RSS FeedsDealing with and overcoming anxiety 55 - hypochondria
July 1st, 2009
Here’s some talk about hypochondria.
PLEASE REMEMBER: I’m not a doctor or a mental health expert. Any advice I give should never be a substitute for professional medical and or psychiatric help. All of my advice is solely based on my own experiences and research. Although I talk about downplaying our hypochondria fears, obviously if you are experiencing a medical emergency, dial emergency services or get to the nearest hospital.
Duration : 0:8:53
July 1st, 2009
Imagination is a …
Imagination is a great thing to have, but it can also get us into trouble by making up those imaginary illnesses and other anxieties. I got a good dose of hypochondria these past couple weeks. Not fun stuff.
July 1st, 2009
Yeah, I’m always …
Yeah, I’m always afraid of getting yelled at as well, if I do end up going. LOL
July 1st, 2009
good lord I am such …
good lord I am such a hypochondriac. I’ve gotten much better over the years, but when I was a kid it was out of control. But I will still fixate on imaginary illnesses.
You articulate the anxiety/hypochondriac relationship really well around 3:13.
Also, I used to get numb feelings in my hands/legs/face. I figured out that it was a product of anxiety. But yeah, it was pretty creepy.
As always, this is a great video.
July 1st, 2009
I know. And I feel …
I know. And I feel bad when I see the docs. They always get mad at me and say that I should have called sooner. Lol….but when I do go and it’s nothing, I feel relief as well as embaressment. I think your plan is a good one.
July 1st, 2009
I admit, sometimes …
I admit, sometimes it’s hard to know when to go to the doctor and when to know we’re obsessing over something minor. If my hands start dropping things on their own, then I’m going to the doctor no matter what. But otherwise, I seem to have this thing under control.
July 1st, 2009
I thought I was …
I thought I was being a hypochondriac too and I know I am at times, but everytime I obsessed about something, the doctors found something significant. I think tho, I too, am a hypochondriac.
July 1st, 2009
Definitely a …
Definitely a challenging situation. See it as your opportunity to desensitize to hospitals. Not an easy thought, but look forward to the reward at the end. You’ll be that less anxious about hospitals. Just remember it’s more effective when combined with positive thinking and reassuring statements to yourself.
July 1st, 2009
Hey thanks. You …
Hey thanks. You are so right about that. I’ve reduced my computer use for awhile.
July 1st, 2009
I’ve watched some …
I’ve watched some of your videos and I must say we share such similarities with our anxiety issues. It’s kind of a comfort to know I’m not alone, though I’d never wish this on anyone.
I suffer lower back problems and am getting ready to see a doctor about it as my mobility is now affected. I feel off-balance and that sensation alone scares me. I am also worried about going into the hospital for testing. But I may have to suck it up and do whatever it takes to get my independence back again.
July 1st, 2009
Hey Seth..Another …
…I used to get RSI..(repetitive strain injury)when I was learning my guitar a few years ago and using the mouse …you have to rest your arm/hands for them get better ..as soon as you feel your hands/arms starting to ache you have to rest them in order for them to get better…. which they will do if you rest them..it is really painful and the pain will get worse if you don’t rest them when they start hurting.. .Hope this helps ..take care ! x..
Hey Seth..Another great video
July 1st, 2009
Oh yeah, I’m …
Oh yeah, I’m building my arsenal of exercises, buying elbow braces, and modifying my ergonomics because everyday my dominant arm/hand is getting worse. It relieved me to know that my dad had this problem too at one time. I do A LOT of computer work, so I’m rearranging my work station.
July 1st, 2009
lol ..I’ve taken …
lol ..I’ve taken over your page with my comments.
but that’s just it..you don’t want to become obsessed with getting every medical test in the book but if it does continue to bother you it can’t hurt to have some testing. maybe try some range of motion exercises. Like, making a fist and releasing.
July 1st, 2009
yeah..MS has been …
yeah..MS has been ruled out. I had a brain Mri when I got really sick two years ago. I’ve been to two neurologists and the last time I went to look into lyme disease as a possible cause. Long story short, I ruled out the biggies. it’s probably a pinched nerve. Oh i’ve had facial numbness before too that could be anxiety. I know I get that every once in awhile.
July 1st, 2009
I see. I nearly …
I see. I nearly got to the point where I said, screw it, I’ll put up with the hospital to get these tests over with to ease my mind. But my therapist cautioned against doing that. As a way of giving in to my anxiety. But if it starts really interfering with activities too much, I’ll go anyway. Like typing this is a bit painful. I’ll be buying one of those “folded” keyboards for people with carpal tunnel.
July 1st, 2009
I’m sure if he …
I’m sure if he thought it was serious like MS or something, he’d be sending you to a neurologist by now. But yeah, could be a pinched nerve in the lumbar region. Who knows. Could be many things.
July 1st, 2009
no. I was thinking …
no. I was thinking that could be an option though. I have lower back issues that might contribute to the left leg numbness. But the arm and hand stiffness is probably arthritis. My doctor said disc pressure shouldn’t cause numbness/stiffness in the arm. I have to tell myself almost every day that the numbness isn’t life threatening.
July 1st, 2009
Yep…it’s our …
Yep…it’s our constant focusing on every little symptom that pops up that causes the anxiety and possibly the physical symptoms.Now, you mentioned, you had another layer of anxiety about going into hosp. but for me I actually get relief from getting tests done or seing the doc. I have realised that I was panicking over every symptom and am being more careful about not using the doctor or testing to relieve my anxiety Health anxiety was acutally what caused me to become agoraphobic. great video.
July 1st, 2009
Did they do an MRI …
Did they do an MRI or test for a pinched nerve?
July 1st, 2009
I have to catch up …
I have to catch up I missed your last video , but I’m sorry you went through a rough time. I can totally relate to you’re worries about having a terrible disease. I have had ongoing stiffness/numbness on my left side especially from my knee down. I had a doppler study/ultrasound and there are no visible clots but I was wanted to make sure. The left side worries me of course, because of the heart. But, like you said, it can be something less threatening and more common like arthritis or carpal. t