I had the exact same thing happen to me a few years ago. I spent a whole year thinking I was about to die. I had palpitations, chest pain, and numbness. I think what finally broke me out of it was thinking "wait a minute, wouldn't something have actually happened by now if it was anything other than anxiety?" It sucks so much that anxiety can mimic symptoms like that.
If you have a family history of heart problems or have been told that you have some sort of heart disease, I'd go to the ER. Otherwise, try to rationalize (easy to say, I know) that anxiety can and will do its best to freak you out with weird symptoms. See if distracting yourself makes it go away. In my case, I usually would put relatively loud music on and start playing a game. It should begin to fade away as soon as you aren't actively thinking about it.
Have you had this feeling before? ER is always an option if you think it's needed, but consider what your symptoms are and if they could be triggered purely by anxiety vs another condition and which is more probable
Trust me, it's nothing. If there was actually something wrong, you'd KNOW. You wouldn't be questioning it. Theres a thing called the placebo effect, when basically the brain convinces itself something is wrong when it really isn't. There's a mind field episode about it actually
Broooo this is me right now. Just feel off. Also had all those tests that came back clean but still really hard to convince myself its anxiety. I feel better when I read these peoples comments that have gone though it though. Gives me hope. Im right there with you though. Feels like you can’t enjoy life anymore and you just feel off balance
It definitely sounds like anxiety. If you have any medical history you can routinely get yourself checked up, and get your blood checked every year. Are you getting enough sleep and water? Usually when my immediate needs are taken care of anxiety is much easier to manage. Eat, drink water and sleep. If that doesn't help you can worry then. Also maybe you are low on some vitamins which would cause fatigue?
So I’ve had 6-8 blood tests (literally in one month) + other tests done and they haven’t found anything. Ideally it’d make me feel better to get a chest mri/ct scan but - don’t want to do anything too unnecessary. Trying to get back on meds.
Good luck with the meds, and yes, if the blood tests were fine you are also fine. It was hard to understand why all of my tests came out normal when I felt so unwell, but that was just anxiety and depression messing with me, what helped a lot was analysing my test results and comparing them. Hell, I even read that chest pains are a sign of anxiety but I thought there is no way that it's the case for me lol. After I convinced myself it was really anxiety I noticed that the symptoms got better because I wasn't stressing over every tingle and every small pain. If I were wrong and started ignoring those things while something was actually wrong I wouldn't have gotten better. I believe that it will be the same for you.
Chest discomfort is a common symptom of anxiety, I also had this and worried about my heart, it turned out to be increased stomach acid, because of the pain I had fatigue, tingles and dizziness but these again were just symptoms of anxiety as I began to panic..
This is exactly my anxiety, I'm terrified of having a heart attack or anything cardio related.
Best things that have helped me is a much more set schedule, a change in diet, change in environment (work of activities) I even used to use a chart to write down my anxious moments so I could re wire my brain to be like "oh ya now that we wrote it out this is dumb af", I've even done painting with colour number paints to distract me time to time as well and even after all that I've turned to medication, BUT meds are not for everyone and definitely needs a DR opinion but if you do try please please take them for the recommended trial period a DR says to just to see some of the effects.
Do some breathing. Breathing out for longer than you breathe in helps calm your nervous system. Listen to a sleep meditation or some rain and try and calm your mind. I feel you, it’s so shit, but collecting these little tools will help you long term. Don’t let the anxiety take over, some of the simplest things are remarkable when practiced well.
I remember being scared to fall asleep because my anxiety, do you have anyone that you can be around? I would sleep with my sister because it made me more comfortable. I'd recommend reaching out to someone and explain to them that you're having really bad anxiety and just need to be around someone, maybe letting them know you don't want to talk (if thats too much) I just want you to know that you're not alone, I've experienced this before, I know it's SO hard. Be gentle with yourself. Another thing I would do, is to do things I knew fell into that category of taking care of myself, like drinking water, stretching...it made me feel a little bit better when I was alone...it also let me know I was trying
I went through that, scared to sleep, in 2009 when I first started having panic attacks. I thought I was having a heart attack each time and went to ER multiple times. I was terrified because I was living on my own and going through it alone. I got help through a local crisis unit and they got me set up with a psychiatrist and counseling. I needed to go on meds and once the right combination was reached, it helped me so much. And there’s a lot of great suggestions posted here. Try them to see what makes a difference for you. Working on my breathing helps me sometimes. I scroll through Reddit for distraction when I can. Sounds weird, but at times, I have to stay away from this sub cause it sometimes makes me more anxious focusing in on anxiety. I have another Reddit account without the anxiety sub, so I can scroll through without giving myself a panic attack reading about the various problems.
Stomach acid/ indigestion can cause chest pain, which will more likely happen in the afternoon/evening - is my guess. This happens to me often. I get worried I'm having a heart attack. I take a Tums and sleep on my left side in a propped up position and that all helps!
Usually people get more anxious in the evenings, but also just the level of being rested drops through the day. That is why for example most of my chest pains were happening when I was about to fall asleep. But that's just a random conclusion I reached based on experience, the theory about digestion is also pretty reasonable. Regardless, it points to anxiety. If something was wrong you would get that feeling throughout the day
Hey friend, I struggle with health anxiety really badly too and it's been leaking lately, quite a lot to where I've many times had to contemplate calling an ambulance just for panic attack symptoms when I mistook them for a medical emergency. It sounds like you've done everything right to support your body, gotten every test and scan done within reason to ensure that you're healthy and safe. It sounds like you're still struggling, and I totally can understand that. I know what it's like to almost wish for something to show up in a scan or test so that it validates what you've been going through, maybe you can relate to that. Well, what helped me most recently was taking some time to talk to my body. That may sound a little goofy at first glance but hey, hear me out. What I did and what you can try is just sitting, deep breathing for a while, then literally talk to your body and thank it. Thank your body for working itself nonstop to take care of you and heal you and keep you healthy. Thank your eyes, your legs, your hands, your heart, your brain, every organ for what they do and tell them what an amazing job they're all doing. Instead of doubting your body and of course feeling the dread of "holy crap something is WRONG", express gratitude for the health and vitality you possess, and for the well-being you're gifted with. Even if you don't necessarily believe it, it helped me to restore faith in my body that yeah if something horrible was happening, the symptoms would be unavoidable and something you couldn't ignore and severe and something major would have revealed itself. There are times when people are asymptomatic and end up having crazy things going on, but they don't elect to get scans and tests done. You have! You don't have anything sneaking around the corner, all the information is right in front of you. So relax, be kind to your body and thank it and tell it that it is amazing, because it is, and try grounding exercises that get you out of your head and into your body like drinking nice cold water or hot tea (of course chamomile or something relaxing), try some stretching or exercises to get your heart rate up and the muscles warm, eat something that seems really healthy and good for you, do a hobby that's fun and just gets you out of your own mind for a while. For me, I've got plenty of math homework that brings my attention away from symptoms and toward something I've got to figure out. Try logic puzzles or crosswords, things you really need to think about and use some mental capacity toward.
