized today I need help, thank you for your video, it has helped I'm definitely going to try your methods to get rid of it, I know what caused mine. I had a kidney stone surgery and I was REALLY scared of anesthesia, I thought I wouldn't wake up. But obviously I did but it scared me so back I think it messed me up. So I've been dealing with this for for almost a year and I finally decided I needed help. Thanks for your video. It all made sense!!

[@candidcameron2079]

Your not alone dude

[@joey-san]

I feel you, bro😢

[@Kaynstein]

Was anxious before, then all of a sudden without a reason atrial fibrillation and a neat weeklong hospital stay. Nobody knows why. Now I am even more anxious. Still have palpitations sometimes. Sometimes makes me panic. Mostly anxious. Guess I do need a shrink, haha. Thanks for the kind words and the tips you gave. Need to get my stuff in order.

[@legacytrainer4242]

Very informative. Thanks.

[@Ryan____Z]

I’ve had health anxiety for a few years now. It’s just getting worse. I started taking anti depressant to try and counter act it but it didn’t really work, plus the long term use side effects that were heart related scared me (ironically) so I came off them. I get pains every day , chest pains, pins and needles, arm pain. I have incredibly bad acid reflux due to it, and don’t want to take the medication for that due to heart related side effects, that just turns it all into a vicious cycle. My blood pressure is always sky high even though I’m fit and healthy , so with that being high it’s another vicious circle. I just want the pains and stress to stop but I don’t think it will. Im sick of A and E visits and panic attacks. I really want to beat this naturally.

[@jennifer6814]

I am having anxiety every morning and I just had an EGD and I have gastritis and esophagitis and small hiatal hernia. I feel the worry and stress brought all this on. I really believe the anxiety is caused by the gastritis because of the gut/brain connection.

[@ishanibhatt8486]

@@jennifer6814 I also have anxiety every day specially in the morning and get chest pains every time I get stress over any matter or get mad at anything. It's like I can't even get angry anymore else I'll get chest pains.

[@tomsale5142]

How are you doing where is your pain

[@tomsale5142]

@@ishanibhatt8486 I get constant pain in shoulders armpits 24/7 varying degrees all started 5.5 years ago as globus

[@tomsale5142]

@@jennifer6814 I had haitus hernia opp before I started. Muscle pain I think anxiety makes the hernia to any hypomobility

[@angel.heart007]

It’s 4am and I’m thankful for your video. I’m going through a horrible anxiety attack. I felt my heart flutter and felt sharp pain in my stomach a few mins ago and my anxiety shot through the roof in minutes. I thought for sure my gallbladder or pancreas was going to burst, or something was wrong with my heart. I’m a mess right now. It helps to hear that I’m def not alone😩

[@snow12343]

U r not alone mate! Its really terrible. ..I also get this and also waking up so early as I am in another world ....😭

[@elizabethwilk9615]

You are not alone - when this happens I do stretching - go for walks and do mindful breathing

[@HaydenBrownn]

Flutters are the worst

[@hopestrue]

Omgg so manny people r juss like me here 😭😭😭

[@AlanAndrei]

im the same. Over 15 years thinking I have some horrible condition. It saps my energy and happiness so much that sometimes I cant enjoy life or being around my children or family. Just gloomy. I get so drained that I even lose the will to ring doctors. I just say to myself, here I go again. Health anxiety is hell on earth.

[@ishanibhatt8486]

Great video, thanks

[@gowthamkarthik3135]

Hope this can help atleast someone to fight over anxiety. I've had the same type of symptoms due to anxiety and stress. It literally produced the symptoms of heart diseases and i lost all my hope. But once I had my complete full body check up, I could see the reports are completely normal and all these symptoms are due to health anxiety. Health anxiety won't prevent from death, rather prevent from life and living. I saw many videos and found meditation can help on these situations. And it really worked for me as well. I just focus only on my breath and if something bad comes to my mind, I forcefully think the exact opposite positive situations. Like when I feel like having chest discomfort, I take deep breath and feel I'm healthy I repeatedly did this whenever I get anxiety. Almost every hour, I used to do this and helped me to stable my mind. Also repeat positive words very often. Like I'm healthy and strong. Nothing is impossible, we unknowingly trained our mind to fall for anxiety. If that is possible, we can train our mind to overcome anxiety as well. All we need is the determination and never give up attitude. If I can do this, you all can do this. Stay strong and fight this unknown, powerless enemy.

