nick1994
29-06-20, 14:38
Hi all,
Been a while since I've posted in this forum but as we all know, panic disorder and health anxiety can rear their ugly heads at the most random of times.
I just need some advice. What is actually the best way to tackle and beat health anxiety in your experience?
I've suffered with a diagnosed generalised anxiety disorder for years but recently it's developed into a more aggressive panic disorder in which I'm having very physical panic attacks frequently. I've re-enlisted a psychologist through my GP and I've made an appointment to see a psychiatrist to work out the best medical approach going forward.
I have an intense fear of heart-related issues as my father died prematurely of complications associated with his heart. The grief has manifested itself in such a way which basically has me fearful of anything to do with heart attacks, high blood pressure, strokes, etc.
I have a panic attack almost every time I have my BP monitored (the few times I've been reasonably calm have delivered normal readings) and my doctor is confident it's white coat syndrome.
I had a routine appointment with my psychologist last week but had a panic attack in the clinical setting, which was frustrating and just plain shit to be honest.
I have a panic attack whenever my boss asks me to speak with him, or somebody leaves me in suspense. My body, at present, feels incapable of distinguishing any heightened emotions (even if happy) from anxiety and it feels like my baseline anxiety is just through the roof. I'm so jumpy for no good reason.
I'm sick of this and I'm just exhausted from the constant mental and physical stress of it. I know my fears are rooted in health anxiety but I was wondering if there are any specific forms of treatment that are particularly effective. My psychologist has suggested acceptance and commitment therapy as one option.
Medication-wise, I currently take propranolol which is fantastic for what it's worth, but it only really works to prevent my heart racing and hands sweating in a panic attack. My doctor has suggested seroquel as another option and potentially an SSRI (which I've taken before).
Any thoughts/help? Anything at all is greatly appreciated.
Been a while since I've posted in this forum but as we all know, panic disorder and health anxiety can rear their ugly heads at the most random of times.
I just need some advice. What is actually the best way to tackle and beat health anxiety in your experience?
I've suffered with a diagnosed generalised anxiety disorder for years but recently it's developed into a more aggressive panic disorder in which I'm having very physical panic attacks frequently. I've re-enlisted a psychologist through my GP and I've made an appointment to see a psychiatrist to work out the best medical approach going forward.
I have an intense fear of heart-related issues as my father died prematurely of complications associated with his heart. The grief has manifested itself in such a way which basically has me fearful of anything to do with heart attacks, high blood pressure, strokes, etc.
I have a panic attack almost every time I have my BP monitored (the few times I've been reasonably calm have delivered normal readings) and my doctor is confident it's white coat syndrome.
I had a routine appointment with my psychologist last week but had a panic attack in the clinical setting, which was frustrating and just plain shit to be honest.
I have a panic attack whenever my boss asks me to speak with him, or somebody leaves me in suspense. My body, at present, feels incapable of distinguishing any heightened emotions (even if happy) from anxiety and it feels like my baseline anxiety is just through the roof. I'm so jumpy for no good reason.
I'm sick of this and I'm just exhausted from the constant mental and physical stress of it. I know my fears are rooted in health anxiety but I was wondering if there are any specific forms of treatment that are particularly effective. My psychologist has suggested acceptance and commitment therapy as one option.
Medication-wise, I currently take propranolol which is fantastic for what it's worth, but it only really works to prevent my heart racing and hands sweating in a panic attack. My doctor has suggested seroquel as another option and potentially an SSRI (which I've taken before).
Any thoughts/help? Anything at all is greatly appreciated.