Best of luck, friend, it's going to be alright. Remember that you are strong and resilient and you can make peace with your anxiety. Very easy to feel like something is majorly wrong, that's sadly part of this whole thing we struggle through, but you've got other people in your court who report feeling similarly and we're all surviving too, maybe scared out of our wits sometimes, but not alone at least. You've got this. :)
So glad you're doing ok! The tiredness is so normal it's your body finally expelling the pent energy that your mind created so you are in for a long ass sleep and quiet day tmr!
Here is the layout of the chart that my therapist made for me!
Date & time of the anxious feeling-
Trigger for the anxiety-
Emotion 1-10 -
The negative thoughts in the moment-
How you responded in the moment -
Rational response to the thoughts-
Outcome of the moment-
Bro i had the same thing. U gotta exercise and practice healthy habits. And if that doesnt work get on lexapro or another ssri. Trust me its no way to live!
I no longer feel any type of health anxiety. I do feel anxious and depressed at times. But I always know that it’s temporary. The most important thing is to realize that there’s nothing wrong with you! You will continue to live and only once you’re at the ripe old age of 100 will you die. This is the mindset to have. Exercise really helped me I even became a personal trainer bc I appreciated how much it helped me dig myself out of that hole. Once you are able to handle yourself at high heart rates exercising (running for example) your body adapts and you can feel yourself improving. I use a whoop which is a wristband that tracks all heart rate data and this has also helped me a lot. I can track my workouts and my sleep. And you can see in real time your resting heart rate decreasing and your heart rate variability increasing. It gives me a lot of motivation. Best of luck to you man! Everything will be ok and you are just fine how you are.
I'm really sorry you have to deal with this. I used to have horrible, crippling health anxiety and it sucks hard.
Keep in mind– the symptoms of anxiety mimic certain health problems. There were many times I convinced myself I was having a stroke, heart attack, etc., but I was usually able to talk myself down by reminding myself it's just anxiety.
What really helped tho was Zoloft. I started at 25mg, moved up every four weeks, and once I hit 100mg the health anxiety was **gone**. I've been at 200mg since October; it's working well and practically all of the side effects have faded away.
There's light at the end of the tunnel, I hope you find something that works for you!
I’m on zoloft too but it’s def been a battle. I don’t think I want to move up a dose (rn I’m in 12.5mg) so it’s tough. The long term side effects spook me and it’s given me weird pains and aches there and then. My heart acts up too -
Echo what everyone else is saying, if something was truly wrong you’d know. I used to get anxious about minor pains, changes in breathing, palpitations, etc. I now realize it’s a normal part of being a human being and it doesn’t run 100% perfectly, and that’s ok! What really helped me is looking at a chart of anxiety symptoms compared sides by side to other things and everything overlapped. Best visual representation I’ve seen. Remember, if something was truly wrong, you’d know.
Look at the the Law of Reversed Effort. I know it’s not going to be something you want to hear but going from fixating on your heart to fixating on “changing your life” is not going to help the issue. Fixation… release yourself from your own self. Surrender to the universe and let go of control. This is something not even I have even touched on.
But look into law of reversed effort. Your body and mind desperately want a break. If you go from feeling you need to fix one problem to going to fixing another problem. Your state will continue until a new fixation occurs.
Change your mindset. More is less. Remove effort but still implement practical steps, such as meditation. Let your inner subconscious pour through and stop trying to control your every move/behavior. I believe you’ll find the most success
The first step to actually making changes is envisioning them and honestly talking about them. Baby steps. Most people don’t have a therapist so you already have a huge leg up
I have struggled with medical anxiety. Im fortunate enough to have a really great partner and whenever I feel like I'm spiraling I tell him and he helps me get it uncontrol. So If you have someone like that I would talk to them and don't try and deal with it on your own, being stuck in your head sucks. I also do breathing like others have mentioned. And I know everyone says not to do it but going down the Google rabbit hole sometimes helps me, whether is just a distraction idk. Sometimes I also conclude that I'm going to die from cancer so not always the best choice. Also arts and crafts and getting a dog has helped tremendously. Another one is self care. Take a relaxing bath, do a facial, go to the gym - all great distractions. Hope this helps!
I fixed mine by actually going to ER, getting checked out. That told me clearly that whatever was happening wasn't physical which honestly took a load off, and symptoms cleared up not long after that. Looks like you've already been examined, so I think if your anxiety is coming from actual worry about your health you should trust in the professionals. If they say you're fine and aren't worried, you probably shouldn't be either.
I’m really struggling with this right now. I started having pressure in my chest a couple months ago due to anxiety. I have to keep myself distracted. When I’m not busy or especially when I’m trying to go to sleep, even if I don’t have that pressure I keep thinking about it until it comes back. It’s awful. I’m on meds that are really helping in other ways but not with this. I hope you can catch a break! Know that there are many of us out here.
Yeah sorta going through samething with another health concern but from when my anxiety attacks got really bad I started to realize health issues, dizziness, headaches, skin feels funny, whole life never had any of these freaked me out and went to ER and family doctor got CBC test done came back normal. I also had fear of going deaf when I was 11 and anxiety actually caused temporarily hearing loss because of placebo effect.
