Overcoming Anxiety: Health Fears and Seeking Help

Excessive anxiety

Hello doctor, I am 20 years old.
In August 2020, I sought medical attention due to breast discharge, and since then, I have been worried about whether I have breast cancer or other types of cancer.
The blood test results indicated elevated prolactin levels, but after consulting two obstetricians, one recommended medication to alleviate the condition while the other said my prolactin levels were normal and did not require treatment.
Since then, I have been anxious about whether there is something seriously wrong with my body.

Especially on the first day of school, I was sent to the emergency room due to vomiting at night, and I was diagnosed with gastroenteritis.
However, for two consecutive weeks, I couldn't eat or sleep well, which led me to suspect that I might have stomach cancer or colon cancer.
After two weeks, although I could eat again, I became worried when I noticed that my bowel movement frequency changed from once every three days to once daily, which made me anxious about colon cancer.
At the same time, I experienced pain in my left chest and began to worry whether I might have heart disease or aortic dissection.
Whenever I feel pain anywhere in my body, I become anxious about having a serious illness.
Recently, it seems that the symptoms throughout my body are starting to subside, but I still experience headaches and abdominal pain, which are vague and difficult to pinpoint.
My family tells me that I overthink things, and friends say I am overly sensitive about my health.
I also feel that this frequent anxiety is not normal, but I can't control my thoughts about whether I am close to death.
Lately, I have been feeling tense and anxious, often crying for no reason, experiencing abdominal pain and headaches, and I cannot go back to sleep after waking up at 7 or 8 in the morning.
Additionally, I have another issue I would like to ask about.
Since elementary school, I have frequently picked at my fingernails, to the point where they are barely half left, and even when they bleed, I continue to pick.
After that, I stopped picking at my hands and switched to picking at my toenails, which has resulted in my toenails becoming deformed and unlikely to grow back normally.
My family has jokingly suggested that I should see a psychiatrist, and I would like to know if this situation truly warrants a consultation.

Jane, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/10/16

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry

Hello.
Your situation is similar to the subject of your question: excessive anxiety that has affected your daily life.
Picking at your toes may also be related to a similar condition.
There are effective treatment options available for anxiety symptoms today.
I recommend that you visit a nearby mental health clinic for evaluation and treatment.
This should help improve your condition.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2020/10/16

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing significant anxiety related to your health, which has been exacerbated by various physical symptoms and medical concerns. This is a common issue, especially among young adults who may be more sensitive to bodily sensations and health-related fears. Your situation reflects a pattern known as health anxiety or hypochondria, where individuals become excessively worried about having a serious illness, often in response to benign symptoms or medical evaluations.

Firstly, it's important to acknowledge that your feelings of anxiety are valid. Many people experience similar fears, especially after health scares or when faced with unexplained symptoms. The mind can easily spiral into worst-case scenarios, particularly when we are not feeling well or when we are under stress. This can lead to a cycle of worry, where the more you focus on your symptoms, the more anxious you become, which in turn can exacerbate those symptoms.

Your experience with the breast discharge and subsequent medical evaluations seems to have triggered a heightened state of vigilance regarding your health. It's not uncommon for a single health scare to lead to ongoing anxiety about other potential health issues. The fact that you have sought medical advice and received varying opinions can also contribute to confusion and anxiety, as you may feel uncertain about what to believe or how to interpret your symptoms.

In terms of managing your anxiety, there are several strategies you can consider:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a highly effective treatment for health anxiety. CBT helps you identify and challenge irrational thoughts and beliefs about your health and teaches you coping strategies to manage anxiety. A therapist can guide you through this process, helping you to reframe your thoughts and reduce your fears.

2. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation can help calm your mind and body. These techniques can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety and help you feel more grounded.

3. Limit Health-Related Research: While it can be tempting to search for information online, this often leads to increased anxiety. Try to limit your internet searches about health issues and focus on reliable sources only when necessary.

4. Physical Activity: Regular exercise can significantly reduce anxiety levels. It releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, and can help you feel more in control of your body.

5. Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Ensure you are eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding excessive caffeine or alcohol, as these can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

6. Seek Professional Help: Given your ongoing symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life, it may be beneficial to consult with a mental health professional. They can provide you with tailored strategies and support to address both your anxiety and any compulsive behaviors, such as nail-biting.

Regarding your compulsive nail-biting behavior, this can be a sign of anxiety or stress. It’s often a way for individuals to cope with feelings of tension or unease. A mental health professional can help you explore the underlying causes of this behavior and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

In conclusion, it’s crucial to take your feelings seriously and seek help if you feel overwhelmed. You are not alone in this experience, and there are effective treatments available that can help you regain a sense of control over your health and well-being. Remember, addressing anxiety is a process, and it’s okay to seek support along the way.

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