Non stop worry

[Sash03]

Hello. I’ve had panic attacks since I was 13 and now am 34. Every panic attack I’ve had revolves around my health. Once something is not right, I run to Dr. Google and of course find out I have every illness known to man. Often times I will panic, but in my mind know it’s not serious enough to go to the hospital. I believe in the back of my mind, I know I’m okay, but my mind takes over and makes me believe otherwise. Recently, if I am having a good day with no worry, I have to find something to freak out about. It’s seems as though my mind is getting the best of me and I don’t know what to do. Does anyone else have this issue? I want to find people that I can relate to because people in my everyday life don’t suffer from what I do and I would like to talk to people that understand where I’m coming from.

 

[Kelculator]

I absolutely understand. From every dreadful thought and to every desperate attempt for comfort. What are you currently worrying about?
Remember that being anxious about something happening doesn't mean they would actually happen... really hard I know, but at least that rational part of your brain must ease you a bit.

 

[Sash03]

I had a sinus headache and all of a sudden my mind goes to a malignant tumor because I recently read a story where that was the case. I just don’t understand why I can’t be like a normal person who lives a normal life not worrying about being ill or dying. P

 

[Epoch_Zero]

I had a sinus headache and all of a sudden my mind goes to a malignant tumor because I recently read a story where that was the case. I just don’t understand why I can’t be like a normal person who lives a normal life not worrying about being ill or dying. P

I'm going through the same thing. I've had depression and anxiety for practically my whole life but never had panic attacks until this year. It's always fear that I'm having a heart attack. I obsessively check my heart rate and blood pressure. I've been to a cardiologist, had several EKGs, a stress test, and a heart echo - they call came back fine. But every little flutter in my chest makes my worry go off the rails. It's causing me agoraphobia and has made going to work and doing things I like a giant struggle. Every panic attack feels like I'm dying and the fear of the possibility of having one is become overwhelming, much less the feeling when I do have one. It's indescribably frustrating.

My therapist tells me that fear is a liar and a drug. Fear will tell you exactly what you want to hear if you listen to it, and listening to it is easy and becomes easier the more you listen. He says it's hard, and a process, but we must build rational thoughts and mantras to go to in the moment, and trust our bodies instead of listening to the fear.

 

[triceps]

I'm going through the same thing. I've had depression and anxiety for practically my whole life but never had panic attacks until this year. It's always fear that I'm having a heart attack. I obsessively check my heart rate and blood pressure. I've been to a cardiologist, had several EKGs, a stress test, and a heart echo - they call came back fine. But every little flutter in my chest makes my worry go off the rails. It's causing me agoraphobia and has made going to work and doing things I like a giant struggle. Every panic attack feels like I'm dying and the fear of the possibility of having one is become overwhelming, much less the feeling when I do have one. It's indescribably frustrating.

My therapist tells me that fear is a liar and a drug. Fear will tell you exactly what you want to hear if you listen to it, and listening to it is easy and becomes easier the more you listen. He says it's hard, and a process, but we must build rational thoughts and mantras to go to in the moment, and trust our bodies instead of listening to the fear.

Hi. I'm so sorry for what you're going through. The "mantra" I use when a panic attack hits is "This is not a heart attack, I am NOT dying. Just breathe and ride it out." The fear of having another attack is the tougher part. I kept telling myself that I've made it through so many attacks and at some point, I was able to not fear them.

 

[Sash03]

I find that when I am about to have a panic attack, I shout in my head “stop” repeatedly. Sometimes it seems to relax me and my mind doesn’t take over, but it’s not always successful. Currently, I have small bumps on the back of my hand and I’m flipping out that it’s something serious. I’ve had it for a few years where they come and go. Not itchy, sometimes barely noticeable unless in the light. I am VERY fair skinned so they stand out more in certain light. Not sure if it dry skin or what, but that is what my attacks are based around. I am convinced I have a life threatening disease and once I see the dermatologist my biggest fears will be confirmed.