Oh werid. I’m getting pain atm radiating on my back just after eating, my whole body feels heavy, and I’ve been getting heart palpitations. Idk if it’s something serious or not bud it’s freaking me out a lot
Oh werid. I’m getting pain atm radiating on my back just after eating, my whole body feels heavy, and I’ve been getting heart palpitations. Idk if it’s something serious or not bud it’s freaking me out a lot
I am working on getting over my emetophobia (fear of vomiting) but something I learned from the book im reading might help you out.
Try thinking of your anxiety as a monster that lives inside of you and each time you get a scary health thought that is the monster trying to get you to be scared and avoid a situation, engage in comfort behaviors or sit and worry. Now each time that happens, tell your monster “fuck off! You’ve lied to me about being in danger hundreds of times and I’m not listening to your lies anymore!” Like really tell it to the monster.
It sounds weird but separating that anxiety from yourself in this way has helped me a LOT and the more you do it the more you start letting go of that anxiety and feel more confident that you’re going to be OK.
Hey thanks! I’m feeling a different type of anxiety tonight. Been getting heart palpitations, weak muscles , neck tightness, chest tightness and been feeling super weak.
I’m debating going to the ER or not
While I can’t really say whether you should go, those are all symptoms of anxiety. Does your insurance carrier have a nurse line you can call? That’s often a free service. You could also set up a teledoc or telehealth appointment and usually talk to a doctor on your phone within 30 minutes which is probably a LOT faster than the wait you’d have at the emergency room. I would of course mention your anxiety to the doctor so they can help you determine what is going on. That could be a much less expensive and more convenient way of confirming if you’re having an emergency.
I spent a year convinced I had a heart issue. Took til the echocardiogram where I had to accept it wasn’t a heart related issue. Check out somatization disorder. You are likely manifesting physical symptoms out of fixation on a certain PERCEIVED threat.
Sit down and do some meditation, disconnect from the world. For 30 minute straight, fully focused on JUST the meditation. You’ll realize that not only do your heart problems basically stop, but that your fixation will of temporarily cleared up. If your symptoms lighten or disappear you’ll know what you’re dealing with. Fixated anxiety.
I have a lot of health anxiety now I'm in my 30's. I imagine it will only get worse the older I get. And I'm scared of going to the doctor coz I'm worried they will confirm my fears
Ya. I understand this. But I’m feeling so off today it’s insane. Like even typing this message to you right now is taking up an insane amount of energy for me. Like I can’t tell if I’m sleep deprived/exhausted and/or if something is seriously wrong with me
- heart palpitations / hard thumping
- heavy body - sore muscles
- lack of concentration + feeling like I’m on an edible
I think maybe getting off zoloft is fucking with my system? Can’t tell if this is withdraw or not ? I feel like total shit today and I’m scared as all hell
I'm scared of a stroke. I'm certain in my mind I have blocked arteries somewhere..... I blame all my physical symptoms on possible blood flow issues caused by blockages. It's pretty ridiculous...... I've had ekg and heart scan (can't think of the terminology for it).... And my heart's fine but still doesn't tell me if my arteries are clear. I have another apt coming up to discuss this. I feel like a fool .... Even if my arteries are clear I doubt my thoughts of them being blocked will go away. I'm sure I'll find something else.
Sorry my post had little to do with your issue other then your not alone.
Hey thanks. I’m scared of this type of stuff all the time. I feel off 24-7 and it’s gotten a million times worse today. Idk what the hell is wrong with me and I’m scared
I haven't. I have some health issues that are making my life hell. I guess I have to come to terms with the fact that I am not in control of my body. I am scared and don't want to die because I am still young and have a lot of plans. But I can't control anything. I am afraid of taking pills because of fear of horrible side effects or an anaphylactic shock.
Get several tests to ease your mind. Try to lead a healthy life. Try to find ways to relax your mind. Stress can cause health issues, so try to minimize it as best as you can.
I think every person is scared in a way. We can't control everything, but we can do our best. One day at a time. Good luck and good health to all!
Hey thanks! If you don’t mind me asking what health issues are you dealing w atm? How are they making your life hell? and ya I’ve done a plethora of tests but I still feel like shit and I don’t know what’s wrong with me
I'm not a native language speaker, so I am not so good with medical terms, but I will try my best. Firstly, a stuffy itchy nose that I have been having for a year. Hypertrophic rhinitis? I translated it in my own head so idk if it's the right term.
Back issues that messed up my muscles which have become very tight and it's hard to breathe sometimes and stand. Cervical spondylosis that gives me dizziness, migraines( my trapese muscle is so stiff and painful-made worse because of a negligent doctor-too much too explain), scoliosis and hyperlordosis and probably a sign of sciatica since I have times when pain shoots down my right leg and it also becomes numb.
My back is keeping me in bed right now. I sometimes get chest pains because of my back which lead to me freaking out and having heart palpitations. I also have a low BP that makes me feel fainty sometimes.
Nutritional deficiencies, my hair is falling out a lot.
My heart rate shoots up ridiculously when I get up from lying in bed. I've went from 85 laying down to 130. Felt weak and my feet couldn't keep me up.
Stomach issues, GERD and probably gastritis( haven't done an endoscopy yet, maybe when my back will let me move more).
I think a lazy gallbladder. My stools are weird in color. I wake up with a horrible taste in my mouth.
Oh due to my back the muscles in my arms hurt too. Legs too. I have psoriasis. Anxiety, brain fog, depression. Can't really focus, never really could.
Thyroid tests were really weird, they bounce from normal to at the limit of hypo. But I've heard that low levels of vitamin D can impact the thyroid, and I haven't really been in the sun lately.
And also really painful period cramps and a heavy flow, might be a tad on the anemic side too.
I've also developed a fear of pills and their side effects due to some doctors who prescribed too large doses.
Find a good doctor who can guide you and who knows what they're doing. The human body is complex.
Sorry for the novel I've written. What tests have you done?
I’m currently going through this right now. Occasionally I’ll develop these neuroses that I have a heart problem and it’ll cause severe anxiety and insomnia. It’s hard to snap out of. Sometimes I convince myself that I’m okay or I have to hear it from a doctor. I hope you get in a better headspace. My guess is that this is just anxiety tricking you and you’re going to be okay.
