This is the first time I post what I don’t know what else to do. I have always had a bit of health anxiety but nothing like what I am going through now. I started having mild nausea about a week ago (BTW I’m from Florida and that was the day before hurricane Irma hit) and I was fine for a bit but then I started focusing on it. When I got back home 3 days ago things really got bad. I have nervous stomach and it won’t go away. I can barely eat because I keep thinking I have stomach cancer. I went to urgent care yesterday and the nurse told me from my symptoms I GERD. When she told me that I felt instantly better. The nervousness went away and felt better. But this morning it started all over again. I don’t know what to do. I have not been able to go to work since Tuesday because of this and I’m terrified. Anyone else dealing with health anxiety that can recommend something?
I can understand what your going through. I have had a hard time accepting the consistent I'm having is from anxiety and stress. One thing that helped me though is I had a slew of tests done by doctor. It just gave me some peace of mind. I'm still dealing with the pain everyday, but I know they have looked at everything.
By the way, what kind of stomach pain are you having and where?
There is no pain. Just that uneasy butterflies in my stomach feeling.
I totally understand what you are going through; two years ago I was dealing with a severe panic disorder and it was all medical related. I am now, after intense cognitive counseling and medicine, completely free of anxiety. I also have GERD and it used to trigger my anxiety severely.
The thing with GERD is it gets SO MUCH WORSE when you also have anxiety. You're anxiety feeds the GERD which creates anxiety. I believe you are in a vicious circle! The problem with anxiety is it is irrational it makes you think you can't trust the world around you. The best way to counter these thoughts is with truth, because you can't argue with the truth.
So truth number 1
You have anxiety. Anxiety makes us fear things that aren't true.
Truth number 2
The nurse diagnosed GERD. A nauseous stomach is one of the many symptoms (I have it right now! Literally curled in a ball and miserable right now! I've had GERD for a year and have lost 30 pounds because I can barely eat...its a nasty thing to have!) you have to trust that the nurse wants what is best for you (and her career) and wouldn't lead you astray if it was serious)
Truth number 3
Anxiety makes GERD Worse! You don't even have to have GERD for anxiety to make your stomach sick. Anxiety and the mind react to eachother. Think of the way your stomach feels when you get an adrenaline rush... Anxiety triggers adrenaline and your stomach can be greatly affected.
Truth Number 4
Hurricane Irma is a terrifying thing! That alone can bring on enough anxiety to trigger the stomachaches!
Truth number 5
Worrying does nothing. Literally nothing. I know it's not a button you can turn on and off, but sometimes a reminder is helpful.
I'm sure there are many more truths you can find! Cling to them! It's one of the best things I learned to do in counseling.
For the GERD I use baking soda watwr when it gets bad 1-2 tablespoons. I also take Apple cider Vinegar everyday in water (1-2 TBs). They have medicine for it as well, I've never tried it.
For the anxiety: Right now you are triggered. When anxiety is high your brain sends signals to your body to be on high alert... So you tense up, clench your jaw, etc.... The problem is doing these things also sends signals to your brain that something is wrong. So your anxiety feeds itself. You have to relax as much as possible! Try meditation (YouTube has a lot of helpful walk through), get a massage, take a bath. Try to relax!!!!! (I know it's easier said than done)
I'm sorry you're going through this. I know how hard it is and there are no magic words that anyone can give to make it go away. I definitely recommend going to your doctor for peace of mind. Tell him/her about your anxiety as well because there are resources out there that can help you overcome it! I am living proof of that!
I hope this was helpful! Good luck with everything!
Also I recommend not googling medical things. Check out websites like calmclinic and anxietycenter
Thank you so much for replying. Everything you said makes perfect sense. I will take you advice.