Hi everyone

[AnnaRose322]

I’ve been dealing with extreme health anxiety for awhile now. My primary physician put me on Zoloft and it helps, but I still find myself worrying. Today it was breast cancer. Yesterday it was a biliary obstruction or pancreatic cancer. Last week it was ovarian or bladder cancer. The week before that it was skin cancer. You get the idea. I am driving my friends and family crazy. I am driving myself crazy. I’ve gotten better at enjoying life again. But it’s not the same quality it used to be. I’m afraid to exercise because I have it in my head that my heart is just going to give out without warning. I’ve just recently gotten over being afraid to go to sleep, because for a few months at least, I felt like I really wouldn’t wake up. I feel trapped in this body and consider it a ticking bomb. I’ve started practicing being grateful for each day and praying before bed. When I’m not busy with school work, I read and do puzzles, and take my dog out for walks to keep myself distracted. Nights are really difficult though. I stumbled upon this forum and read a few posts that sounded just like me, which convinced me to sign up and introduce myself. It’s always a comfort to know there are others out there who I can relate to. I could use the support of people who understand. I’m here for anyone who needs an ear. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

 

[Rinka]

Hi welcome @AnnaRose322 i hope we can support you here.
You have described quite an intense anxiety, that seems not to let you sleep or enjoy yourself.
One thing I can tell you is that any kind of exercise is good for your heart, even with a heart condition, having exercise moderately will improve the quality of life.
You have mentioned that you take meds that your doctor gave you, has he/she also suggested CBT (cogetive behaviour therapy)?
This form of therapy helps you coup with your anxiety and find strategies to overcome them.
You can also start some CBT exercises yourself.
Anyway I wish you all the best and don’t be shy and ask if you need help.

 

[AnnaRose322]

Hi Rinka! Thank you so much for the reply. I need to look more into CBT. My doctor suggested a therapist. However, I’m uninsured, so other than for him, I have to figure out how to do things on my own for the time being. I go for walks and do a little lifting, because the logical side of me knows that I need to move. But I miss the old days when I would run marathons and things like that. This anxiety has taken a lot from me in that regard. Could you suggest some of the CBT things for me? Thanks!

 

[Rinka]

Hi Rinka! Thank you so much for the reply. I need to look more into CBT. My doctor suggested a therapist. However, I’m uninsured, so other than for him, I have to figure out how to do things on my own for the time being. I go for walks and do a little lifting, because the logical side of me knows that I need to move. But I miss the old days when I would run marathons and things like that. This anxiety has taken a lot from me in that regard. Could you suggest some of the CBT things for me? Thanks!

Hi nasty the whole insured or not insured business.
But have a look at this link:
https://positivepsychologyprogram.com/cbt-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-techniques-worksheets/
They explain CBT, have some tools and pdf work sheets to do it yourself.
Also check out “mindfulness” that’s a form of meditation or even self hypothesis.
Just an example:

 

[janemariesayed]

But have a look at this link:
https://positivepsychologyprogram.com/cbt-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-techniques-worksheets/

This is a great idea, thanks Rinka, I'm going to check it out as well.