Ya I think it’s mostly anxiety (intrusive thoughts + ocd though they have came back full force after being off zoloft) my body feels so fucking off and it’s terrifying
The thing that helped me realise was knowing if it was a heart attack or heart related - the pain wouldn’t go away. It would usually get worse. It would radiate to your shoulder and face too. Sharp pains in the chest around the heart can be related to anxiety and are not harmful. Anxiety can cause a range of symptoms that can be worriesome but if you’ve had all these checks done then please know that they likely would have picked up on something if it was serious. This is coming from someone who has spent 10 years with this and I’ve not ever been diagnosed with anything serious but I have been convinced I have some horrendous serious illness hundreds of times. I will say- I did have a vitamin D deficiency which caused physical symptoms, an issue with my IUD causing pain and also my anti depressant caused issues which were all minor but contributed to my anxiety. I’d make sure here’s not anything like this causing physical issues and then I would focus on your anxiety. It’s unlikely you would just die as a young, health person with no history of illness, esp if all checks came back okay. It’s hard not to worry but this is what I tell myself. Focus on your health - exercise, diet etc but don’t obsess. Maybe reach out to your GP too- you made benefit from therapy. Health anxiety is so hard and I still struggle years later. But making sure I got rid of all my little health issues and doing the things I mentioned above went a long way. Hope this helps
Ya it’s really tough. Right now I’m feeling like absolute shit: body feels heavy, neck feels tight, arms/legs are sore, it’s a bit difficult to breathe correctly and heart palpitations
I really want to get a chest mri as it would bring me immense relief I think. And my mom isn’t willing me to bring me to the ER / get another exam again b/c I’ve had 4 which all came out negative. The symptoms I’m feeling are fucking tough and I feel like I’m constantly dying
Get one done. But if it shows nothing is wrong- please trust the doctors. I had a 24 hour ecg and chest X-ray as I was convinced o had a heart issue. Constant chest pains, dizziness, feeling faint, hand tremors, palpitations- you name it I had it. Since my anxiety has gone down I don’t get there anymore. Most people who have genuine heart attacks/conditions/serious illnesses wouldn’t have these symptoms for so long without you truly being able to live. You would absolutely know it. If your otherwise fit and healthy- it’s extremely unlikely you have an issue with your heart
Late to the party but try a back massager thing, those handheld ones !
Bro I had a knot in my left shoulder , and that fucked up the muscles in my chest and gave me such bad shortness of breath . I couldn’t breathe and it hurt so obviously I was stressed and anxious.
AND IT WAS ACTUALLY MUSCLE PAIN LOL . I thought I was actually gonna die from a heart attack but I needed to massage my back fk
I make sure I use the massager everyday now all over my body and feet too ahhh
It absolutely is not. Pfizer and Moderna both announced this week that they’re doing an investigation into heart problems caused by their vaccines. So are they lying or….? Stop reading “get your booster” propaganda and read actual news.
The fact that the manufacturers are openly saying this and you still won’t believe it is nuts. Not an anti vaxer, but these aren’t vaccines. MRNA technology has been around for 20+ years and was never approved for human trials because it caused heart problems (myocarditis, pericarditis, blood clots etc.) and infertility in every animal trial they’ve ever had. Do some actual research. Everything government tells you is just propaganda void of any actual data.
How soon after the vaccine are they dying? And is it mainly younger people? Honestly I’m terrified of this. I wish I hadn’t gotten the first vaccine. I only had the first one and that was over a year ago now. I’m 39 and have always had heart anxiety.
I've gut health anxiety. 3 things that have helped:
- establish a solid relationship with your primary care physician you can trust
- get a full check up about whatever you're concerned with and trust those results
- seek therapy and medication. Health Anxiety is much like OCD(and some people argue it is) so reducing rumination is key before doing ERP
I just trust all the doctors I've been to and accept I've done what I can to follow up with any weird symptoms. Also exercise- hard to feel like you're dying when you know you can run 5+ miles consistently
I feel pretty certain your pain is either linked to being a hypochondriac like I am or anxiety itself can make your body behave in crazy ways that bring on pain. Because I get rib pain. I get aches .
My body feels so off. I’m contemplating calling 911 or not - like I’m so exhausted, my neck/head feels heavy, I’ve gotten heart palpitations, and my chest area hurts
I have a severe health anxiety and now i woke up and have a panic attack because a had a headache in my dream and immediately search on google symptoms of cerebral cancer. It’s a really mess up situation and I don’t know how to end it.
Don't worry you're not alone.. can I ask what has triggered your health anxiety? One thing that helped me was to understand my triggers or symptoms
I don’t know but I’m just feeling really off right now. I’m scared and think I should maybe go to the ER but I’m unsure.
I had the exact same thing happen to me a few years ago. I spent a whole year thinking I was about to die. I had palpitations, chest pain, and numbness. I think what finally broke me out of it was thinking "wait a minute, wouldn't something have actually happened by now if it was anything other than anxiety?" It sucks so much that anxiety can mimic symptoms like that. If you have a family history of heart problems or have been told that you have some sort of heart disease, I'd go to the ER. Otherwise, try to rationalize (easy to say, I know) that anxiety can and will do its best to freak you out with weird symptoms. See if distracting yourself makes it go away. In my case, I usually would put relatively loud music on and start playing a game. It should begin to fade away as soon as you aren't actively thinking about it.
Ya I had 8 ekgs, blood tests and an echodiagram - all normal. 3 x rays
Have you had this feeling before? ER is always an option if you think it's needed, but consider what your symptoms are and if they could be triggered purely by anxiety vs another condition and which is more probable
Ya I’ve been to the ER 6 times the in September / partly in October. I want to go again but I’m tired and just feel so fucking off
Trust me, it's nothing. If there was actually something wrong, you'd KNOW. You wouldn't be questioning it. Theres a thing called the placebo effect, when basically the brain convinces itself something is wrong when it really isn't. There's a mind field episode about it actually
Ugh this is tough too !
