Health Anxiety: Coping with Persistent Worries and Fatigue

Illness anxiety disorder and anxiety disorders cause distress?

Hello, doctor.
I apologize for taking your time with my concerns, and thank you for your attention.
I am 22 years old and have been feeling unwell for a long time, convinced that there must be something wrong with my body.
My family finds it quite distressing, but I don’t want to feel this way either.
I have seen many specialists, including my family doctor, cardiologists, and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, but each time the tests show nothing significant.
Recently, I have been experiencing frequent fatigue, weakness, and dizziness.
I wake up feeling tired and feel exhausted throughout the day, leading me to think there must be some underlying condition.
I often associate my fatigue with serious diseases, such as diabetes, and I frequently notice a rapid heartbeat in the mornings, although my cardiologist found no issues during last year's examination.
My liver and kidney functions are normal, but I recently had fasting blood sugar levels of 107 and 108, which makes me worry that I might have diabetes.
Even though my family physician reassured me that slightly elevated levels can be normal, especially at my age, and advised me to be optimistic and exercise to improve my condition (including my fatigue), I still find myself fixating on the possibility of diabetes.
Last year, my hemoglobin A1c was normal, and I had no glucose in my urine during my check-up in February.
The doctor mentioned that anxiety about my health could lead to some elevated values.
However, I often try to connect my symptoms to diabetes, such as frequent eating or urination, and I can't help but think, "It must be true!" Yet, I also remind myself to trust the doctors' expertise, which creates a conflict that leaves me feeling exhausted.
I frequently engage in obsessive thinking about my discomfort, focusing entirely on my issues, constantly worrying about my heartbeat, breathing, fatigue, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
After thinking about these issues, I become anxious about what might be wrong.
The doctors say everything is fine, and even spiritual guidance has indicated that my health is good.
I have sought help from various sources, probably as many as two soccer teams' worth! My liver function tests are normal, yet I still find myself obsessively thinking about my health.
I know deep down that there may not be any serious issues, but I keep reminding myself of various ailments, which is truly exhausting, especially as my fatigue worsens.
I am currently taking medication for mental health, but it seems to have little effect.
I am trying to exercise to improve my situation; I have recently started swimming, which feels like a small step forward.
However, I still feel overwhelmed by my health concerns, and it seems that no one can provide a solution.
Thank you once again for taking the time to read my lengthy message; I truly appreciate it!

Nuodan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/10/29

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry

Hello.
These situations can indeed cause you significant physical and mental distress.
Most of them fall under the symptoms related to psychosomatic disorders.
Therefore, please continue your treatment with a psychiatrist and adhere to the prescribed medication (which may take some time).
I hope you can be patient, as you should gradually start to see improvements.

Reply Date: 2023/10/29

More Info

Health anxiety, often characterized by excessive worry about having a serious illness despite medical reassurance, can be a debilitating condition. Your experience reflects a common struggle faced by many individuals who find themselves preoccupied with their health, leading to persistent fatigue, emotional distress, and a cycle of seeking medical validation that often yields no relief.
At 22 years old, it is understandable to feel overwhelmed by the sensations of fatigue, dizziness, and the fear of serious health issues like diabetes, especially when you have sought medical advice and received reassurance that everything is normal. The mind has a powerful influence over the body, and anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms, creating a feedback loop where worry exacerbates physical discomfort, which in turn fuels more anxiety.
Your symptoms, including fatigue, rapid heart rate, and the tendency to hyper-focus on bodily sensations, suggest that you may be experiencing health anxiety or somatic symptom disorder. These conditions can lead to a heightened awareness of bodily functions, where normal variations in health are misinterpreted as signs of serious illness. This is often compounded by a tendency to catastrophize, where you jump to the worst-case scenario based on minor symptoms.

