Health Anxiety: When Worrying Becomes a Concern

Q: Health Anxiety: When Worrying Becomes a Concern

Hello： It sounds like the situation you are experiencing is causing you anxiety, and I wonder if it is also affecting your daily life. <br>It also seems that your previous experience in the emergency department did not meet your expectations, which may have left you feeling embar

Constantly worrying about being ill?

Hello, doctor.
I'm unsure about my sleep condition.
It takes me a while to fall asleep, I often dream, and I toss and turn, but I believe my sleep duration is sufficient.
The time I spend in a hazy state of deep sleep is about six hours.
Last night, while I was trying to fall asleep, I was thinking about various things, trying to calm myself down to sleep well.
Then I became focused on the discomfort in my stomach, which later felt like it was radiating to my heart.
A previous visit to a traditional Chinese medicine doctor suggested that my anxiety was causing my blood vessels to constrict, and thinking about this made me more anxious, as I was really afraid of dying.
This situation has repeated itself several times over a period.
I already have some minor health issues, such as migraines, fainting spells, and tinnitus upon waking.
I'm unsure if I genuinely have a medical condition or if it's just excessive anxiety.
With so many issues, I don't know which specialty to consult.
The last time I felt cold and kept gagging, my breathing was shallow and irregular, so I dragged my family to the emergency room in the middle of the night, only to find out nothing was wrong, which was quite embarrassing.
These situations usually occur before I fall asleep.
Walking around the living room, messaging friends, or talking to family helps a lot.
This makes me suspect it might be a psychological issue.
At its worst, I have to control my deep breathing during the afternoon, evening, while riding in a car, or sometimes even in class.
I even downloaded an app to monitor my heart rate.
My friends have suggested I seek campus counseling or see a doctor, but I'm not good at describing my feelings, and I'm afraid of encountering a doctor who won't understand me.
Additionally, I'm quite shy.
Although I have some worries and stress in life, I feel that my condition is generally okay.
However, constantly doubting myself and fearing a recurrence of these situations is distressing, as each time I feel like I'm close to death.
I'm seeking your advice, doctor.
Thank you for reading this.

Tuan Tuan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/12/12

Dr. Yu Quanxun reply Psychiatry

Hello: It sounds like the situation you are experiencing is causing you anxiety, and I wonder if it is also affecting your daily life.
It also seems that your previous experience in the emergency department did not meet your expectations, which may have left you feeling embarrassed and could potentially increase your anxiety regarding medical interactions.
In such circumstances, it is already a significant step to express your experiences and feelings, risking further embarrassment or disappointment by seeking help.
Although the underlying causes and situations may not be the same, many patients come to mental health clinics with similar concerns.
They often report intermittent physical discomfort that can be so intense it feels like they are on the verge of dying.
Many of these individuals have seen improvements in their conditions and quality of life after collaborating with their physicians for some time.
Therefore, I encourage you to muster the courage to discuss your situation in detail with a psychiatrist; there may be areas where psychiatric care can be beneficial, and your discomfort may improve after a period of treatment.
Our hospital also has relevant outpatient resources that may be able to offer some assistance.
Yuli Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2022/12/12

More Info

Health anxiety, often referred to as illness anxiety disorder, is a condition where individuals experience excessive worry about having a serious illness, despite having little or no medical evidence to support such concerns. This anxiety can manifest in various ways, including physical symptoms, obsessive thoughts about health, and compulsive behaviors such as frequent doctor visits or excessive research about diseases. Your description of your experiences suggests that you may be grappling with this condition, particularly given your heightened awareness of bodily sensations and the distress they cause.

From what you've shared, it seems that your anxiety is exacerbated by your physical symptoms, such as abdominal discomfort and headaches, which you may interpret as signs of a serious illness. This is a common pattern in health anxiety, where normal bodily sensations are misinterpreted as indicators of severe health issues. The cycle often begins with a minor symptom, leading to increased focus and worry, which in turn can amplify the sensation, creating a feedback loop of anxiety and physical discomfort.

It's important to recognize that anxiety can indeed produce real physical symptoms. The mind-body connection is powerful; stress and anxiety can lead to muscle tension, changes in breathing patterns, and gastrointestinal disturbances, among other issues. Your experience of feeling cold and having shallow breathing during anxious moments is consistent with the body's fight-or-flight response, which can be triggered by stress and anxiety.

To address your concerns, here are some strategies that may help:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a highly effective treatment for health anxiety. CBT helps individuals identify and challenge irrational thoughts and beliefs about health, replacing them with more balanced and realistic perspectives. A therapist can guide you through this process, helping you to develop coping strategies for managing anxiety.

2. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practicing mindfulness can help you stay grounded in the present moment, reducing the tendency to ruminate on health fears. Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery can help calm your mind and body. Apps that focus on mindfulness and relaxation can be beneficial, especially if you find it challenging to articulate your feelings to a therapist or doctor.

3. Limit Health-Related Research: While it’s natural to seek information, excessive research can fuel anxiety. Try to set boundaries around how much time you spend looking up health information online. Instead, focus on reliable sources and limit your exposure to alarming content.

4. Seek Professional Help: If you haven't already, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. They can provide a safe space for you to express your fears and help you develop coping strategies. If you're concerned about finding the right words, consider writing down your thoughts and feelings beforehand to bring to your appointment.

5. Physical Activity: Regular exercise can significantly reduce anxiety levels. Physical activity releases endorphins, which can improve your mood and reduce stress. Even simple activities like walking or yoga can be beneficial.

6. Social Support: Talk to friends or family members about your feelings. Sharing your experiences can help alleviate some of the burdens of anxiety. If you feel uncomfortable discussing your health concerns, consider joining a support group where you can connect with others who understand what you're going through.

7. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keeping a journal of your symptoms, thoughts, and feelings can help you identify patterns and triggers for your anxiety. This can also be a useful tool to share with your healthcare provider.

8. Gradual Exposure: If certain situations trigger your anxiety (like being in a crowded place or feeling unwell), gradually exposing yourself to these situations in a controlled manner can help desensitize your anxiety response over time.

In conclusion, while it’s understandable to be concerned about your health, it’s crucial to differentiate between genuine medical issues and anxiety-driven worries. Seeking professional help can provide you with the tools to manage your anxiety effectively, allowing you to lead a more fulfilling life without the constant fear of illness. Remember, you are not alone in this, and there are resources available to support you on your journey to better mental health.

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