View Full Version : How can you tell when it’s real?
How do you know when your ‘symptoms’ are real and justify a visit to the GP, or when it’s all in your head and you just need to tackle the anxiety? I’m still a relative newbie to HA (started xmas day 2017) so I’m still learning to manage this, so any help or advice would be very appreciated
It's a very difficult situation to be in, because there isn't really a way to tell if it is or isn't anxiety as it feels very real to you. The best thing I find is to think to myself if what I'm saying is rational and makes sense, does my symptom seem serious or does it seem like it could be a million different things, like a cold or something, that doesn't need any immediate attention. If it's a symptom of something which is likely to be minor, it probably doesn't need a doctor's visit unless it persists. If it's something like a lump, a severe swelling, etc.. then although it's probably okay, a doctor's visit is definitely warranted.
If you're getting symptoms and you really can't tell if it's all in your head or if they're really there, a trip to a pharmacist is usually a good idea. They're able to advise on things like this and can tell you if you need more help, it'll probably help you when deciding whether it needs a follow up from a GP. Of course, if you do have symptoms you're worried about, always get it checked!
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Yes quite agree with the above, but if its in your head (HA) then this too will need fixing :) ATB
Thank you. My HA is related only to melanoma and breast cancer so far.
It started with a rash on my boob on xmas night. Dr google told me I had inflammatory breast cancer and BAM, the trigger had been flipped! HA hit me hard! Since then I’ve been to the doctor with breast lumps that turned out to be normal breast tissue, convinced myself that my stretch marks on my boobs are ‘dimpling’ and squeezed my nipple so hard that discharge came out. All sending me into a frenzy!
Then I noticed dry skin on a mole, and became obsessed over melanoma. I’ve picked off four moles with nail clippers (which terrifies me now incase I’ve hidden a melanoma under the scars!) had two moles removed at GP and been back and forward to the melanoma clinic due to a mole which grew back in a very irregular shape after I’d scratched it off. I still haven’t had the all clear on that one yet. I have to go back on 12th April.
I’m exhausted. I can’t look at my body anymore because I know I’ll find something to worry about. I literally have to bathe in the dark. I’m so worried about the moles I cut off, but there is nothing I can do about them now. My husband says I shouldn’t worry about them and it’s all in my head. I just cannot decide if it is or not!
I would seriously stop cutting the moles off with nail clippers :eek: Your husband is right it's in your head you need professional help to combat your HA. Its ok saying it only affects your melanoma and breast cancer so far that's bad enough, HA has a way to trick and convince you about other things too. And Dr Google is a No,no so please stop doing this it will not help and only aggrevate your HA 10 fold. concerntraite on getting your HA under control :) ATB
unsure_about_this
01-04-18, 17:56
I suffer badly from health anxiety, I think every bump, lump is cancer until it is proven by gp/specialist that there is nothing wrong or needs treated. I would be down a t the gp every day if I could.
I suffer badly from health anxiety, I think every bump, lump is cancer until it is proven by gp/specialist that there is nothing wrong or needs treated. I would be down a t the gp every day if I could.
This is the kinda issue I had in mind when I made this thread! I don’t trust my own eyes anymore!
---------- Post added at 18:00 ---------- Previous post was at 17:59 ----------
I would seriously stop cutting the moles off with nail clippers :eek: Your husband is right it's in your head you need professional help to combat your HA. Its ok saying it only affects your melanoma and breast cancer so far that's bad enough, HA has a way to trick and convince you about other things too. And Dr Google is a No,no so please stop doing this it will not help and only aggrevate your HA 10 fold. concerntraite on getting your HA under control :) ATB
Thank you! I have learned my lesson over google and certainly keep away from it now! I will also never cut another mole for as long as I live as the fear and regret over the ones I have done is huge!
Thank you. My HA is related only to melanoma and breast cancer so far.
It started with a rash on my boob on xmas night. Dr google told me I had inflammatory breast cancer and BAM, the trigger had been flipped! HA hit me hard! Since then I’ve been to the doctor with breast lumps that turned out to be normal breast tissue, convinced myself that my stretch marks on my boobs are ‘dimpling’ and squeezed my nipple so hard that discharge came out. All sending me into a frenzy!
Then I noticed dry skin on a mole, and became obsessed over melanoma. I’ve picked off four moles with nail clippers (which terrifies me now incase I’ve hidden a melanoma under the scars!) had two moles removed at GP and been back and forward to the melanoma clinic due to a mole which grew back in a very irregular shape after I’d scratched it off. I still haven’t had the all clear on that one yet. I have to go back on 12th April.
I’m exhausted. I can’t look at my body anymore because I know I’ll find something to worry about. I literally have to bathe in the dark. I’m so worried about the moles I cut off, but there is nothing I can do about them now. My husband says I shouldn’t worry about them and it’s all in my head. I just cannot decide if it is or not!Goodness, that does sound like a really stressful time [emoji17]
Your partner is probably right though, the things you're worried about are likely to be your head making you think it's something more serious. Try not to think about your impending results too much, try to fill the time doing things you enjoy to get your mind off of things.
Health anxiety is very difficult to deal with, and I think help for it is definitely necessary. Having to bathe in the dark, cutting off moles, etc.. are quite severe symptoms of it which do need to be fixed with the right help.
Good luck!
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Goodness, that does sound like a really stressful time [emoji17]
Your partner is probably right though, the things you're worried about are likely to be your head making you think it's something more serious. Try not to think about your impending results too much, try to fill the time doing things you enjoy to get your mind off of things.
Health anxiety is very difficult to deal with, and I think help for it is definitely necessary. Having to bathe in the dark, cutting off moles, etc.. are quite severe symptoms of it which do need to be fixed with the right help.
Good luck!
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Thanks so much for your kind works. My GP is very aware of my HA. I went to see her in tears at the end of January. I’d lost a lot of weight and was completely worn out. She put me on medication, and I’ve been in 50mg sertraline ever since.
---------- Post added at 18:12 ---------- Previous post was at 18:11 ----------
I just wish I knew what to do about the moles I cut off. One was very, very dark and hasn’t grown back. I cannot stop worrying about it!
I would first start with a mental health professional. At least you realize that performing dermatological procedures at home with a nail clipper is not normal and ill advised so that's a positive. Impulsive behaviors like that can be very harmful so seeking help for your mental state would be the best course of action as the chances of them being sinister are extremely slim at best.
Ask your GP for a referral ASAP!
Positive thoughts
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.