1. < Depression & Anxiety
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Severe health anxiety

Posted by anahitap @anahitap, Jul 14, 2025

Hi everyone,
I'm a 34-year-old woman and I've struggled with severe anxiety (probably GAD) since childhood. It's gradually gotten worse with age. For many years now, I've also been dealing with intense health anxiety, which became even more overwhelming after my dad passed away.

Lately, I’ve been having a lot of stomach and esophagus symptoms—like bloating, reflux, upper back pain, chest pain, and this weird tingling in different parts of my body. On top of that, I’ve been getting daily panic attacks.
I have an endoscopy scheduled for Wednesday, and I can’t stop thinking it’s cancer. The thought just won’t leave my head.
Every 4 years or so, because of stress, I get severe stomach issues and end up needing another endoscopy.

Is there anyone here who’s had intense stomach symptoms like mine just because of anxiety?
I feel really terrible and don’t know what to do. Another thing that’s been bothering me: it’s been 6 years since my dad died, and I haven’t been able to cry since then. It’s like my whole body wants to cry, but the tears just won’t come out.
Before he passed, I used to cry easily—even over small things—but now I feel stuck. I think if I could just cry, I’d feel some relief.

I used to take medication, but I’ve been off meds for a few months now. I’m planning to see a psychiatrist again.
Do any of you know a medication that specifically helps with health anxiety?
Sorry for the long post—I just feel really, really alone and like no one truly understands what I’m going through. That’s honestly the hardest part.

Thanks for reading. 💜

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

Profile picture for dlydailyhope
dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | Oct 13, 2025
In reply to @jcarver1349 "I am suffering from daily severe anxiety/panic attacks that make my symptoms 10 times worse and..." + (show)
Profile picture for Car1349 @jcarver1349

I am suffering from daily severe anxiety/panic attacks that make my symptoms 10 times worse and leave me bed ridden.The only thing I’ve been diagnosed with is severe central stenosis in the C6 C7, but I get these what I think are uncorrelated but yet unrelenting headaches and neck pressure. I have tension throughout my whole body, which triggers a severe anxiety spell.I’ve been to so many different specialists trying to pinpoint all the different symptoms that I’ve been experiencing and I feel that it keeps circling back to the same place… my anxiety.I was referred to a psychologist to manage my pain symptoms, but it’s been a slow process starting bio feedback therapy. I’m not really doing any CBT or medication’s although it is something I’ve considered.I am a 48-year-old male who has been divorced for three years and is taking care of three kids by myself. I feel like I am struggling with isolation as well as depression, which can also trigger my anxiety.Anybody that suffered severe daily panic attacks have any recommendations on how to handle them or what to do?

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@jcarver1349
I am so sorry you are dealing with this on top of all of your responsibilities. I can’t imagine how you are juggling it all.

I am a single parent of a teen son and pretty much on my own (no child support, coparenting, extended family support, etc.) plus I have spine issues, chronic pain and anxiety/depression/panic attacks. My son also has health issues of his own (he also has anxiety/panic attacks).

Your cervical spine issues are behind a lot of your symptoms. I have congenital spinal stenosis and diagnosed with degenerative cervical myelopathy which is spinal cord compression/flattening injury. I have degenerative disc disease, osteophytes/bone spurs, radiculopathy to arms/hands, etc.

My symptoms before my first ACDF surgery on C5-C6 (2022), I had daily headaches, tinnitus, hearing loss, neck/shoulder pain/pressure, weakness/numbness in arms/hands that affected grip/handwriting (would drop things a lot), bladder control issues and walking difficulty (felt like legs were slow/heavy/uncoordinated). I also had balance issues. In 2025, I had ACDF surgery on C6-C7.

In addition to cervical spine, I had pain/weakness/numbness from low back/hips/buttocks down legs to feet due to severe spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis (vertebrae slipping over another vertebrae), and neurogenic claudication so I had decompression surgery L3-L5 in 2024.