[@tonibao1166]

I've had severe health anxiety ever since I went into hospital for High Blood Pressure.I am obese and I started doing 24 to 48 hours fasting weekly depending on my mode. I go to the gym 5 days a week and I have lost 39 lbs(18kg) in about 2 and the half months. People are asking me if I am sick and it is depressing me and making my health anxiety worst with the feeling something is wrong and that's why i am losing much weight at a fast pace even thou i know I am putting in the work. I am still obese and want to lost more weight but the comments I am getting about being sick is discouraging me to continue and making my anxiety worst,when it was getting better.

[@kennyaleelindo9647]

same

[@michellecanal8210]

How are you then? We all have the same side of the story.

[@tonibao1166]

@@michellecanal8210 I am feeling much more better and confident

[@maheshgangula3912]

do you taking bp meds or not

[@tomservo75]

I'm glad you brought up health conscious vs. anxiety. I don't know if this is common, but my situation is I can do one of two things - I can either ignore the problem completely, or panic about it. There's no middle ground like, "Hmm, this might be something. Let's see if it's there in a few days and then maybe I'll get it checked." That middle ground can't exist for me. It's ignore or panic. And again, explaining how logically I know there's probably nothing wrong doesn't cut it. I have occasional abdominal pains but have been hospitalized twice, when they did turn out to be serious. And even though the level of symptoms I get now isn't anywhere near as severe, those hospitalizations are in the back of my mind.

[@wavylocks7177]

Absolutely exactly the same! All or nothing mentality. So frustrating!

[@Emily-uy2re]

Same, As u mentioned the panic or just full on ignoring the symptom, i feel u!!

[@NoahAllston]

I have somatic symptoms when I am under stress, all the way from pain, headaches, stomach pain, persistent palpitations and in the latest case hives, swelling and mystery “allergies”. The more I get stressed about it the worse they get, and no matter how much I go to the doctor. I can’t stop feeling I’ll get anaphylaxis and die, so I’m only eating boiled veggies and soup lately. Even when I’ve never had any kind of food allergies, I had hives after eating dinner a couple weeks ago and now I’m scared everyday before eating. My weekends are full of doctor’s appointments, but now that I’m sure it’s my kind I have booked an appointment with a therapist that does cognitive behavioral therapy. Really hoping she can help me as I’m desperate to get better.

[@tnyeh]

This video helped me..

[@AJH-gg2do]

Loved the video but the bit that I liked the most is the idea of forming a relationship with anxiety. I've put weight on smoke etc I like in principal the idea my health anxiety is trying to warn me I'm not healthy and need to make a change or else all the symptoms I'm imagining will be real one day

[@faraipasi]

Thank you

[@vikasgupta1828]

Thanks

[@DS-ng6qz]

I am reminding myself at the end :dont fly to your imagination .come here .you are safe. As a student of literature my deep thinking was good until i got attached to its negative sides from the corona lockdown . Now i have to be free from it snd thank you for helping those who cant afford therapies in physical

[@CHAD-fr4hh]