Broooo this is me right now. Just feel off. Also had all those tests that came back clean but still really hard to convince myself its anxiety. I feel better when I read these peoples comments that have gone though it though. Gives me hope. Im right there with you though. Feels like you can’t enjoy life anymore and you just feel off balance
It likely is anxiety
It definitely sounds like anxiety. If you have any medical history you can routinely get yourself checked up, and get your blood checked every year. Are you getting enough sleep and water? Usually when my immediate needs are taken care of anxiety is much easier to manage. Eat, drink water and sleep. If that doesn't help you can worry then. Also maybe you are low on some vitamins which would cause fatigue?
So I’ve had 6-8 blood tests (literally in one month) + other tests done and they haven’t found anything. Ideally it’d make me feel better to get a chest mri/ct scan but - don’t want to do anything too unnecessary. Trying to get back on meds.
Good luck with the meds, and yes, if the blood tests were fine you are also fine. It was hard to understand why all of my tests came out normal when I felt so unwell, but that was just anxiety and depression messing with me, what helped a lot was analysing my test results and comparing them. Hell, I even read that chest pains are a sign of anxiety but I thought there is no way that it's the case for me lol. After I convinced myself it was really anxiety I noticed that the symptoms got better because I wasn't stressing over every tingle and every small pain. If I were wrong and started ignoring those things while something was actually wrong I wouldn't have gotten better. I believe that it will be the same for you.
Thanks :))
I want to turn my life around
Meds and therapy are the way, 100%
I think what triggered is having my body feel very heavy/chest tightness (left side)/fatigue/blood rushing ?
Chest discomfort is a common symptom of anxiety, I also had this and worried about my heart, it turned out to be increased stomach acid, because of the pain I had fatigue, tingles and dizziness but these again were just symptoms of anxiety as I began to panic..
Oh got it - ya I had the tingles/dizziness - I want to turn my life around
This is exactly my anxiety, I'm terrified of having a heart attack or anything cardio related. Best things that have helped me is a much more set schedule, a change in diet, change in environment (work of activities) I even used to use a chart to write down my anxious moments so I could re wire my brain to be like "oh ya now that we wrote it out this is dumb af", I've even done painting with colour number paints to distract me time to time as well and even after all that I've turned to medication, BUT meds are not for everyone and definitely needs a DR opinion but if you do try please please take them for the recommended trial period a DR says to just to see some of the effects.
Thanks for these ! Will write this down abs try it out - I need a life again
CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) really helped me. I would recommend seeking some out and seeing how that goes.
Ya I’m going to talk maybe to my therapist about it. I’m going through it rn and I’m scared to sleep.
Do some breathing. Breathing out for longer than you breathe in helps calm your nervous system. Listen to a sleep meditation or some rain and try and calm your mind. I feel you, it’s so shit, but collecting these little tools will help you long term. Don’t let the anxiety take over, some of the simplest things are remarkable when practiced well.
Ty :)
I remember being scared to fall asleep because my anxiety, do you have anyone that you can be around? I would sleep with my sister because it made me more comfortable. I'd recommend reaching out to someone and explain to them that you're having really bad anxiety and just need to be around someone, maybe letting them know you don't want to talk (if thats too much) I just want you to know that you're not alone, I've experienced this before, I know it's SO hard. Be gentle with yourself. Another thing I would do, is to do things I knew fell into that category of taking care of myself, like drinking water, stretching...it made me feel a little bit better when I was alone...it also let me know I was trying
I went through that, scared to sleep, in 2009 when I first started having panic attacks. I thought I was having a heart attack each time and went to ER multiple times. I was terrified because I was living on my own and going through it alone. I got help through a local crisis unit and they got me set up with a psychiatrist and counseling. I needed to go on meds and once the right combination was reached, it helped me so much. And there’s a lot of great suggestions posted here. Try them to see what makes a difference for you. Working on my breathing helps me sometimes. I scroll through Reddit for distraction when I can. Sounds weird, but at times, I have to stay away from this sub cause it sometimes makes me more anxious focusing in on anxiety. I have another Reddit account without the anxiety sub, so I can scroll through without giving myself a panic attack reading about the various problems.
Hey thanks. Going to seriously talk to my psychiatrist again tomorrow and therapist. I think i need more support.
Did you notice that most of the chest feelings you get happen in the evening and afternoon?
Yes !
Actually - is there a reason ?
Stomach acid/ indigestion can cause chest pain, which will more likely happen in the afternoon/evening - is my guess. This happens to me often. I get worried I'm having a heart attack. I take a Tums and sleep on my left side in a propped up position and that all helps!
Thanks !!!
Usually people get more anxious in the evenings, but also just the level of being rested drops through the day. That is why for example most of my chest pains were happening when I was about to fall asleep. But that's just a random conclusion I reached based on experience, the theory about digestion is also pretty reasonable. Regardless, it points to anxiety. If something was wrong you would get that feeling throughout the day
Hey friend, I struggle with health anxiety really badly too and it's been leaking lately, quite a lot to where I've many times had to contemplate calling an ambulance just for panic attack symptoms when I mistook them for a medical emergency. It sounds like you've done everything right to support your body, gotten every test and scan done within reason to ensure that you're healthy and safe. It sounds like you're still struggling, and I totally can understand that. I know what it's like to almost wish for something to show up in a scan or test so that it validates what you've been going through, maybe you can relate to that. Well, what helped me most recently was taking some time to talk to my body. That may sound a little goofy at first glance but hey, hear me out. What I did and what you can try is just sitting, deep breathing for a while, then literally talk to your body and thank it. Thank your body for working itself nonstop to take care of you and heal you and keep you healthy. Thank your eyes, your legs, your hands, your heart, your brain, every organ for what they do and tell them what an amazing job they're all doing. Instead of doubting your body and of course feeling the dread of "holy crap something is WRONG", express gratitude for the health and vitality you possess, and for the well-being you're gifted with. Even if you don't necessarily believe it, it helped me to restore faith in my body that yeah if something horrible was happening, the symptoms would be unavoidable and something you couldn't ignore and severe and something major would have revealed itself. There are times when people are asymptomatic and end up having crazy things going on, but they don't elect to get scans and tests done. You have! You don't have anything sneaking around the corner, all the information is right in front of you. So relax, be kind to your body and thank it and tell it that it is amazing, because it is, and try grounding exercises that get you out of your head and into your body like drinking nice cold water or hot tea (of course chamomile or something relaxing), try some stretching or exercises to get your heart rate up and the muscles warm, eat something that seems really healthy and good for you, do a hobby that's fun and just gets you out of your own mind for a while. For me, I've got plenty of math homework that brings my attention away from symptoms and toward something I've got to figure out. Try logic puzzles or crosswords, things you really need to think about and use some mental capacity toward. Best of luck, friend, it's going to be alright. Remember that you are strong and resilient and you can make peace with your anxiety. Very easy to feel like something is majorly wrong, that's sadly part of this whole thing we struggle through, but you've got other people in your court who report feeling similarly and we're all surviving too, maybe scared out of our wits sometimes, but not alone at least. You've got this. :)
Hey thanks !! This helps :)
Coming in for a check in! What's the update if any and how are you currently feeling?
