Can't belive I found this website-help!

[Ruby77]

Wow came across this website by accident maybe you guys can give me some advice?

Im at my wits end and have only myself to blame but don't know how to change!
I have always been a worrier, if I get a slight symptom of any kind I think its something serious and worry about it. It never used to be so bad, eventually it would go away and I would forget about it.

But recently I had a blood test which revelaed abnormally high iron levels. After looking on the internet i discovered this could be very serious and could result in my life changing. I had to see a specialist and as it turns out, Im probably going to be ok. But it seems to have triggered such anxiety issues, I got myself so worked up over this that I stopped eating and I can't afford to not eat as Im underweight. This went on for a while and I kept going back to the doctors in tears asking them why I couldn't eat. They did lots of tests and told me I was fine which put my mind at rest and so I started eating again.

Since then, whenever I have the slightest symptom I panic thinking that it is related and there is something wrong. Then the first thing to go is my appetite, my stomach just shuts off and have to try and get out of the grip of anxiety!

I know its crazy but how do I change my way of thinking? I try to tell myself not to be silly but my subconcious takes over. Help!

[Piglet]

Ruby,

Firstly welcome to the site

Something I do when I feel myself start to think in persistently anxious/negative way is to imagine a lollipop lady's stop sign in my head and try to think new thoughts of something else entirely different. This isn't my idea, this is one Pips gave me and for me it really works - it takes some practice though!!

Love Piglet

"Supposing a tree fell down, Pooh, when we were underneath it?" said Piglet.
"Supposing it didn't," said Pooh after careful thought.

[Humly]

Just wanted to say that I am the same as you. I also was a worrier but became a lot worse after a health scare a number of years ago which seemed to kick start my anxiety. Whenever I become anxious the first thing to go is my appetite as well but this is just one of the "normal" symptoms of worrying. The best advice I can give is to have a good look around this site. It has been a godsend to me. There are loads of people here the same as us with some brilliant advice and encouragement.

Take care.

LT

[Ruby77]

Hi everyone, sorry I didn't introduce myself first!

Thank you so much for your replies. It helps just knowing that there are other people like me and Im not a complete fruitbat!

It just seems like its one thing after another, just as I get over one thing another comes along.

At the moment, my chest feels very tight like Im having trouble breathing but from looking over this site I can see that that itself might just be where Im stressed.
And the more stressed I get, the worse it gets, the worse it gets the more stressed I get....its a viscous circle!

I will try using your advice. Thanks again.

[piglits pal]

I use the stop sign analogy too when I get too carried away with the negative thinking. You have to keep at it because it's hard to remember to make yourself do it.

I actually bring up a picture in my head of Cinderella's Castle at Walt Disney World - it's my happy place.

[manmoor]

Hi Ruby,

A big warm welcome to you. You will be made very welcome here.

Take Care

Mandyxx

[Allie]

Hi Ruby!

Welcome to the forum!

When you feel your thoughts overwhelming use the stop sign analogy. I'm also strict with myself and say in to myself 'I don't want to think about that, go away!' and dismiss the thought automatically. It takes practice but it works wonders.

You may feel uncomfortable to begin with, the temptation to ruminate about the 'what if's' may seem very strong. But you are stronger than the thought.

After a couple of days of 'ignoring' thoughts it's like the thought has given up and goes away by itself.

Also, try not to voice your concerns too often. My therapist has placed a strict ban on me talking about health as it only validates the fear.

Distraction such as reading, movies, sudoku and crosswords exercise your brain and helps you to think of other things!

As regards your weight issues, I also lost alot of weight, due to nervous energy and it frightened me! Fortunately that's all behind me now. The best thing to do is eat regular meals at regular times each day. Try to stay off caffeine based drinks and limit chocolate intake, it only generates more anxiety! Eat pleanty of fruit and veg.

If your able, eat a couple of walnuts everyday as I have read they're very good for anxiety and rich in omega 3. Omega 3 is brilliant for your brain fuction/memory etc. I also take fish oil capsules everyday.

MOST IMPORTAINTLY: When you've done well with dealing with your thoughts treat yourself to something nice!

Good luck,

Alison xXx

THE VOICE INSIDE YOUR HEAD IS NOT THE VOICE OF GOD. IT JUST SOUNDS LIKE IT THINKS IT IS! Cheri Huber

[yorkylover]

Welcome to the site Ruby.You will get lots of helpfull advise here pet.
Take care

Ellen XX

[Ruby77]

Once again, thanks for your advice.

I had a really bad time of it weds night/thurs morning. Kept waking up in the night feeling very panicy. My heart was racing, my stomach flipping and I couldn't breath. I was very upset on thurs morning as I felt so out of control of my feelings and I never used to be like this!

I went to the doctors and she suggested I see a psychiatrist. I have to pay though to get something done now as the nhs waiting list is 3 months!
I feel a bit calmer though just to have told someone whats going on and get the ball rolling.

Im a bit nervous of counselling though, has anyone else gone down this route and was it successful??