Traceypo
31-12-17, 16:31
Some of you may remember me as a regular on this forum over many years. New Years Day 2017 I left No More Panic behind as my anxiety was at an all time low and I didn't want to tempt fate or read anything that might have been detrimental to my progress and recovery. I thought it would be nice to come back and provide an update to the people who had given me so much back then.
I'd suffered from Health Anxiety for 8 years, I'd had some short periods in this time when I was less anxious but nevertheless those feelings were always there. At my worst, I believed I would die that day. Usually my irrational fears were heart issues but that changed when I convinced myself I had Cancer of the mouth and actually cried to my dentist when he thoroughly examined me and told me there was no signs at all (I'd also left my front door unlocked whilst I was at this appointment which is a reflection of the state I was in).
The catalyst for me for my recovery was having a minor surgical procedure. My behaviour in hospital was embarrassing and following this procedure I made a promise to myself to do everything within my power to overcome this.
I booked in for my third and most successful round of CBT where we not only looked at the health anxiety but also my other worries and fears and for the first time I recognised that I had a lot of generalised anxiety. Basically I had a fear of anything and everything I did could ultimately result in me dying.
During this time I looked back on my threads on here and started to take on board the advice I'd been given. I realised I had nothing to lose by trying these suggestions and see if they worked for me. I also kept a diary of progress, triggers, small steps forward which was used for reflection when I was having a moment.
What worked for me was exercise, not a ten minute walk once a fortnight but regular exercise. I'm privileged to live 10 minutes from the coast and started walking at least 5 times a week and built it up to four miles each time. As my anxiety decreased I started to notice the beauty of my surroundings.
Mindfulness was also key, I used internet guides to learn how to lose myself in thoughts of nothing, I do this now but don't even recognise I'm doing It, it takes no effort at all now.
But, what had the biggest impact was stopping smoking, I'm over 1.5 years smoke free now and the freedom I feel may only be truly understood by a fellow addict who has overcome their poison.
During this time, life has thrown some curve balls my way, life hasn't all been rosy but I cope now. I don't hide or isolate myself with fears of dread instead I try to tackle problems with a positive mindset.
I've glanced quickly over the forum and I'm sad to see many familiar names, I hope 2018 is your year to beat this, it can be done, I'm living proof of that. All those fears of illness were exactly that, they were fears, crippling fears and at times they had such an impact on my life that it became only an existence but they weren't real, they were fears I'd created with my thoughts.
Wishing you all the best for 2018, I truly hope it's your year.
I'd suffered from Health Anxiety for 8 years, I'd had some short periods in this time when I was less anxious but nevertheless those feelings were always there. At my worst, I believed I would die that day. Usually my irrational fears were heart issues but that changed when I convinced myself I had Cancer of the mouth and actually cried to my dentist when he thoroughly examined me and told me there was no signs at all (I'd also left my front door unlocked whilst I was at this appointment which is a reflection of the state I was in).
The catalyst for me for my recovery was having a minor surgical procedure. My behaviour in hospital was embarrassing and following this procedure I made a promise to myself to do everything within my power to overcome this.
I booked in for my third and most successful round of CBT where we not only looked at the health anxiety but also my other worries and fears and for the first time I recognised that I had a lot of generalised anxiety. Basically I had a fear of anything and everything I did could ultimately result in me dying.
During this time I looked back on my threads on here and started to take on board the advice I'd been given. I realised I had nothing to lose by trying these suggestions and see if they worked for me. I also kept a diary of progress, triggers, small steps forward which was used for reflection when I was having a moment.
What worked for me was exercise, not a ten minute walk once a fortnight but regular exercise. I'm privileged to live 10 minutes from the coast and started walking at least 5 times a week and built it up to four miles each time. As my anxiety decreased I started to notice the beauty of my surroundings.
Mindfulness was also key, I used internet guides to learn how to lose myself in thoughts of nothing, I do this now but don't even recognise I'm doing It, it takes no effort at all now.
But, what had the biggest impact was stopping smoking, I'm over 1.5 years smoke free now and the freedom I feel may only be truly understood by a fellow addict who has overcome their poison.
During this time, life has thrown some curve balls my way, life hasn't all been rosy but I cope now. I don't hide or isolate myself with fears of dread instead I try to tackle problems with a positive mindset.
I've glanced quickly over the forum and I'm sad to see many familiar names, I hope 2018 is your year to beat this, it can be done, I'm living proof of that. All those fears of illness were exactly that, they were fears, crippling fears and at times they had such an impact on my life that it became only an existence but they weren't real, they were fears I'd created with my thoughts.
Wishing you all the best for 2018, I truly hope it's your year.