Remember that it is the anxiety talking. I have learned to separate the two. The anxiety and the health problem. It takes a lot of practice, but it will work. Acceptance is also a big factor. For those of us with health anxiety, we let the fear (anxiety) rule. Then we loose our rationality and leads to anxiety, panic attacks, and physical problems such as dizziness, fast heartbeat and negative thinking. I think you know what I mean. Please try to stay in the moment. Anxiety always has to do with the future. Take one step at a time. It is difficult. I know. Have you thought about therapy? Well, I hope this has helped you a bit?
Thank you. It has. I just don’t know how to deal with something when there is a legitimate concern to be worried and scared. Before, I could sometimes talk myself out of panic attacks because I would challenge the fears and try to convince myself it was just my anxiety. But now, it’s real and I’m not quite sure how to go forward.
Have you always had an anxiety issue? Those of us that do, magnify everything. It is normal to feel apprehension and anxiety with regard to your issue. But those of us with anxiety issues have a far greater difficulty when dealing with legitimate health issues. Just remind your self that this is definitely in the early stage. Focus on that positive. Do you practice any deep breathing exercises? What about seeing a therapist? Any time you feel the need to text, I will try to help you.
Thank you. I’ve heard a lot about acceptance. Can you expand more on it? I struggle with that.
Thank you so much for your kindness. Yes, I’ve always had health anxiety, but it has been non-stop since 2013 when I miscarried the first time. I do see a therapist but I still have this belief that it’s always going to be the worst case no matter how much I try to protect myself and avoid it. Since I got diagnosed with one of my greatest health fears, I feel even more anxious. I feel like I brought it on because every single day I thought how awful it would be if I got it and how I can avoid it and what foods I should eat to prevent it, etc. I should probably do some deep breathing but I don’t.
One of the things that has helped me the most is something that my therapist suggested. That is the mantra "that you can be comfortable with the uncomfortable." This led me to acceptance. Those of us that suffer from anxiety usually feel the need to be in control. At least that is me. When I feel that, it is uncomfortable and then the negative thinking, the what ifs and anxiety about the future begins. I am learning not to get caught in that loop of thinking. Try to remember that it is our pattern of thinking. It takes practice over and over. Because of my anxiety issue, it just magnifies everything and distorts our thinking. If this makes sense to you, I hope it can help you also.
Thank you. I’m trying so hard to keep present with what the doctors are saying. It’s hard because even though the news looks excellent, they throw in the caveat “we’ll know for sure after surgical pathology.” All I hear is “oh, we’ll after we get the final labs in, then we’ll eat our words and tell you how you’ve got 24 minutes left.” I have always had anxiety and depression to some degree most of my life. But it’s been constant since 2013, and literally red-lining since last fall. I need to get back into breathing exercises and my yoga practice, but right now I’m very much in the “what’s the point” stage of depression.
Thank you! I just bought that book after reading this. I hope it helps.