Hypochondria Support Group

Hypochondria refers to excessive worry about having a serious illness. Hypochondria is often characterized by fears that minor bodily symptoms may indicate a serious illness, constant self-examination and self-diagnosis, and a preoccupation with one's body. Many individuals with hypochondriasis express doubt and disbelief in the doctors' diagnosis.

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Anxiety Disorders
/ Hypochondria Support Group

First post..

laura17
laura17

Hello, 


I wanted to reach out and talk to people who go through the same daily struggles as I do and I hope this is the place. I’ve been dealing with panic attacks since the age of 13 and I’m now 34. The moment I have an ache or feel as though something is off, I immediately hop on to Dr. Google and within minutes have diagnosed myself with every illness known to man. I know that googling symptoms is the absolutely worst thing to do, but I always find myself doing it. Of course when I do that I go into full on panic mode and bring on an attack. My biggest fear, as I’m sure is the same with most, is dying. I’m scared that I’ll get a call from the Dr. that my life as I know it will be over. As I’m going through different scenarios in my head, I also try and be realistic with myself, but I find the fear overtakes it. I know that I’m overreacting in the moment, but that’s not enough to call me down. I feel lost because as I get older, I feel that the fear is getting worse. Can anyone relate?

lovemydog
lovemydog
Yes... I have been like this since I was young whether it was something I heard about at school or on tv.
As an adult, I find valid symptoms ( even though they could be a million different things), google and conform my worst fears.
I then go into complete shut down mode. I don't eat or sleep and then if course, I feel sicker. I too live with the dread of a call out of the blue that I have something awful so I actually avoid going to doctors - which would probably bring me peace of mind.
You are not alone!
SpookyChemist
SpookyChemist
Yes, I'm here with you. This is my first post/comment here, because I realized I need to find a support group. This week I'm convinced I have ovarian cancer because of a pain in my right ovary. The pain is real, but I'm sure I'm making it worse than it is. I'm not even 40, so the chance of it being OC is VERY small (less than 0.007%). I'm a chemist that studied cancer for many years and it's like... too much knowledge is going to kill me here. I haven't really eaten in 2 days since the full-on "I'm dying" realization, and I get hypersomnia, where I can't stay awake. What are two symptoms of cancer? Lack of appetite and fatigue? Great.
Kelculator
Kelculator
I'm a 15 year old GAD sufferer. First things first-- Dr Google is a jerk. I just gave in and searched my symptoms 5 minutes ago, and now I "have" leukemia and brain infections. Whoops. Although I am approaching this with light humor, I do understand how terrifying health anxiety is. I used to sob everyday and want to die just so I can escape this endless nightmare. But I'm learning to cope better now. Sometimes, feelings exist without being rational-- actually, a lot of times. I do self-talk when I'm relatively rational, which is easy for me to know, as I tend to have neck strain and shallow breaths when anxious. And when those calmer moments come, I do self talk. And when I am not convinced even when reasoned with myself well enough... I leave my emotions be. Hard, but I had to. My anxiety is just this little child crying nonsense. It is jot going to stop me from conquering the world(!). Sure, it may affect me from time to time, perhaps I will break down into sobs for a few minutes later today, convinced that I am in fact dying... It's going to be fine. And you are going to be fine, my friend. :)
angeljrivas
angeljrivas
I understand you completely, this is also my first comment. We are all in the same boat and it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one. I don’t know you but I’m sure you are okay and if you need someone to talk to just let me know
RileyOHTX
RileyOHTX
You are as far from alone as one can get. I could've written that paragraph myself.

And not only that.. all of these comments... I am literally crying typing this.. as I have never had the opportunity to listen and talk with people who truly mean it when they say they understand.

I am here for you. Please feel free to talk to me any time.
Huron123
Huron123
Yup, I sure can relate. It’s a terrible feeling when you’re stuck in the anxiety loop. There is some comfort in reaching out to other people who truly understand.