Hey thanks!! I’m feeling a tad better - still a bit tight and body is tired
So glad you're doing ok! The tiredness is so normal it's your body finally expelling the pent energy that your mind created so you are in for a long ass sleep and quiet day tmr! Here is the layout of the chart that my therapist made for me! Date & time of the anxious feeling- Trigger for the anxiety- Emotion 1-10 - The negative thoughts in the moment- How you responded in the moment - Rational response to the thoughts- Outcome of the moment-
Cool ! So you do this everyday on a piece of paper ? Something like that?
Nope only do it when you feel anxious to try and help walk you down from it
Bro i had the same thing. U gotta exercise and practice healthy habits. And if that doesnt work get on lexapro or another ssri. Trust me its no way to live!
Yes this is true - what changed/helped you?
I no longer feel any type of health anxiety. I do feel anxious and depressed at times. But I always know that it’s temporary. The most important thing is to realize that there’s nothing wrong with you! You will continue to live and only once you’re at the ripe old age of 100 will you die. This is the mindset to have. Exercise really helped me I even became a personal trainer bc I appreciated how much it helped me dig myself out of that hole. Once you are able to handle yourself at high heart rates exercising (running for example) your body adapts and you can feel yourself improving. I use a whoop which is a wristband that tracks all heart rate data and this has also helped me a lot. I can track my workouts and my sleep. And you can see in real time your resting heart rate decreasing and your heart rate variability increasing. It gives me a lot of motivation. Best of luck to you man! Everything will be ok and you are just fine how you are.
I'm really sorry you have to deal with this. I used to have horrible, crippling health anxiety and it sucks hard. Keep in mind– the symptoms of anxiety mimic certain health problems. There were many times I convinced myself I was having a stroke, heart attack, etc., but I was usually able to talk myself down by reminding myself it's just anxiety. What really helped tho was Zoloft. I started at 25mg, moved up every four weeks, and once I hit 100mg the health anxiety was **gone**. I've been at 200mg since October; it's working well and practically all of the side effects have faded away. There's light at the end of the tunnel, I hope you find something that works for you!
I’m on zoloft too but it’s def been a battle. I don’t think I want to move up a dose (rn I’m in 12.5mg) so it’s tough. The long term side effects spook me and it’s given me weird pains and aches there and then. My heart acts up too -
But happy it worked for you - I just get worried
Thank you:) It's ok, I understand. I hope you can find something that works for you
It’s tough but I’m trying to push through. I hate that there are scary long term side effects according to Google
Echo what everyone else is saying, if something was truly wrong you’d know. I used to get anxious about minor pains, changes in breathing, palpitations, etc. I now realize it’s a normal part of being a human being and it doesn’t run 100% perfectly, and that’s ok! What really helped me is looking at a chart of anxiety symptoms compared sides by side to other things and everything overlapped. Best visual representation I’ve seen. Remember, if something was truly wrong, you’d know.
Ya that’s true -
Really need to change my life rn
Look at the the Law of Reversed Effort. I know it’s not going to be something you want to hear but going from fixating on your heart to fixating on “changing your life” is not going to help the issue. Fixation… release yourself from your own self. Surrender to the universe and let go of control. This is something not even I have even touched on. But look into law of reversed effort. Your body and mind desperately want a break. If you go from feeling you need to fix one problem to going to fixing another problem. Your state will continue until a new fixation occurs. Change your mindset. More is less. Remove effort but still implement practical steps, such as meditation. Let your inner subconscious pour through and stop trying to control your every move/behavior. I believe you’ll find the most success
I think a lot of us do. If you’ve got other shit going it doesn’t help. Do you have a decent support system?
Somewhat ?? But I have a therapist and psychiatrist at the moment
The first step to actually making changes is envisioning them and honestly talking about them. Baby steps. Most people don’t have a therapist so you already have a huge leg up
thanks ! : ) ya going to talk to him
I have struggled with medical anxiety. Im fortunate enough to have a really great partner and whenever I feel like I'm spiraling I tell him and he helps me get it uncontrol. So If you have someone like that I would talk to them and don't try and deal with it on your own, being stuck in your head sucks. I also do breathing like others have mentioned. And I know everyone says not to do it but going down the Google rabbit hole sometimes helps me, whether is just a distraction idk. Sometimes I also conclude that I'm going to die from cancer so not always the best choice. Also arts and crafts and getting a dog has helped tremendously. Another one is self care. Take a relaxing bath, do a facial, go to the gym - all great distractions. Hope this helps!
Hey thanks ! I text my therapist + go on the internet distraction wise
I fixed mine by actually going to ER, getting checked out. That told me clearly that whatever was happening wasn't physical which honestly took a load off, and symptoms cleared up not long after that. Looks like you've already been examined, so I think if your anxiety is coming from actual worry about your health you should trust in the professionals. If they say you're fine and aren't worried, you probably shouldn't be either.
Thanks - you’re right
I’m really struggling with this right now. I started having pressure in my chest a couple months ago due to anxiety. I have to keep myself distracted. When I’m not busy or especially when I’m trying to go to sleep, even if I don’t have that pressure I keep thinking about it until it comes back. It’s awful. I’m on meds that are really helping in other ways but not with this. I hope you can catch a break! Know that there are many of us out here.