If you need surgery, it is better to do sooner rather than later to stop the progression of the disease and injury. Long term compression can cause permanent injury and I am dealing with this now due to delayed diagnosis of degenerative cervical myelopathy (took over 4 years and 4 different orthopedic spine specialists/surgeons to get properly/clearly diagnosed). I had to fire my one female primary doctor because she treated me like a hypochondriac and ignorant/rude/arrogant and clueless about how myelopathy can affect the whole body below the level of cervical spine compression. After my surgeries, many symptoms improved, including reduction of daily headaches and anxiety/panic attacks. I do have residual spinal cord/nerve damage which causes me weakness in shoulders/arms/hands and buttocks/hips/hip flexors plus some nerve pain. My nerve pain may be due to longterm compression, injury during surgery, scar tissue formation after surgery and/or new compression.

I am currently taking Wellbutrin/bupropion for major depression and it took a while to adjust dosage but it is helping. I am currently taking 450mg daily. I take Tylenol for pain which only helps a little. I cannot take NSAIDs due to stomach issues (gastritis/esophagitis) and gabapentin/pregabalin makes me too dizzy and actually increases my nerve pain. I am scheduled for an updated MRI of my lumbar spine and will be doing physical therapy for my cervical spine to see if I can improve any muscle strength and control. I had tried spine injections and they helped initially and then stopped helping. You don’t want to have too many injections due to potential damage to joints/cartilage. Have you had any injections to help reduce pain/inflammation? Have you done physical therapy? Do you use any lidocaine patches or roll-ons on your neck for nerve pain or Voltaren gel for inflammation? Do you have ergonomic adjustments at work to ensure they support your spine?

In the past, I had taken Zoloft/sertraline for panic attacks while pregnant (hormone changes definitely affect my mental health) and Cymbalta/duloxetine for osteoarthritis/nerve pain/depression due to chronic pain and it helped for a period of time. I may go back on Cymbalta/duloxetine to see if it can help reduce my nerve pain.

Do you have a family/friend support group to help you? Does the mother of your children help at all (is she still alive) and/or her family? Do you have a coparenting arrangement at all and do you get child support if you are carrying the full load and 100% legal custody? Would an attorney be able to help change anything to get you better support?

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dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | Oct 13, 2025
In reply to @jcarver1349 "I am suffering from daily severe anxiety/panic attacks that make my symptoms 10 times worse and..." + (show)
Profile picture for Car1349 @jcarver1349

I am suffering from daily severe anxiety/panic attacks that make my symptoms 10 times worse and leave me bed ridden.The only thing I’ve been diagnosed with is severe central stenosis in the C6 C7, but I get these what I think are uncorrelated but yet unrelenting headaches and neck pressure. I have tension throughout my whole body, which triggers a severe anxiety spell.I’ve been to so many different specialists trying to pinpoint all the different symptoms that I’ve been experiencing and I feel that it keeps circling back to the same place… my anxiety.I was referred to a psychologist to manage my pain symptoms, but it’s been a slow process starting bio feedback therapy. I’m not really doing any CBT or medication’s although it is something I’ve considered.I am a 48-year-old male who has been divorced for three years and is taking care of three kids by myself. I feel like I am struggling with isolation as well as depression, which can also trigger my anxiety.Anybody that suffered severe daily panic attacks have any recommendations on how to handle them or what to do?

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@jcarver1349
I meant to ask you if you had an EMG/nerve conduction study of your upper limbs? What were the results? Is your C6-C7 severe spinal stenosis damaging your spinal cord and compressing nerve roots that are affecting your shoulders/arms/hands/fingers?

Any central/peripheral nervous system impact from spinal compression will compound/impact mental health/anxiety/depression.

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Car1349 | @jcarver1349 | Oct 13, 2025
In reply to @dlydailyhope "@jcarver1349 I meant to ask you if you had an EMG/nerve conduction study of your upper..." + (show)
Profile picture for dlydailyhope @dlydailyhope

@jcarver1349
I meant to ask you if you had an EMG/nerve conduction study of your upper limbs? What were the results? Is your C6-C7 severe spinal stenosis damaging your spinal cord and compressing nerve roots that are affecting your shoulders/arms/hands/fingers?

Any central/peripheral nervous system impact from spinal compression will compound/impact mental health/anxiety/depression.

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@dlydailyhope thanks for your response. yes those results have come back as moderate in my left and right arm. I’m just having a hard time distinguishing the correlation between my head pain pressure which typically stem from the C1 through C3 vertebrae which for me are normal.