It's important to recognize that while your concerns are valid, the repeated medical evaluations that have shown no significant issues indicate that your body is functioning well. The normal results from your healthcare providers should provide some reassurance, but the challenge lies in reconciling that reassurance with your persistent fears.
Here are some strategies that may help you cope with health anxiety:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This form of therapy is particularly effective for health anxiety. It helps you identify and challenge irrational thoughts and beliefs about your health, replacing them with more balanced and realistic perspectives. A therapist can guide you through this process, helping you to develop coping strategies.

2. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce anxiety. These techniques encourage you to focus on the present moment rather than worrying about potential health issues.

3. Limit Health-Related Research: It can be tempting to search for information about symptoms online, but this often leads to increased anxiety. Try to limit your research to reputable sources and set boundaries around how much time you spend looking up health information.

4. Physical Activity: Regular exercise, like swimming, can significantly improve your mood and reduce anxiety. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Aim for a routine that you enjoy and can stick to.

5. Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Ensure you are eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep. These factors can greatly influence your energy levels and overall well-being.

6. Medication Review: Since you mentioned that the medication prescribed by your mental health professional has had little effect, it may be worth discussing this with your doctor. Sometimes, it takes time to find the right medication or dosage, or a different class of medication may be more effective for your symptoms.

7. Support System: Engage with friends or family who understand your situation. Sharing your feelings can help alleviate some of the burdens of anxiety. Consider joining a support group where you can connect with others who experience similar challenges.

8. Journaling: Keeping a journal of your thoughts and feelings can help you process your emotions and identify patterns in your anxiety. Writing down your worries can sometimes make them feel more manageable.

9. Focus on What You Can Control: While it’s natural to worry about your health, try to focus on aspects of your life that you can control, such as your daily routine, social interactions, and self-care practices.

In conclusion, while your concerns about your health are understandable, it’s crucial to address the underlying anxiety that is driving these worries. By employing coping strategies and seeking professional help, you can work towards a more balanced perspective on your health and well-being. Remember, you are not alone in this struggle, and with the right support and tools, it is possible to regain a sense of control and peace in your life.

Similar Q&A

Overcoming Health Anxiety: Coping with Fear of Illness and Mental Health

Hello, Doctor: I am very afraid of getting sick. Whenever I notice any unusual symptoms in my body, I uncontrollably search the internet for related diseases (and the more I read, the more I identify with them), which takes up almost all of my leisure time. This not only prevents...

Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello, Miss: Based on your description, it seems that the primary symptoms are anxiety, fear, and excessive worry about physical illnesses. However, more information is needed to determine the specific type of mental disorder, as there are currently no symptoms of delusions or ha...

Overcoming Health Anxiety: Strategies for Managing Worries About Illness

Hello, doctor. Ever since my mother's friend passed away from cardiovascular disease last summer, I've been very worried about my health. Even though I wasn't very close to that person, I've thought about various serious illnesses like heart disease, stroke, b...

Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello Chester: Thank you for your hard work! It seems that you are experiencing hypochondriasis. The course of hypochondriasis is typically episodic, with symptom flare-ups related to psychological stress. The duration of each episode can vary, but many cases show significant imp...

Overcoming Health Anxiety: Strategies to Break the Cycle of Worry

Hello, Doctor: I have been struggling with obsessive thoughts about illness for a long time, which leads me to self-examine, such as constantly feeling my neck for lumps, and I always end up thinking there’s something there; or I keep looking at my throat and the more I look, the...

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, obsessive thoughts inherently possess a strong allure, making us feel they are important and cannot be ignored; we must drop everything and address them immediately. However, this is a trick of such thoughts, as the reality is quite different. Have you ever experienced day...

Managing Health Anxiety: Coping Strategies After Trauma

Hello, doctor. Since giving birth, I have been experiencing excessive worry about my health, often repeatedly checking moles on my body or looking for blood vessels in my eyes. After receiving counseling, I have gradually started to cope with it, and my current state is one of co...

Dr. Liao Dinglie reply Psychiatry
Hello, dear reader: From your letter, it's clear that you've been extremely busy lately. The emotional stress you originally felt may be exacerbated by caring for your family. The so-called "health anxiety" is classified in psychiatry as a stress/anxiety syndr...