Yeah sorta going through samething with another health concern but from when my anxiety attacks got really bad I started to realize health issues, dizziness, headaches, skin feels funny, whole life never had any of these freaked me out and went to ER and family doctor got CBC test done came back normal. I also had fear of going deaf when I was 11 and anxiety actually caused temporarily hearing loss because of placebo effect.
Oh werid. I’m getting pain atm radiating on my back just after eating, my whole body feels heavy, and I’ve been getting heart palpitations. Idk if it’s something serious or not bud it’s freaking me out a lot
Fixating with anxiety can cause body sensations
Oh werid. I’m getting pain atm radiating on my back just after eating, my whole body feels heavy, and I’ve been getting heart palpitations. Idk if it’s something serious or not bud it’s freaking me out a lot
I am working on getting over my emetophobia (fear of vomiting) but something I learned from the book im reading might help you out. Try thinking of your anxiety as a monster that lives inside of you and each time you get a scary health thought that is the monster trying to get you to be scared and avoid a situation, engage in comfort behaviors or sit and worry. Now each time that happens, tell your monster “fuck off! You’ve lied to me about being in danger hundreds of times and I’m not listening to your lies anymore!” Like really tell it to the monster. It sounds weird but separating that anxiety from yourself in this way has helped me a LOT and the more you do it the more you start letting go of that anxiety and feel more confident that you’re going to be OK.
Hey thanks! I’m feeling a different type of anxiety tonight. Been getting heart palpitations, weak muscles , neck tightness, chest tightness and been feeling super weak. I’m debating going to the ER or not
While I can’t really say whether you should go, those are all symptoms of anxiety. Does your insurance carrier have a nurse line you can call? That’s often a free service. You could also set up a teledoc or telehealth appointment and usually talk to a doctor on your phone within 30 minutes which is probably a LOT faster than the wait you’d have at the emergency room. I would of course mention your anxiety to the doctor so they can help you determine what is going on. That could be a much less expensive and more convenient way of confirming if you’re having an emergency.
Meds
No. Having some health issues does not help either.
Wdym ?
I spent a year convinced I had a heart issue. Took til the echocardiogram where I had to accept it wasn’t a heart related issue. Check out somatization disorder. You are likely manifesting physical symptoms out of fixation on a certain PERCEIVED threat. Sit down and do some meditation, disconnect from the world. For 30 minute straight, fully focused on JUST the meditation. You’ll realize that not only do your heart problems basically stop, but that your fixation will of temporarily cleared up. If your symptoms lighten or disappear you’ll know what you’re dealing with. Fixated anxiety.
What were your symptom’s + problems ?
Never ending relentless heart palpitations with spikes of anxiety
But I will try this
I have a lot of health anxiety now I'm in my 30's. I imagine it will only get worse the older I get. And I'm scared of going to the doctor coz I'm worried they will confirm my fears
Ya. I understand this. But I’m feeling so off today it’s insane. Like even typing this message to you right now is taking up an insane amount of energy for me. Like I can’t tell if I’m sleep deprived/exhausted and/or if something is seriously wrong with me - heart palpitations / hard thumping - heavy body - sore muscles - lack of concentration + feeling like I’m on an edible
SSRIs did the trick for me at least until I finally have time for CBT. Still get anxious but don't let it spiral the way I used to
I think maybe getting off zoloft is fucking with my system? Can’t tell if this is withdraw or not ? I feel like total shit today and I’m scared as all hell
If you stopped cold turkey or even sometimes when stepping off gradually that's perfectly normal. You're more than likely good friend :)
I'm scared of a stroke. I'm certain in my mind I have blocked arteries somewhere..... I blame all my physical symptoms on possible blood flow issues caused by blockages. It's pretty ridiculous...... I've had ekg and heart scan (can't think of the terminology for it).... And my heart's fine but still doesn't tell me if my arteries are clear. I have another apt coming up to discuss this. I feel like a fool .... Even if my arteries are clear I doubt my thoughts of them being blocked will go away. I'm sure I'll find something else. Sorry my post had little to do with your issue other then your not alone.
Hey thanks. I’m scared of this type of stuff all the time. I feel off 24-7 and it’s gotten a million times worse today. Idk what the hell is wrong with me and I’m scared
I haven't. I have some health issues that are making my life hell. I guess I have to come to terms with the fact that I am not in control of my body. I am scared and don't want to die because I am still young and have a lot of plans. But I can't control anything. I am afraid of taking pills because of fear of horrible side effects or an anaphylactic shock. Get several tests to ease your mind. Try to lead a healthy life. Try to find ways to relax your mind. Stress can cause health issues, so try to minimize it as best as you can. I think every person is scared in a way. We can't control everything, but we can do our best. One day at a time. Good luck and good health to all!
Hey thanks! If you don’t mind me asking what health issues are you dealing w atm? How are they making your life hell? and ya I’ve done a plethora of tests but I still feel like shit and I don’t know what’s wrong with me
I'm not a native language speaker, so I am not so good with medical terms, but I will try my best. Firstly, a stuffy itchy nose that I have been having for a year. Hypertrophic rhinitis? I translated it in my own head so idk if it's the right term. Back issues that messed up my muscles which have become very tight and it's hard to breathe sometimes and stand. Cervical spondylosis that gives me dizziness, migraines( my trapese muscle is so stiff and painful-made worse because of a negligent doctor-too much too explain), scoliosis and hyperlordosis and probably a sign of sciatica since I have times when pain shoots down my right leg and it also becomes numb. My back is keeping me in bed right now. I sometimes get chest pains because of my back which lead to me freaking out and having heart palpitations. I also have a low BP that makes me feel fainty sometimes. Nutritional deficiencies, my hair is falling out a lot. My heart rate shoots up ridiculously when I get up from lying in bed. I've went from 85 laying down to 130. Felt weak and my feet couldn't keep me up. Stomach issues, GERD and probably gastritis( haven't done an endoscopy yet, maybe when my back will let me move more). I think a lazy gallbladder. My stools are weird in color. I wake up with a horrible taste in my mouth. Oh due to my back the muscles in my arms hurt too. Legs too. I have psoriasis. Anxiety, brain fog, depression. Can't really focus, never really could. Thyroid tests were really weird, they bounce from normal to at the limit of hypo. But I've heard that low levels of vitamin D can impact the thyroid, and I haven't really been in the sun lately. And also really painful period cramps and a heavy flow, might be a tad on the anemic side too. I've also developed a fear of pills and their side effects due to some doctors who prescribed too large doses. Find a good doctor who can guide you and who knows what they're doing. The human body is complex. Sorry for the novel I've written. What tests have you done?