For me it's been occurring on and off. First it was chest pains, and then it was heart palpitations out of nowhere and now it's mostly just head pressures that comes and goes. It's really frustrating because just when i thought i was getting better, things end up getting so much worse. And not only that but usually I'm the only person who i can rely on to basically get me out of this since i know others won't listen to me. I've tried to open up and talk about it and it seems to me that others have absolutely no clue what the heck I'm talking about a lot of the time. I'm quite aware that it's just my brain trying to play tricks on me and scare me but that still doesn't mean that it's less scarier. Actually it makes it so much more frustrating since your brain controls everything and if your brain thinks of all those irrational things, you won't be able to move on with your life. And i absolutely despise that i cannot even feel some type of joy. Not even a small amount of it. All i want is to be happy and anxiety-free and it would help to also talk to people who actually gets what Health Anxiety is. 😔

[@leahindisney2822]

I have the head pressures now too after two weeks of panic attacks :( I've been to my doctor and the ER and they all say it's anxiety

[@erenyalcn31]

Head pressure is the worst thing..

[@Armaanmalik777]

Brother I've exactly same issue... I also don't know how to cope with it...

[@jacobbrock1688]

After being away from health anxiety but it came back a week ago and having panic attacks for a few days I have head pressure and my ears ringing. And it’s sad how bad it messes up my life. A week and one day ago I had little to no anxiety then blame. It’s hard to tell people about it which you guys understand. We are all in this together! Stay strong guys and would love to hear updates.

[@ishanibhatt8486]

Chad, I totally know what you are going through, I climbed stairs very fast one day and was so proud by the time I reached 5 the floor no shortness of breath or anything but then my brain sensed fast heart rate and dropped me in the panic mode so much that heart rate didn't come down for long and had to call emergency and off course there was nothing wrong. Ok this kind of episodes have happened to me many times and many ER visits, I'm fine for a few months and bam feel a pain in chest area and dow the anxiety hole again, God so want to get rid of health anxiety for good 😀

[@wtbwrites1806]

Health anxiety has been part of my life for the last 12 years or more. I have gotten better. But I still have horrible days. Usually when I have heart PVCs and PACs.

[@birdbird1]

This is amazing thank you. I have suffered from Health anxiety number of years, last year was the absolute worst time I didn't leave the GP. Called out an ambulance 4 times in one week through my darkest times and begged to be sectioned. Had floaters, vertigo, chronic pain in my back, chest and stomach, headaches, lump in throat, heart palpitations etc you name it. Thankfully a lot of these symptoms have disappeared but my god it ruin your life. I've made myself so unwell I've got GERD now which is horrific but shows how important the mind body connection is

[@melll4583]

i just have to comment because i have never related to anyone more. first off i pray that you are doing well! but just recently i went to the hospital twice in one week and after being told everything was normal still panicked constantly that i had something life threatening. and every single symptom u named i have on a daily basis. i go to a neurologist for the migraines and a chiropractor for the constant back and neck pain. and recently have had chest pain and feeling full, etc so i have am going to a gastro thinking i may have gerd now too. it’s just tough being in pain and having real symptoms but trying not to think the worst and attempt at living a normal quality of life. anyways best of luck to you and i hope that you are able to live without the constant fear, stress, and pain one day. :)

[@birdbird1]

@@melll4583 thanks for the reply! It's horrendous, I'm sorry you're enduring it too. Luckily, a lot of my symptoms are at bay and I can't remember the last time I went to the GP let alone a hospital so I'm thankful. I recently went to an osteopath actually because the tension in my back gave me a headache for days on end. I was having horrific stomach pains one time I had it with a headache and the 999 lady thought I was having a stroke! (I'm only 25). So I understand the need for constant reassurance. The only place I used to feel safe was a hospital. How are you doing now? I still pray most nights I die peacefully in my sleep so I still get pains here and there but this is something I need to tackle. The one thing that really helped me was getting a symptom, then giving myself first 24 hours until I reached out for help, I found they dissapeared. Then extended the time, so 2 days, 3 days etc. Also, I now wake up and as soon as I'm awake I write down all negative thoughts and worries and when they come back around in the day I tell myself don't worry, it's been dealt with and I've put them on paper. It helps. You should watch 'the anxiety guy' he is incredible x

