I too am dealing with health anxiety. After my grandma died I went through a depression which kind of screwed up my stomach. I started always focusing on my stomach and my symptoms progressivly got worse. I was convinced for weeks I had gallbladder problems then I thought gastritis etc etc. So far test results are normal. I started reading about depression and anxiety and realized they can both cause stomach pain, nausea, and loss of appetite. Now everytime I start to get anxious and my stoamch gets really upset I try really hard to just realize that its only anxiety. But its a struggle. I started therapy for it. Hopefully we can all make it through this. Good luck and God bless.
Hi poppiedo..
I used to (& stilldo sometimes) get heart palpitations and anxiety about my heart...it was about a few years ago that I was nervous and having anxiety about something, and noticed my heart beating really fast..it was then that i started thinking, "oh, what if it beats too much or too fast?" ...my sister reminded me, "well, your heart beats fast when you exercise too..." I thought yes, that is true.....it was just beating faster now because I was noticing it, and getting nervous about it..it is similar to when u exercise , your heart goes up, just like if you are nervous.. NOT harmful..
Although at the time, and this went on for a good year, i had heart palpitations just thinking if my heart rate was too high..(and had heart palps for other anxiety too, not health).....i know , it is a THOUGHT that is causing the fear...it is NOT REAL.!!!!!!!! and not what is actually happening...I would always just subconsciously, not knowing, give in again and again to fearing "what will happen to me now?" , or "oh i have a pain in my head..what is that?" ....we all get small pains , they go away. I was really OVER analyzing them..paying attention to every little thing...that is what was causing my heart rate to go up! A THOUGHT! it wasn't until I realized , hmmm, every time after I am nervous, I know I'm still fine...interesting. So my thoughts /fear did not add up..it was not (as fear usually never is) true........
Don't know if this helps you out at all..that was just some of my experience...I still have anxiety about other things as well, but try very much, every minute, to ONLY pay attention to THIS moment..then I am clear and level headed....and I feel better , happier! (when I am only in this moment..not wondering what if? not thinking of "what's this?", not looking into past or future..just Now)...it does work, and takes some practice..but the benefit is great w/practice)..oh my goodness! I just went up to reread a part of your comment, and realized that it was not a question you were asking...hahaha!! sooo sorry ...i thought you were seeking "some good advice"......i mis -read it.....yikes:) well, if this helps anyone, great...if not, i tried..its only some of my findings.... but thx as well for your comment/advice...yes, we definitely exaggerate our fears/symptoms...argh! take care, and ttyl=)