Health Anxiety

When I was three years old I was on a family holiday when I became seriously ill. I was flown home and admitted to hospital where the medical staff tried to figure out what exactly was wrong with me. My parents were warned that I may not recover and by the sounds of their accounts (I don't remember much) it was a pretty scary time. I have some vague memories of being stripped of my clothing due to my soaring temperature, cold baths for the same reason, horrible medicine and scary X-rays. Even though I'm now an adult my few memories are just as frightening and confusing as they were when they occurred. Even though I fully recovered and feel extremely lucky, I hardly ever think about it now but I'm convinced that this was what started my health anxiety. I've always worried that I'm weak, that I get sick easily and that I wouldn't be able to cope if I did become ill. I also tend to worry about any symptoms I might possibly have and seek reassurance from others as well as look up these symptoms online. Classic health anxiety behaviours, or so I've been told during my over the phone 'guided self-help' that I was offered this year after a few trips to the GP.

So what have I learnt in all these years of healthy anxiety? Well first of all I'm from a medical family (three drs and a nurse in my immediate family) which is a blessing and a curse. Great when there IS something wrong and they can offer advice on how to treat it, not so great when I've been told by a therapist that I must not seek reassurance in order to get over my health anxiety - sending a text or phoning one of these relatives is all too easy. But one plus I have noted is that there are SO many illnesses out there (bear with me!) and us H.A sufferers tend to believe that we are suffering from the very worst of these, but in actual fact due to the huge range of causes for physical symptoms (anxiety very much included) the probability that we are correct is actually pretty low.

 Which brings me to my next point; rational thinking. Anxiety is an emotional response and it does not discriminate between life threatening situations and stressful work scenarios (for example) and so we must engage our rational minds as much as possible in order to recover from health, or indeed any other, anxiety. A friend of mine, who works in mental health, once told me that I must 'take my feelings to court', I must think of evidence for and against my theories and I find this very useful, I often write my evidence down in two columns and review them when the feelings start to come back. I also try to stick to an 'innocent until proven guilty' policy with all of my symptoms, rather than immediately suspecting they are something sinister. 

I know this seems like an obvious one but I also try to look after my health as much as possible. Exercising (I'm no gym bunny and I loathe sports but regular walks, house work and even dancing around the house to my favourite songs when no one's in seem to do the trick) and eating well will make you feel a lot better. The exercise will use up some of the excess adrenaline that anxiety gives us and cutting down on sugar and caffeine can reduce any jittery feelings. Plus, I know they don't taste as good as a Wispa but eating plenty of fruit and vegetables really can make you feel a lot better and help keeps things nice and regular (not the most glamorous point but anxiety can play havoc with that kind of thing!).

Lastly, and then I promise will finish this enormous essay, acceptance is key. Yes, we might become ill and yes there is certainly no 'might' about us all dying some day. But what can we really do about it? Nothing! No, that's not true. We can make the bloody most of life and do our best not to worry too much. I know it's easier said than done, but just try these things and see how you feel: 

• Wake up every morning and smile because you're alive and well! 
• Tell yourself everyday how strong you are, anxiety is not an easy thing to live with and you're doing it - don't underestimate what an achievement that is. 
• Take some time out (everyday if you can) and do something just for you. Whether it's painting your nails, having a bubble bath or reading a book, everyone needs some time to relax and it will help you cope better for the rest of the day. 

If health anxiety is a real problem for you I would obviously recommend seeing your GP for further advice and also reading 'Overcoming Health Anxiety' which is available on Amazon. 

Do you have any tips on this problem? I'd love to hear them!