[@birdbird1]

@@melll4583 people who don't suffer from this think we are illogical but the symptoms are very real and this is what keeps us stuck, as we think 'anxiety surely can't give me X Y Z' x

[@melll4583]

@@birdbird1 yes, it’s so hard for people to understand why we get the logic of us probably being fine but still always being uneasy. so happy to hear you are doing better though. i’m trying to just remind myself that i have had testing done and i’m a healthy 21 year old so aches, pains, etc shouldn’t concern me to the extent that they do. and i’m definitely going to try writing my thoughts down too! overall i just want my anxiety levels to go down so the physical pain itself does too.. best to you again :)

[@birdbird1]

@@melll4583 just been brought back to this, have you watched Joe Dispenza? And also The Anixety Guy?

[@wtbwrites1806]

Mine gets worse as I age. As I get closer to the age where life take things away, rather than giving

[@armie3292]

Just watching this beautiful man speak is enough to calm me down. Hi. 😊

[@yazreva2230]

I have been dealing with health anxiety for many years. I'm tired of it, i wanna put an end to it.

[@graciee241]

this is so incredible. My dog he’s a big dog he jumped on my stomach and left a internal bruise and I keep pushing on it to see if it hurts but it hurts when I touch it and it’s so annoying I think I’m constantly dying.

[@maria-zn7jd]

it all started with searching up a symptom

[@hopestrue]

True for real 💯 google is worst

[@FaithHannah2468]

Same!! Sometimes I think what would have happened if I just didn’t google the symptom.. I developed the worst health anxiety ever, and now it’s going to take time to get rid of it😞

[@Ellabella12367]

i had my health anxiety under control but since July its got bad its really taking over my life im getting severe palpitations and chest pressure iv been to my gp i can't tell you how many times and last week I went to hospital they did every test and found nothing said my heart is healthy i was reassured for 2 days and the palpitations came back I'm so annoyed because iv got every test and they never find nothing im going back to my doctor Tuesday because its taking over my life im still convinced my heart is going to just stop and I won't live to see 35 it's not fun living each day waiting to die im just so fed up now because it's not stopping even after all tests

[@user-lr1ez5to8d]

How are you now?

[@MsJavaWolf]

One of the things that make health anxiety difficult to deal with for me is the fact, that the symptoms of anxiety itself are similar to symptoms of potentially dangerous medical conditions. I get some anxiety, my heart starts beating faster, I think that this might be a heart attack, my anxiety gets even worse, my heart beats even faster etc. A self reinforcing cycle.

[@snow12343]

Same bro

[@cinder2994]

Yes. I read a book where the Psychologist author said that you are better to "miss" something than ruining your life worrying about missing something!

[@frusia123]

I got a low dose propranolol for this, and it really helps. It doesn't take the anxiety completely away, but it prevents spiralling into that vicious circle.

[@Nino-wr1cb]

Lately I am short on breath and I feel pains in my chest. It is probably the anxiety that causes it but I really don’t know what to think about it anymore. It is so tiring. I’ve been to a hospital 2 months ago and my heart was fine but now i’m thinking the results might be outdated and there might be actually something going on, while I know that this usually doesn’t change that quickly….

[@HSHeart723]

I have had to do so many things uncomfortable and remind myself I am safe. My general anxiety and health anxiety is getting better the more I push myself out of my comfort zone. My issues started after a traumatic health experience. I wish I would have addressed it immediately rather then pushing through for so long. It's been a long road and I still have hard days but I am doing so much better, there is hope!

[@amitbawa2544]

What's your symptoms

[@HSHeart723]

@@amitbawa2544 I don't think talking about "symptoms" is helpful for me or anyone with health anxiety. Thinking/worrying about every little feeling in my body is something I've been moving away from. I'm not totally free of the fear and panic of some feelings yet but I know it's not helpful for me to dwell on or regurgitate them.