I don’t take any medication so I noticed the nerve pain being much worse when I’m in a panic or stressed mindset.

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Car1349 | @jcarver1349 | Oct 13, 2025
In reply to @laura1970 "Wow, so I assume you work full time and have full time custody of three kids?..." + (show)
Profile picture for laura1970 @laura1970

Wow, so I assume you work full time and have full time custody of three kids? When I went through my divorce, I took care of two kids (7 and 9 when separation began) 5 days a week. I wouldn’t say I had clinical anxiety but I found life incredibly overwhelming. I had cervical neck issues and pain as well, which limited my functional ability which only heightened my anxiety. I was clinically depressed and saw a therapist 3 x week for many months. I read loads of books about sbeing a single parent. Some of the books had good “cheats” that helped save time. I wish I could remember them to share. Also had an acrimonious divorce that only made life harder.

What I’m trying to say is that a lot of anxiety is to be expected in this situation. If you had an anxiety disorder before this, I can’t imagine the anxiety you must be experiencing.

How old are the kids? Are they at different schools, which can make things harder? Do you have a good relationship with the ex? Is the divorce finalized or is this still a source of stress. Also, most people have to learn to live with less money after a divorce, adding to the stress.

It took me 5 years to become acclimated to my new roles and life position after my divorce. Now I am at the point where life seems normal. So take comfort that you are going through a lot of transitions that will improve.

Here’s what helped me.

Frequent visits to my much loved and understanding PCP. I took benzodiazepines (Valium) for a very short period while we tried several meds. I finally landed on a combination of cymbalta (an antidepressant that also helps with anxiety and pain) and Wellbutrin (I’m not sure if Wellbutrin is strictly an antidepressant or if it also helps with anxiety). But there are many good meds, take advantage of them. Most are generic, they won’t cost an arm and a leg. I also took valerian root before bed, it’s more of a general relaxant. I tried many herbal remedies, this is the one that worked best for me. You could ask your doc or try to find a reputable herbal store and discuss with employees.

Getting enough sleep is paramount, for me anyway. What I did was, regardless of if the kitchen was clean or other household chores were complete, when I took the kids upstairs to bed, I never allowed myself to go back downstairs. I did this to ensure I got to sleep early.

Another thing to consider is that maybe your anxiety is in part how your body reacts to depression. Consider asking your PCP for a depression screen. There are also quizzes online that may help.

I started exercising. Gradually increased to an hour a day. It helped tremendously. The days I didn’t work out or had a bad day, I could really tell. I had a flexible enough work schedule that after I took the kids to the bus, I exercised before work. I went to a gym to work out about the same time everyday. So a lot of the same people were there, and though I didn’t make friends, I made a lot of acquaintances, and it seemed to me that having people around who didn’t know my gory, gossip ridden divorce was helpful.

I found an excellent babysitter. For a long time I felt guilty, but now I realize it’s important to your self care to have some ‘you time’

My ex and I were on horrible terms. I learned through therapy how to disengage and not let him bait me into arguments. At times I blocked his number.

I started meditating. At first I did this with a group. I made some good friends.

I took all the help that friends and family offered.

Cannabis is reported to be helpful but I never felt comfortable with the idea of being “high” with kids in the house.

Also remember to cut yourself a break. You don’t have to be perfect at work. And there’s no such thing as a perfect parent. Just shower the kids with love, they may be hurting too.

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@laura1970 thanks for your response to this.

So much to unpack, but I am trying to wrap my mind around all these new physical sensations, while dealing with the emotional, depressive and changing tides.

I do feel that most of these problems have results from all personal stress and anxiety that I’ve been going through and the anxiety I have tried to protect the emotional well-being of my kids.

The problems I’ve had to do most everything by myself. Not much help from anyone and all my social circles died through this. So it plays a big role mentally when you are in Your head all day…

All my boys are teenagers and trying to get them to do anything is like pulling teeth.

I’m learning to try to take things slower in one day at a time. This has become a three year journey, trying to figure out all the difference, physical sensations that anxiety has caused.