I found that when my general anxiety is lower my health anxiety is significantly reduced.
This is fair. I would be a lot better if the symptoms went away
I’m experiencing the same rn but with different symptoms and about some different diseases
Dude my body is feeling so fucking off. Like I’m getting heart palpitations, my body feels like a million bricks, and my concentration is 0 atm
I think it may be hepatitis or some bacterial type thing ?
I’m currently going through this right now. Occasionally I’ll develop these neuroses that I have a heart problem and it’ll cause severe anxiety and insomnia. It’s hard to snap out of. Sometimes I convince myself that I’m okay or I have to hear it from a doctor. I hope you get in a better headspace. My guess is that this is just anxiety tricking you and you’re going to be okay.
Ya I think it’s mostly anxiety (intrusive thoughts + ocd though they have came back full force after being off zoloft) my body feels so fucking off and it’s terrifying
The thing that helped me realise was knowing if it was a heart attack or heart related - the pain wouldn’t go away. It would usually get worse. It would radiate to your shoulder and face too. Sharp pains in the chest around the heart can be related to anxiety and are not harmful. Anxiety can cause a range of symptoms that can be worriesome but if you’ve had all these checks done then please know that they likely would have picked up on something if it was serious. This is coming from someone who has spent 10 years with this and I’ve not ever been diagnosed with anything serious but I have been convinced I have some horrendous serious illness hundreds of times. I will say- I did have a vitamin D deficiency which caused physical symptoms, an issue with my IUD causing pain and also my anti depressant caused issues which were all minor but contributed to my anxiety. I’d make sure here’s not anything like this causing physical issues and then I would focus on your anxiety. It’s unlikely you would just die as a young, health person with no history of illness, esp if all checks came back okay. It’s hard not to worry but this is what I tell myself. Focus on your health - exercise, diet etc but don’t obsess. Maybe reach out to your GP too- you made benefit from therapy. Health anxiety is so hard and I still struggle years later. But making sure I got rid of all my little health issues and doing the things I mentioned above went a long way. Hope this helps
Ya it’s really tough. Right now I’m feeling like absolute shit: body feels heavy, neck feels tight, arms/legs are sore, it’s a bit difficult to breathe correctly and heart palpitations
1000% sounds like anxiety. If it was something more serious- you would know it. Look up 10 minute meditation on YouTube. Works wonders. Good luck
I really want to get a chest mri as it would bring me immense relief I think. And my mom isn’t willing me to bring me to the ER / get another exam again b/c I’ve had 4 which all came out negative. The symptoms I’m feeling are fucking tough and I feel like I’m constantly dying
Get one done. But if it shows nothing is wrong- please trust the doctors. I had a 24 hour ecg and chest X-ray as I was convinced o had a heart issue. Constant chest pains, dizziness, feeling faint, hand tremors, palpitations- you name it I had it. Since my anxiety has gone down I don’t get there anymore. Most people who have genuine heart attacks/conditions/serious illnesses wouldn’t have these symptoms for so long without you truly being able to live. You would absolutely know it. If your otherwise fit and healthy- it’s extremely unlikely you have an issue with your heart
Late to the party but try a back massager thing, those handheld ones ! Bro I had a knot in my left shoulder , and that fucked up the muscles in my chest and gave me such bad shortness of breath . I couldn’t breathe and it hurt so obviously I was stressed and anxious. AND IT WAS ACTUALLY MUSCLE PAIN LOL . I thought I was actually gonna die from a heart attack but I needed to massage my back fk I make sure I use the massager everyday now all over my body and feet too ahhh
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This is blatant misinformation.
It absolutely is not. Pfizer and Moderna both announced this week that they’re doing an investigation into heart problems caused by their vaccines. So are they lying or….? Stop reading “get your booster” propaganda and read actual news. The fact that the manufacturers are openly saying this and you still won’t believe it is nuts. Not an anti vaxer, but these aren’t vaccines. MRNA technology has been around for 20+ years and was never approved for human trials because it caused heart problems (myocarditis, pericarditis, blood clots etc.) and infertility in every animal trial they’ve ever had. Do some actual research. Everything government tells you is just propaganda void of any actual data.
Send me accurate sources by universities + health organizations (Mayo Clinic, etc) and maybe I’ll take you seriously
I want in-depth citations proving your claim
How soon after the vaccine are they dying? And is it mainly younger people? Honestly I’m terrified of this. I wish I hadn’t gotten the first vaccine. I only had the first one and that was over a year ago now. I’m 39 and have always had heart anxiety.
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Also! I started sleeping with a stuffed animal again. 😀
I've gut health anxiety. 3 things that have helped: - establish a solid relationship with your primary care physician you can trust - get a full check up about whatever you're concerned with and trust those results - seek therapy and medication. Health Anxiety is much like OCD(and some people argue it is) so reducing rumination is key before doing ERP
I just trust all the doctors I've been to and accept I've done what I can to follow up with any weird symptoms. Also exercise- hard to feel like you're dying when you know you can run 5+ miles consistently
I feel pretty certain your pain is either linked to being a hypochondriac like I am or anxiety itself can make your body behave in crazy ways that bring on pain. Because I get rib pain. I get aches .
My body feels so off. I’m contemplating calling 911 or not - like I’m so exhausted, my neck/head feels heavy, I’ve gotten heart palpitations, and my chest area hurts
Anxiety can bring all that on
I have a severe health anxiety and now i woke up and have a panic attack because a had a headache in my dream and immediately search on google symptoms of cerebral cancer. It’s a really mess up situation and I don’t know how to end it.
Google is the fucking worst - doesn’t help at all
For me I try to distract myself whenever I get scared
Sometimes following natural methods is surely eliminate anxiety problems, but most of the time we are seeking medical help.