[@amitbawa2544]

@@HSHeart723 that's great if you overcome fear .... I also suffering from helath anxiety from May 2022

[@alexmutai7323]

@@HSHeart723 that’s great, glad you’re doing well, may I ask what you do on a daily that makes you less anxious? Thanks

[@HSHeart723]

@@alexmutai7323 I've been focusing more on all that I'm grateful for, I pray more often throughout the day, workout about 5 days a week, drink a strong double bag of chamomile tea when I feel more anxious, use tapping, I focus on getting good deep breaths, I stay off of most social media and do not Google symptoms anymore. I also try to be present in the moment with others and not allow distractions. I've been focusing on my gut health, I try to eat mostly whole foods and stay away from alcohol, processed foods and added sugars. This has been a years long ongoing process and I still have harder days, but nothing like I used to experience. I've realized those harder days are often from catastrophizing, my head makes up some really intense fear porn and sometimes I need to redirect my thoughts.And when the anxiety does come, I recognize it and don't try to run from it. I acknowledge it and implement calming strategies.

[@monicabowers8262]

I love love this video. He hit everything on the head. I wish he was my psychologist. We need more psychologists like him in the world.

[@ryanbellegrave9777]

I got into a car accident about a month ago. Actually, exactly a month ago today. My car was hit on the back passenger side door, and I got a bit jostled. All things considered, not really too badly. I went home and a few weeks later, I experienced some swelling and pain in my ribs. At first, I accepted that I got smacked around a little, likely had some light bruising, and would be fine. That quickly cascaded into “I probably have internal bleeding” and “what if my colon is blocked or damaged?” and so many other things. Long story short, I’m getting an MRI and X-rays done tomorrow due to the swelling in my belly every night. Goes away in the morning, comes back at night. Textbook symptom of gas retention likely due to stress. I know this, but am absolutely horrified because I don’t know for sure. Sweaty palms, jittering, cold extremities, etc. All normal things, yet here I am being f**king terrified. 😑 I hate this.

[@erenyalcn31]

Any updates?

[@ryanbellegrave9777]

@@erenyalcn31 hey man! Yes, the only images and blood work showed nothing but a very minor muscle injury. I got over it for the most part, but I still have some bad days. Learning to cope and making progress. You can too!

[@dragonfire3727]

seriously, the thoughts escalate quickly, from:it's probably just anxiety to:i think i am dying.

[@brandiruby9588]

Ive really struggled with health anxiety since my mom was diagnosed with epilepsy 3 months ago. The thing that REALLY sucks is that i believe meds to help me, will end up giving me alzheimer’s or dementia. so even the meds scare me :/ im growing and doing better but everyday is a struggle

[@jamjul2256]

I just want to cry every time I see a new symptom

[@booba1008]

I got covid in early december had a mild case with only couple of days of temperature and sore throat but my metal health suffered greatly. Since then I am struggling with health anxiety and sensormotoric ocd at first it was constant panic attacks and sleepless nights for weeks. I kinda went full force exposure tho and overcame most of it pretty quickly but I am now stuck with the constant fear of getting ill. Which is ooay because I don't give into it my only worries is will I notice if I really get sick?!

[@mckenziebrown74]

After watching my mom die from cancer I developed health anxiety..please pray for me❤️

[@dianedrummond2624]

That’s when mine started when my dad died of cancer as I was the one looking after him

[@mckenziebrown74]

@@dianedrummond2624 I’m sorry ❤️❤️❤️I wish I had the words for you ..I’m so clueless and confused.

[@dianedrummond2624]

@@mckenziebrown74 it is confusing I think we both suffered trauma with their deaths and watching someone with cancer symptoms pain and the actual death I believed the trauma grief something inside of us from watching them I believe brought this on I know I don’t want to suffer or die I keep myself so anxious it’s horrible sorry for your loss to sweetheart I pray we can let go off health anxiety ❤️❤️

[@dfiant5846]

@@dianedrummond2624 me too😞 I was a care taker to my aunt whom also passed from cancer. This has to get better for us. We shouldn’t feel this along with mourning🙏🏽

[@mckenziebrown74]

@@dianedrummond2624 watching my mom was the most gut wrenching pain I ever felt..aI still have flashbacks. Some days it’s hard to hold on and keep going.

