Working on Myself, but Struggling Very Hard

[Dotdispenser 12]

So many of you may know my username as I was on the forum a few months back--about a severe bout of anxiety over the thought of ALS. Of course, I turned out to not have the terrible disease.  This is pretty much the outcome of every single one of my health fears.

 

For the past few months, I have been doing very well for myself, and have been able to manage my anxiety incredibly well. Not only that, I haven't had a moment of panic since 2-3 months ago!... or so it was. I recently have had a new health fear pop up, which I am not even going to discuss on this forum as I know that any reassurance may help temporarily, but we all know that it is not going to make any major impact on me or my mental health.

 

Long story short, I am having a severe relapse--one that is hurting my actual physical health (just because I am unable to eat due to my anxiety), and my relationships with others. I thought I had gotten better at handling this, but obviously I was wrong. I am going to the doctor Tuesday to talk with him about this, possibly upping my dose of sertraline/Zoloft (from 50mg to either 75mg or 100mg), and to get an official referral to a counselor, as I realize that medicine is not the answer to all of my problems. 

 

I just want everyone to know that it is okay to have relapses, it is okay to have these terrible fears that, in my experience and that of many others I've seen on multiple forums, are almost always wrong. I also want everyone to know that it is okay to reach out for help, and to get yourself to the root of the problem--i.e. NOT THE DISEASE YOU FEAR! The disease you worry the least about: hypochondria. And lastly, I just want everyone to know that I could use as much support as possible right now as I am trying to get my life together and figure out a plan of action for dealing with my health anxiety. I wish you all the best, and I hope this post has maybe helped some others see their situation and realize they're truly not alone, and they're even more truly not focusing on the real problem.

 

Cheers!

[Dotdispenser 12]

I would also be incredibly appreciative of any advice that ANY of you could muster up to help me in managing and quelling these unrealistic and useless fears. I thank anyone and everyone who can help! 

[jonathan123 2368]

Hi. Dot.

You are in a setback, and it does happen. You are in a good position, believe it or not, because you know you have a problem and are genuinely asking for help. You know  anxiety can affect every aspect of your life, from social problems to eating. But in anxiety there is always a root cause that needs to be found. When you get counselling you may find it helps to unload and express your feelings to someone who understands. But any therapy needs sticking at. You may not see any initial improvement, but it will come.

In the unconscious mind there are always memories that we have lost, or think we have, which can be 'triggered' by some event or happening that doesn't seem very important at the time. Look at your life and see if there are any adjustments you can make in regard to relationships and domestic issues. there is always a cause. Find it and the anxiety begins to lift.

[Dotdispenser 12]

Thank you, jonathan! I've had counseling before, but I was very off and on with it. I will be sticking with it this time, even when things get better, because I know they will get worse at some point. I'm also going to try to get some serious help for my OCD which is what I believe causes my health anxiety. I get these obsessive, but most of the time ridiculous thoughts that have no logical grounding. Then one thing happens, and I have a slip... I go to Google.

Of course, you're bound to find something for your fears to cling onto, and with these constantly intrusive thoughts, you're bound to have a fear just strong enough or just grounded enough to cause you immense and overbearing amounts of pain and suffering--pretty much always excessive, unnecessary worry. In my time, so far the record is pretty one-sided. Not one thing I've ever worried about has been as bad as my worry made it seem to be.

Now I'm dealing with very bad indigestion, nausea, and upset stomach (all of which is commonplace when I get anxious), and it just wants to make me more anxious.

 

Anyways, I appreciate your feedback and your reply. I hope to see more as I could use all the help I can get! I also hope all is well with you and those reading this!