If you have a family doctor, he/she will probably have gotten some feedback about local therapists to recommend. Likewise, he or she will be acquainted with psychiatrists who specialize in this sort of thing.
Based on my own experience with cardiac anxiety--and I do have a history--I would recommend psychiatrists, because real shrinks actually have medical training in the workings of the body (a useful thing to have if you're treating cardiac worries), and they can prescribe meds. In my own case, it took serious trials of, as I recall, four or five different medications to restore my normal comfort level.
Ah.. thanks. I see your point. I guess it is time I seek help for my anxiety. I just don't know where to go though? Just meet up with a family doctor and talk about my anxiety or see a therapist?
Regardless, thanks for calming my worries of something being wrong with my heart.
The feeling of being disconnected is called 'disassociation,' and it is a classic symptom of extreme anxiety. You can google it.
The rule regarding chest pain is that if you can cause it or increase it or affect it in any way by touching, pressing, or changing position, then it is NOT heart pain. This has to do with the way the nervous system is set up. You can learn more by googling 'somatic and visceral pain.'
Your heart has been checked out and found to be healthy by professionals with years of study under their belts. You yourself use the word hypochondriac to describe yourself, and your worries seem to be taking over your young life and making you miserable.
Logically speaking, isn't it about time to investigate the possibility that an anxiety disorder is what's going on? This is a medical problem no less real than heart disease, with no more shame attached than heart disease--and it is highly treatable.
Thanks for the reply. I know you can't truly give me a firm definite answer, but do you an idea as to what is up? Is it something less serious like asthma? I honestly can't think of anything.
I think it is very unlikely that there is something wrong with your heart. They did tests 8 years ago and nothing out of the ordinary was found. Heart problems at your age (besides congenital, which I assume are ruled out 8 years ago) are very rare. I think it is reasonable to trust the hospital doc.