[@maltezz]

i get anxiety about X symptom, i look for something to calm me down on the internet, often what i find makes me even more scared :( i battle the thought of reason and the thoughts of if it really IS what i fear i would hate myself for ignoring it for long and trying to "be reasonable about my anxiety"

[@Therealjohnwick617]

I had some acid reflux triggered from gerd and thought it was a heart attack had to be rushed to the ER everything was fine blood test, ekg and X-rays . But almost 3 weeks now I been having panic attacks and anxiety attacks. I’m a very tough person usually but my mind is so fragile I checked my blood pressure seen a weird number and had a panic attack boom back in the ER but everything was normal . I been trying not to google symptoms and I did and triggered another attack. It’s been hard 🤦🏻‍♂️ I got kids and responsibilities I don’t know what to do anymore

[@michaelahandley3023]

I’m the same 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@Cognitoman]

Lol😂 isn’t it fun? Right now I think have colon cancer ... shit it’s ridiculous lol

[@jacobprice5376]

what about people who are scared of having a panic attack? is exposure good?

[@bryaannaalger7453]

I have health anxiety I have a fear of getting breast cancer. My mom got it, she said it wasn’t hereditary so I can’t get it. This anxiety is taking over me.

[@DefinitelyNotOptimusPrime]

Used to deal with this months ago :)

[@OscarGarcia-jo1km]

How did you overcome it pls help

[@melissabrill8367]

How did you overcome ???

[@DefinitelyNotOptimusPrime]

@@OscarGarcia-jo1km just stay in the present moment man that’s the key

[@DefinitelyNotOptimusPrime]

@@melissabrill8367 stay in the present moment is key cause when your worried about all these “what’s if” that’s your mind not in the today ya know

[@stevenallen9123]

I got this always getting chest pain arm pain and weight lost

[@Moxhification]

Thought I was going mad until I heard JaackMaate talking about it openly. It's almost comforting to know I'm not alone and it actual is real but also saddening to know others go through it. Great video!

[@miguelsemidei7619]

I had open heart surgery , never had a heart attack. So when I feel “funny” I start to think maybe it’s a heart attack . Every time I’ve gone to the ER , everything is just fine . Very difficult to avoid the anxious thoughts .

[@jovigal86]

I have always had health anxiety. I got breast cancer last year, caught early so I'm told that's sorted. I was coping with that and then my auto immune problem that had been in remission came back. Now I have to have a colonoscopy so my mind has got me really anxious telling me I've probably got colon cancer.

[@coolNerdnextdoor]

My grandpa passed away from MND a few years back and at the same time, i was diagnosed with epilepsy Since then, I've probably read every article available about both these conditions. I constantly fear if my meds will cause bone loss, infertility, glaucoma (since these are the RARE side effects of the meds). Also, there's always this thought at the back of my mind that MND is hereditary (in 10% patients) and what if I've inherited a faulty gene from my grandpa. I can't go on like this...this anxiety is killing me. I stopped hanging out with my friends, stopped doing anything productive and all i do is scroll through articles

[@ambitionsskyyyy]

Hey, these are all familiar symptoms of health anxiety. Please seek some professional help and meditate etc, do those things before it takes over your life x

[@dragonfire3727]

i got diagnosed with MS i also fear my medication side effects, been dealing with a lot of anxiety sensations:racing heart, impending doom, shaking, breathless and sometimes my hands get really sweaty.

