Health Anxiety/Possible Hypochondria
Hi everyone, I'm desparate for support and someone who understands. I've fallen deep into health anxiety and I've never really been here before. I 100% know it's because of the pandemic--my fears of covid were taking over my life but now that things are looking better in my area it's the least of my concerns. My anxiety manifests itself in a wide array of physical symptoms from headaches to heart palpitations to dizziness and more. I have become so compulsive in constantly being hyperaware of my body and feeling anything. If I feel anything I panic. I've had a headahce all day (PROBS BC OF THE ANXIETY) and just feel so trapped by my own mind.
I'll get some sense of security thinking im cured of one "condition" and then suddenly I conveniently start feeling "symptoms" of another illness. I feel like people make a joke about hypochondria though, like I don't WANT to be sick or think I'm sick I'm so tired and scared. I feel hopeful that one day I will conquer this but for now I just need help.
I feel so disconnected from my body while being hyperaware of it ironically. I'll walk around doing my errands feeling like my head is in a bubble and my legs are just an automatic machine hauling my weight around. I want to feel present, whole, beautiful, sexy, confident. I also have a lot of stress going on at the moment (just moved to a new city alone and starting grad school) so I hope when that calms down and I adjust my body will as well.
Can ANYBODY relate..?
@CC817
Hey there, thank you reaching out and sharing. I know it takes courage to talk about it.
I can understand what you mean because quite a few people including me have been worrying a lot and facing a lot of anxiety since the pandemic started. I can't possibly imagine how bad it might be for you!
I'm glad to know that things are getting better in your area and that it's making you feel at a little rest. It can be very scary indeed when you keep worrying about your health and body, you can't seem to enjoy anything because your worries take over you.
I can understand that right now the world seems like a scary place. Uncertainty is driving our fears. But fears can disable us from thinking and acting practically sometimes. It's natural how you're feeling. But sometimes we must keep reminding ourselves that there is only so much we can do. In this situation, all we can do is to stay safe and be cautious. I'm sure we'll be able to see things get better and some order.
Good luck on starting your grad school and I hope when the stress subsides, so does your anxiety. Don't worry, we're all here to support you.
Keep sharing and take care! :)