New Here..

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-20-2005
New Here..
6
Sun, 12-31-2006 - 8:12am
Hi My name is Shayna and I just turned 30,(which I am having a hard time with).I have hypochondria (somatization).Which means I am constantly worried that I am sick and dying.Every thing is a symptom of something bigger.I have been on Zoloft for many years and it manages my anxiety to a lesser degree but it is still present.Does anyone else here have Hypochondria?
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-28-2004
In reply to: aaanshay
Sun, 12-31-2006 - 10:38am

Hi Shayna,

Welcome! I don't have hypochondria, but I do worry a lot about my health & DH's as part of my generalized anxiety. It must be exhausting to have that as the focus of your fears. I hope you'll feel free to come and talk here anytime. This is a great group of ladies (& fellow ;) )).

Smiles,
Dee

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-21-2006
In reply to: aaanshay
Sun, 12-31-2006 - 12:18pm

Hi Shayna, welcome!!!!

I can't say that I have what you have, but I can definetly say that I have felt what you have felt. I have worried myself sick over the "what if I have this, and what if I have that?" It is in our human nature to protect ourselves, then there are some of us that are "blessed" with overreating to our bodies messages.

What happens to me, is I'll worry about it so much, that my brain will say, "I've had enough of thinking of this," or "I'm bored with this topic, let's move to the next." One word of advice I can give you is - Don't look up health problems on the internet!!!! I have made that mistake many times, and convinced myself that I was dying. The only way to escape the thoughts is to distract yourself.

I wish that I could give you a cure, and make these feelings stop for you, but I can't. All I can say is that I can relate, and I am more than willing to lend you an ear!!

Amy.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
In reply to: aaanshay
Sun, 12-31-2006 - 12:54pm

Hi, Shayna! It's so nice to see you here;) You are NOT alone. Many of us with anxiety disorders have fears about our health. Sometimes it's next to impossible to shake them. Most of us are still in the process of learning how to cope with them. We have alot of good info in our *coping tips & tricks* folder below. There's a couple of articles on worry that really helped me.


I have found that staying off the medical websites & not reading all the drug info about side effects & even limiting my tv viewing on health shows is the best course of action. Reminding myself that I don't smoke, drink, drink & drive, always wear my seatbelt, don't take drugs that aren't prescribed, get check-ups, eat well, get plenty of sleep & exercise reassures me that I am doing the best I can. When the fear of illness creeps in, I try to keep things in perspective. I tell myself that it's just a headache & NOT a brain tumor. Using relaxation & belly breathing helps. It does take practice, but it's worth it in the end when your fears decrease. Keeping your mind distracted with physical & mental exercise might help too. Do you ever tell your self that I will worry about this fear for 20 minutes, then take a walk or read a book? You DO have the power to limit how much you will allow the fear to affect you.


Please bookmark our board to your favorites. Make yourself @ home. Join us in chats on Tues. & Thurs. evenings. We care about you & want you to have a good life in spite of the physical illness fears. It IS possible! Good luck & GBU! (((hugs))) jan


PS You are YOUNG, gf!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-20-2005
In reply to: aaanshay
Sun, 12-31-2006 - 3:46pm
Thanx Everyone! I checked my message NOT expecting to see this kind of support! I really appreciate it and it always makes you feel better to know you have support!-Shay
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
In reply to: aaanshay
Sun, 12-31-2006 - 5:31pm

Hi Shayna, welcome to our board!

Sheri Ann

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: aaanshay
Sun, 12-31-2006 - 6:57pm

Welcome! I don't have hypochondria, but I do tend to over analyze every little symptom when I am sick (which fortunately is not often). In fact I had some weird virus that gave me swollen lymph nodes under my arms in Oct and I think that was part of what set my whole panic/anxiety into high gear.

I agree with the advice to stay off the internet when you are sick! I have made myself crazy looking up symptoms. Not to mention side effects of medications.