[@manalgowhar2068]

My father passed last year he had MND to and since then I’ve literally been going crazy in my head about my health and even my children’s health 😭

[@KyzerGB]

​@Manal’ Gowhar So sorry to hear this 😢. I'm fearing I have this since 2018 till now I've had muscles twitching all over . Big ones that move my biceps , triceps,. Small ones over both calfs . Pins and needles in feet with fast cell phone vibrations urine frequency now and then . Sometimes it's goes away but always comes back. It's horrible had loads of scans and nothing. All started after taking ciprofloxacin. 😢

[@Sharakomusic]

I just got health anxiety from watching this.

[@danas986]

I never used to have health anxiety, even though I was diagnosed with epilepsy.But in my mid-20s I witnessed my mum having a heart attack (she's fine now) and that's when it all started. I'm better about it now by reasoning - I'm still fairly young (late 30s), I don't smoke like my mum did, if my arm or back pain changes with movement, it's not a heart attack. But it's hard to remember that "it's rare" when for example there are reports of quite a few people my age getting colorectal cancer. Logically I know that those cases are reported because they are rare, and majority of people my age are fine, but the health anxiety is like "what if tho". Then I try to rationalize it with "okay, so what if you did have/get diagnosed with x", what's next? I'd call an ambulance or alert someone, take it one step at a time, trust the doctors and science, etc. Even with that, it's not easy. I find that getting regular preventative checkups (once every two years for GP, once a year for obgyn and dermatologist - I'm very pale) eases my mind. I don't visit doctors demanding additional checkups outside of that.

[@comedyisacid3316]

I 100% understand We are in the same boat. It's really hard to remember sometimes, that the rare cases that happen are exactly that, rare cases, and that like 99% of others my age are completely fine. It's also annoying when that anxiety sort of starts ruining your thoughts, like you're looking forward to a weekend with your friends, but your anxiety kicks in like "hey what if we get drunk and then I start having a heart attack", and it's really stupid things, especially when you remember that 85% of our worries never happen I hope you'll get better soon brother

[@emmaburgess7535]

I have the avoidance kind and would give anything for someone to talk me out of it

[@user-ib7st9qv8b]

I have pain in my back lower back pain so it’s very difficult pain to deal with it is real yes I do have anxiety

[@antonioch4233]

Hi i also suffer from health anxiety and had major panic attacks were been in hospital a/e because of it any more tips youcan give me

[@fosereal6410]

I have a fear of seizures, I’ve never had one so I don’t know what they’re like. But I get a burning sensation in nose nose and feel so off. It sucks. I’ve been like this for a month :/

[@R.L.Humpert]

I have to get blood drawn in the next month or so and I am terrified. I don’t even want to know if something is wrong. I feel fine so I’m terrified and don’t know how to get passed this. It’s not the test it’s waiting for the results that terrifies me. I don’t want anything wrong. God gets me through each day but it’s a daily battle. Help!

[@Robin-uu6eg]

How were your results? I bet they were fine! I have to get blood work done in a week or so, and i'm so nervous.

[@smitaprabhu26]

I understand you….how are you now

[@R.L.Humpert]

@@Robin-uu6eg hey Robin. So my enzymes were down but not normal range but not super high either. My doc wants me to go back again. He wants me to get my 48 year old colonoscopy for the first time and I’m scared to pieces. I mean again not if the test but if something being wrong. I just don’t know how to deal with that yet.

[@R.L.Humpert]

@@smitaprabhu26 hey thanks. I’m probably worse. It’s time for me to do colonoscopy at 48 and I’m terrified of what they could find. I’m terrified of blood work. Seems like there’s always something and then they want to send you to specialists. I keep switching PCPs because I need one with a good bedside manner that is chill and won’t freak me out more. It’s just really hard having severe health anxiety especially since I had a major illness 25 years ago. It’s still fresh in my mind and the difference is not I have 2 young daughters I live for. Help ! I wish there was a magic pill. Thanks for reaching out. How are you? Do you have similar issues? Ptsd? I dunno it’s all nuts in my mind and I am a man of faith but I can’t shake this fear of doctors.

