So this might be a long post, I'm not really writing this to get replies (even thought reassurance helps me a lot) but more as a dairy to get my thoughts out.
I have started to suffer with my health anxiety once again, at 19 years old I'm starting to feel like I can't cope with life anymore because of this.
It all started last year when I'd had a few episodes of chest pain and became very anxious over it but had and ecg and a blood test and all came out okay. Since then I've had mild health anxiety still but became happy again and started enjoying my life.
Only recently has this anxiety come back after experiencing a UTI for the first time last month and just getting over another one now (even though it might not be a UTI as negative culture but that's a whole other story).
Just now laying in bed I've had a heart palpitation that has really sent me into panic mode and shocked me, I rang my mom as I was literally about to ring the ambulance in a panic and she was trying to calm me down, I could stop shaking uncontrollably I've never had anything like that in my life. All my panic attacks are about my health.
I think this is all hormonal (palpitations and low mood) but recently I've just been feeling like I'm not myself and something is wrong with me
As I'm typing I'm really struggling, I feel faint and just so exhausted
Also I have an amazing job with the most amazing bosses and I'm so lucky to be working there but recently I've just starting hating it and become unmotivated and even a little bit moody which I'm trying to get a hold of as I think customers may have picked up on it. This is so not like me as I used to love going to work and interacting with everyone but now I just can't be bothered.
I also love summer and as it's my gap year I've booked so much to do, such as festivals and travelling etc before uni but now I don't want to do it in fear of getting a UTI when I'm travelling and not being able to sort it so getting a kidney infection etc etc , this isn't like me at all as festivals are my favourite thing ever and the only thing that make me happy, now I'm dreading them
Hi Katie I have read your post and I can totally relate... I'm sorry you going through this... I have been suffering for over a year now... as u think your getting better it's starts all over and it is the worst feeling in the world. Just know you are not alone. So many people go through this. And it starts with a pain that freaks you out and the panic starts. It's uncontrollable. If u need someone to talk to u can message me and I can try help you. Hope u feeling better today.
Thank you for your reply. I've never really spoken out properly about my anxiety so having people care is so different to me, but really good.
I'm not sure what actions to take now, do I get help before I go to university? Being on anti anxiety drugs isn't an option I've ever wanted but councilling takes ages to get on the NHS and can be expensive privately
Urinary tract infection is the most common of infections among women. I've had one back in September and suffering from health anxiety myself too,I know how this feels. Sometimes it can go away on its own with loads of water. In any case, it's something totally controllable and nothing to worry about. You have to be more careful about where you urinate, don't sit on public toilets, use your own tissues and stuff like that. Also, hydrate a lot. Probiotics help a lot (talking about the negative culture). Best of luck!
Hi Katie, I'm too struggling with health anxiety and medication was always out of the question for me too but I left it and it got so much worse! I would really recommend seeing your gp and maybe trying a low does or some anti anxiety medication, it really has helped me with panic attacks, I haven't had one for over a month now and was suffering with 3/4 a day!
Also if you do a self referal for yourself to healthy minds [NHS councillors/therapy] I got a letter back with a appointment within 2 weeks.
Thank you for your reply - I'm going to book a long appointment with my GP tomorrow so I can discuss all my issues with them. Last time I went and expressed my issue with health anxiety I was just given a leaflet for a mental health help website and told 'we don't refer to councillors anymore' so
Luckily both of mine have gone away in a few days but occurred at the same time right before my period then ended the day before I start my period, so this could be a sign of what's causing it?
I am taking d mannose and have purchased probiotics to keep away whatever it is!
Hi Katie, your anxiety is causing the palpatations,just remember they can't do you any harm , another way of thinking is when you are looking forward to something and you get excited it is exactly the same,your heart beats faster but it doesn't scare you , I think you should see your GP and tell them about how your feeling,that way you can at least get help , the sooner you do the sooner you start to recover, don't be afraid of medication, you might only need a low dose to help get you on the right track,and you don't have to take it forever,just until you can cope with things a little better,or you might just need counselling ,hope you feel better soon xx
I think I need to discuss about my hormones, these feelings get so much worse during that time of the month. However I don't want to be put back on any contraception as I don't like it's effects!
Maybe medication may be the only way then, I suppose a low dose can't be too bad
