Overthinking Your Health: Anxiety and Fatigue

Overthinking?

Hello, doctor.
Since my freshman year, I have been playing on the computer for about 15 hours a day on average, and I often stay up late, sometimes going two or three days without sleep.
I have been binge eating late-night snacks, and my weight has increased from 67 kg to 80 kg.
This lifestyle continued into my sophomore year.
One day, I tried to go to bed at a normal time (10 PM), but I found it impossible to sleep, and I kept dreaming to the point where I couldn't fall asleep.
Later, I consulted a neurologist who diagnosed me with autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
At that time, I only knew that my shoulders, neck, eyes, and head were extremely uncomfortable.
I took his medication for about a month (from December last year to around February) but felt no improvement.
I started to worry about what illness I might have and became anxious about why I wasn't getting better.
I might have still been using the computer during that time, but I couldn't understand why it was taking so long to recover.
Eventually, I decided to stop taking medication and rely on myself.
However, since then, any slight discomfort in my body triggers anxiety, and I feel that initial sense of discomfort returning.
I constantly think about whether I am getting better and start worrying about various things.
I hesitate to eat certain foods, feel guilty for not exercising, and blame myself for not being consistent.
I have been living like this until the summer break.
In the meantime, I visited Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Linkou, where they told me I did not have autonomic nervous system dysfunction but had simply experienced excessive fatigue, which led to a rebound effect.
They said I have long-term tension in my nerves and muscles, and that recovery requires a lot of patience.
However, the improvement has been minimal, which makes me very anxious.
I am also afraid that my constant worrying might lead to depression.
I don’t know how to face this uncertainty about when I will feel better.
Although I no longer feel as uncomfortable as before, I sense that my thoughts are strange, and I feel very sleepy every day.
There is a peculiar pressure in my head that is hard to explain.
I have seen many family doctors, neurologists, and psychiatrists, and they all say I am overthinking and that I am simply experiencing excessive fatigue.
But I have already rested for a month; why do I feel no signs of improvement? Although my neck and shoulders are not as painful anymore, my head feels heavy, and my mood remains low.
I hope the doctor can provide some guidance.
I am really afraid that minor issues might lead to a mental illness...
I am starting to feel a bit scared of myself...
Am I really overthinking this?

Fei Zhu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/08/19

Dr. Cai Yunlin reply Psychiatry

Hello, it seems that the psychosomatic symptoms you mentioned have been troubling you for a long time, and despite receiving treatment, you have not experienced satisfactory improvement.
After many years, it is indeed challenging to find quick solutions or simple explanations for these conditions.
This situation often leads to seeking medical help from various sources without receiving consistent and comprehensive treatment.
Therefore, my suggestion is to consult a physician whom you trust for a thorough evaluation and treatment.
I believe this will be more beneficial for you.
Wishing you all the best, Dr.
Tsai.

Reply Date: 2006/08/19

More Info

It sounds like you’ve been through a challenging time, and I appreciate you sharing your experiences. From what you’ve described, it seems that you are dealing with a combination of anxiety, fatigue, and possibly some lingering effects from your previous lifestyle choices. Let’s break this down and explore some potential strategies to help you navigate through this situation.

First and foremost, it’s important to recognize that the symptoms you’re experiencing—such as difficulty sleeping, persistent worries about your health, and feelings of heaviness in your head—can be common manifestations of anxiety and stress. Your previous lifestyle, characterized by excessive computer use, irregular sleep patterns, and poor dietary habits, likely contributed to a state of chronic fatigue and heightened anxiety. When the body is under prolonged stress, it can lead to a dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, which may explain the physical discomfort you’ve been feeling.

You mentioned that you’ve seen various specialists and received different opinions regarding your condition. It’s not uncommon for individuals with anxiety to feel that their physical symptoms are not being adequately addressed, leading to a cycle of worry and further physical discomfort. This cycle can create a feedback loop where anxiety exacerbates physical symptoms, and physical symptoms, in turn, heighten anxiety.

Here are some strategies that may help you manage your anxiety and fatigue:
1. Establish a Routine: Creating a structured daily routine can help regulate your sleep patterns and reduce anxiety. Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. This consistency can help reset your body’s internal clock.

2. Limit Screen Time: Since you mentioned spending a significant amount of time on the computer, try to reduce this gradually. Set specific times for computer use and take regular breaks to engage in other activities, such as reading, exercising, or spending time outdoors.

3. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga, can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety. These techniques can also improve your overall sense of well-being and help you reconnect with your body.

4. Physical Activity: Regular exercise is a powerful tool for managing anxiety and improving mood. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. This could be walking, jogging, swimming, or any activity that you enjoy.

5. Balanced Nutrition: Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar, as these can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

6. Seek Professional Support: If you continue to feel overwhelmed, consider seeking support from a mental health professional. Therapy can provide you with coping strategies and a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for anxiety.

7. Limit Health-Related Research: While it’s natural to want to understand your symptoms, excessive research can lead to increased anxiety. Try to limit the time you spend searching for health information online, as this can often lead to unnecessary worry.

8. Connect with Others: Sharing your feelings with trusted friends or family members can provide emotional support. Sometimes, just talking about your worries can help alleviate some of the burden.

9. Be Patient with Yourself: Recovery from anxiety and fatigue takes time. Celebrate small victories and be kind to yourself as you work through this process.

In conclusion, it’s clear that you are experiencing a significant amount of stress and anxiety, which is affecting both your mental and physical health. By implementing some of these strategies and seeking professional support, you can begin to break the cycle of worry and fatigue. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are resources available to help you regain your sense of well-being.

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