Any adults anxious about their health but scared

I spend almost every single day along this. I spend so much time trying to self diagnose every little thing and as much as I wish it could make it go away and that my symptoms would do away, they don't. It's a cycle that doesn't go away. I just don't know how to get rid of the anxiety.

@BigGyro09 The only thing that’s helped me overcome my health anxiety was through distractions such as engaging in a hobby, tv series, or something compelling. Talking to a friend also helps bury the anxiety for awhile because of your attention span being on the other person.

@anxious artist That's true. That does work until the symptoms come back full force and I'm back to worrying about it. It always seems like there's something to worry about like it's a duty

@BigGyro09 It’s the ocd trying to lure you back into rumination, your brain is confused as to why your not focusing on the ‘perceived’ threat so its attempting to convince you that there’s real danger involved, that’s why in erp they allow you to sit with the anxiety and repeat phrases such as “I may or may not have cancer etc.” to decrease the anxiety little by little

@anxious artist Yeah, you're right. Another form of ERP would be to just go to the doctor as well, no matter what my anxiety says. I've actually been wanting to bring up several things I've noticed about my body, but have put them off.

@BigGyro09 I think going to the doctor for every symptom might turn into a compulsion and resort to reassurance seeking behavior where you may feel compelled to ask the doctor if something is wrong with you.

@anxious artist That's also true... How about long term symptoms? Maybe that would get a pass?

@BigGyro09 Hm, it depends on the severity, if you truly think there’s something wrong like it keeps getting worse overtime, you can definitely get it checked out, but if it clears itself in a few days it shouldn’t be a problem. But I also don’t want to give you reassurance because you’ll end up ruminating over again.

@anxious artist My plan was to always get it checked out but was just too scared but after I finally do go through with it, that's the end of it when it I do ruminate about it endlessly.

@BigGyro09 You don’t have to always get it checked out, it might trigger you even more, I use to spend so much time and money worrying about so many diseases only for the doctor to find nothing every time and I realized how much effort I spend not finding anything. Going there will only give you the urge to keep doing it for every symptom that comes.

@anxious artist Not always, but I think just getting it checked for once can help. I had legit concerns I feel. I get you on the time and money part though. I think that's the part I'm also afraid of. That and my family worrying about me for this. Also, how are you feeling my chance? I hope you're doing okay.

@BigGyro09 Hypochondria is a pretty common condition in a lot of people honestly, with the whole pandemic that occurred in 2020 it’s no surprise that people became more paranoid due to the fear mongering that was going on in the news. To be honest, I feel like shit right now and still feel lost and hopeless. A part of me kind of died today and I don’t know if I’ll ever recover from this. I know things aren’t over yet, I’m just fucked up from the stress that this relationship has caused on me.

@anxious artist I'm terribly sorry. That's all heavy and I hope things can somehow turn around. I think they will. You should take time to yourself and just attend to your needs. This has put a lot of stress on you and I don't think it's your fault.

@BigGyro09 Thank you, I’m not sure how to process it but I’ve just been contacting therapists and hotlines to help me guide through the painful situation

@anxious artist Have the hotlines been helpful? What have they told you?

@BigGyro09 They told me to re focus my life and distract myself with goals such as work and school

@anxious artist I'm assuming that has you confused in some ways? It's okay to not get it right away. It's okay to not really have it all figured out. What matters is you're trying. And you will figure it out. You mentioned you took a break from school, which is fine. Work can be tough to get so when applying it's helpful to take breaks.

@BigGyro09 I’ve been mostly bedrotting and dealing with insomnia, the attachment issues are rough and my brain is constantly trying to convince me to call/text him again even though he wants to be alone. I hate this

@anxious artist Maybe for the time being, you can find ways to just treat yourself. Do the things you like to do. Start with more simple things. I'm sorry you didn't get too much sleep. Maybe you can try to get out of bed and want just walk around for a bit? Maybe listen to your go to songs?

@BigGyro09 I’ve thought about doing art again but it hurts to know we’ll never be that close again. I use to listen to music a lot before I met him so I might try that

@anxious artist That may not be true. You two could try to get closer to each other after he's taken enough time to himself. I think if you both just focus on individual things and needs, and then make the time in the future, this all can still be done.

@BigGyro09 I’ll just try to live in the uncertainty because I don’t want to end up giving myself this sense of false hope that we’ll be together again, it depends on what he wants to do with his life, but for now I’ve been focusing on getting help and support from friends which I think is enough for me.

@anxious artist Focusing on what you can control helps too. I think that can be one thing to focus on for the day. I'm hoping you get better though the day.