How do I stop worrying about illnesses? For some reason I’ve been stuck on a kick where I’m constantly worrying about getting cancer and I am always googling symptoms of various cancers. I read that leukemia can cause a rash and I thought about it so much I have a stress rash now (which obviously makes me worry I have leukemia). I’ve had fatigue and headaches from pcos for years but I’m convincing myself it’s bc of cancer. It started bc I had pain in my armpit for a couple days and it went straight to me stressing about breast cancer. The pain resided after a few days but I’m pretty sure I have a phantom pain every once in a while bc it’s all I can think about. Any tips?

I personally struggle with health anxiety and OCD too and my big win was no more Dr Google. There’s too much information on the internet and you’re always going to get worst case scenarios. It’s so easy to spiral out of control and it’s just not worth it for folks like us. While I never stop worrying about illnesses, slowing down my body and relaxing or meditating has also really helped. Often times things like rashes and headaches are stress reactions. Meditating helps get me centered sometimes.

Yeah I really need to stop with google bc I read symptoms and I think I actually stress myself out so much that The symptoms show up which is horrible. I’ve gone to the doctors a few times for issues that deep down I know are related to my ovarian cysts but I go just to make sure it isn’t something worse. Thank you! I will try meditating and focusing on better things!

I’m sorry @anac. I wish you didn’t experience these things but it’s nice knowing someone can relate.

Yes I google everything and believe that I have all the illnesses I m trying to stop using google also I check my body to check if I m feeling fine or no and if I should go to the doctor or no :( I feel safe going to the doctor but it hurt me :( ODC suc**

Yup I check my body constantly and if there’s anything new, a simple cut, bruise, mole, red spot etc, I freak out :(

@kalk9 I’m so sorry :(( it’s terrible

Sound like this was me typing this :(

Me too I have all type of ocd harm And all them but overcame them but one the hardest one to overcome for me is health ocd because is about me my body is like I m putting my life at risk sometimes I let this thoughts pass but then I get thoughts like but what if is true I got cancer or I will die from the flu what if the water is contaminated I will die :/ the what if make me relapse to the compulsion then I google or go to the doctor or ask my bf what he think is terrible

I used to be like that. I just had to stop googling things.

I used to be worse but I managed to stop googling everything and feel somewhat better now

This literally explained exactly what I’m going through right now. Down to the exact stressors.

We can be there for each other! :)

I can relate. It’s been a lifelong problem. I’m sorry.