Health anxiety tips?
Does anyone have any ways to cope with health anxiety? I've been struggling with it terribly for the past few days, unable to sleep because of panic attacks... What can I do to finally convince my brain that I'm in safe hands and my body knows what to do?
Sorry you're going through this. I think dealing with health anxiety is approximately equivalent to any other anxiety. In an immediate panic, two things are helpful:
First, focus on your breathing. Two sharp inhales followed by one slow exhale seems to help me in such instances (think the classic Lamaze class technique, if you've seen it--not just for women in labor, though!), and when I begin to calm down a bit, box breathing--breathe in for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4, exhale for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4, repeat.
Second, use the energy that comes with the adrenaline to do something physical. Go for a walk, dance around, etc. I find yoga really helpful, but that's up to you. If you aren't able to do things on a full body scale, even wiggling your toes or shaking out your hands can help.
Speak gently to yourself, and hang in there.
@deceasedspider
sometimes we can stuck in a loop such as googling symptoms and feeling anxiety that we have this or that ailment...in addition to the other tips you can also try to keep one good doctor and get your health check up done...once you get the reassurance that all is good you can break the loop...when same thoughts come back ask yourself if you have been here before and have been okay...write down what your rational voice will reply to you...because the brain does not always know the difference between real and not real...so it panics...wish you the best!