[@smitaprabhu26]

@@R.L.Humpert same as you, scared shit of doctors, and this anxiety on one hand, set off by witnessing both my parents suffering in hospitals one after the other and dying, I don’t trust medical establishments much at all, wish all this fear of health would just vanish from my mind……

[@ashleygaw4112]

I get new symptoms depending on who I talk to or what I see online, something about MS... I feel the symptoms, cancer, symptoms appear, now I can't even get my blood pressure checked or have an eye exam... Because I'm terrified...

[@daniellelawson1279]

I don’t know if this is possible but I feel I have health anxiety relating to other people. What I mean is I don’t worry about my own health but I worry about others. For example, I see a brown spot on my dogs skin and I immediately think it’s cancer, but I see a brown spot on my own skin and I don’t think that.

[@tyquancreagh]

Also try getting your vitamin levels checked guys. I had low vitamin D that increased my anxiety. I feel so much better after being on 50,000ml of vitamin D3 for 8 weeks from my doctor. I have finished the vitamin but still take over the counter Vitamin D. I still have episodes but its not as bad and these videos really have helped me and all of you guys comments.

[@hugo3conde]

50,000 ML DAILY? thats an insanely high amount! glad that worked for you though.

[@tyquancreagh]

@@hugo3conde it was 50,000 once a week for 8 weeks. My levels were a 12. Its now a 52 when I got it check last month

[@ajc684]

@@hugo3condeI think it was 50,000 IU not ML

[@josesoares2366]

I been fighting with my health no Dr. can really find anything in my body, I lost 15kg and feel all type of pain in my body, dont know if is anxiety but I cant take no more

[@lindsay8295]

Lord, help us all 🙏🙏🙏 this is no way to live 😭

[@melissabrill8367]

My struggle right now is my lower bp from time to time it's 96/65 usually it's 107/69 so seeing it that low makes me feel like I'm going to die even after I been to cardiologist and endocrinologist. I constantly check my BP! I want to be normal again 😭

[@vallziexx5674]

its normal for women to have lower blood pressure when you see this just have a glass of coca cola or a little bit of chocolate you are blessed to have lower blood pressure rather than high! ❤️

[@gabrielametodieva8360]

I’ve had low BP my whole life and so has my mum. Actually that’s not that big of a difference anyway. My mum told me if heart rate is faster then BP is lower etc. also it changed from minute to minute, from houe to hour. depends on when you measure it and how dehydrated you are and lots of other things. Don’t worry about low BP, high BP is worse. When I tell my doctors I have low BP (yours is still not that low - needs to be under 90/60) they just laugh and say “lucky” lol. Not that lucky because I’m tired all the time, which feeds my anxiety but I try to remind myself it’s not something new.

[@melissabrill8367]

@gabrielametodieva8360 sometimes mine is 90/55 then I really panic lol

[@DS-ng6qz]

7.16 that's actually what i am suffering now😭 i become more sensitive

[@moneygetten]

The nr 1 cause of chronic pain... Anxiety... Fight/flight.... And then we get medical labels like fibromalgia.... Devastating to a fear driven system/brain/nervous system

[@slim9978]

What about avoiding the Dr just thinking about it gives me real anxiety

[@marciab1279]

Same here

[@pamelabartlett6352]

Same here. I have a phobia of Doctors. But also have health anxiety. Its so awful.

[@karinastewart7109]

yes I have health anxiety im always thinking I'm having a heart attack and ruminating over it. how can I over come this?

[@evolvinalison]

I think 911 and the ER recognize me by now 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@paigesummers7580]

They are calling you a frequent flyer now. That’s how health professionals do. I know this because that’s what we call our patients who always come to the hospital ER. God bless you ♥️

[@infinitegalore1266]

Same! No doubt they do, they’ve been to my place 4-6 times this month alone.