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laura1970 | @laura1970 | Oct 13, 2025
In reply to @jcarver1349 "I am suffering from daily severe anxiety/panic attacks that make my symptoms 10 times worse and..." + (show)
Profile picture for Car1349 @jcarver1349

I am suffering from daily severe anxiety/panic attacks that make my symptoms 10 times worse and leave me bed ridden.The only thing I’ve been diagnosed with is severe central stenosis in the C6 C7, but I get these what I think are uncorrelated but yet unrelenting headaches and neck pressure. I have tension throughout my whole body, which triggers a severe anxiety spell.I’ve been to so many different specialists trying to pinpoint all the different symptoms that I’ve been experiencing and I feel that it keeps circling back to the same place… my anxiety.I was referred to a psychologist to manage my pain symptoms, but it’s been a slow process starting bio feedback therapy. I’m not really doing any CBT or medication’s although it is something I’ve considered.I am a 48-year-old male who has been divorced for three years and is taking care of three kids by myself. I feel like I am struggling with isolation as well as depression, which can also trigger my anxiety.Anybody that suffered severe daily panic attacks have any recommendations on how to handle them or what to do?

Jump to this post

I think you said it best with taking it one day at a time. Yes, teenagers can be tough. My son is now 22, and his behavior, though not always perfect , is much improved. I don’t think I can take much credit for, except that I let him experience the natural consequences of his actions and tried to be as supportive as possible. I think most of it was just getting through those angst ridden teen years.

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gregd1956 | @gregd1956 | Oct 13, 2025
In reply to @jcarver1349 "I am suffering from daily severe anxiety/panic attacks that make my symptoms 10 times worse and..." + (show)
Profile picture for Car1349 @jcarver1349

I am suffering from daily severe anxiety/panic attacks that make my symptoms 10 times worse and leave me bed ridden.The only thing I’ve been diagnosed with is severe central stenosis in the C6 C7, but I get these what I think are uncorrelated but yet unrelenting headaches and neck pressure. I have tension throughout my whole body, which triggers a severe anxiety spell.I’ve been to so many different specialists trying to pinpoint all the different symptoms that I’ve been experiencing and I feel that it keeps circling back to the same place… my anxiety.I was referred to a psychologist to manage my pain symptoms, but it’s been a slow process starting bio feedback therapy. I’m not really doing any CBT or medication’s although it is something I’ve considered.I am a 48-year-old male who has been divorced for three years and is taking care of three kids by myself. I feel like I am struggling with isolation as well as depression, which can also trigger my anxiety.Anybody that suffered severe daily panic attacks have any recommendations on how to handle them or what to do?

Jump to this post

Hi @jcarver1349
Today, your life is so hard from your body & mind. And having you kids inside you. I was looking at yourself that is so hard from your head down to your feet. I’m sorry BUT…

Jesus Christ would help you when you ask & believe:

“Lord God, let me believe of who you are. Help me this moment to You.” ❤️

For me, I had an accident 12 years ago and my life changed, loosing my brain-use like: memory, working at a great job, close of my master degree, helping my family to do a great future, and on… I’m back, but me life is different. And I always had believe Christ, even as a little boy. But, thankfully, Christ has changed to a stronger Christian within Him.

Bless you,
Greg D. @greg1956

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anahitap | @anahitap | Oct 16, 2025
In reply to @sjholden "Hi, Ana and all, I, too, have lived with health anxiety and stress for much of..." + (show)
Profile picture for sjholden @sjholden

Hi, Ana and all,
I, too, have lived with health anxiety and stress for much of my life with symptoms including, nerve tingling all over my body including my face, heart palpitations, burping, gastrointestinal issues, neck and shoulder tightness. for me this lead to depression simply because I thought I was losing my mind! No doctor seemed to know what might be going on and, in fact, it wasn't until many years ago on this very sight, I found my people. The thread was called something like "trembling at night" which is when I first noticed the tingling/rumbling in myself, at night when I was going to sleep. It was so good to know that I wasn't alone! What I have found since then is that I had stored up childhood trauma and was stuck in Fight, Flight, or Freeze mode and, that my vagus nerve was stuck! It was not being activated. I found all sorts of great information on line about the vagus nerve and how to stimulate. I use a variety of things like meditation, breathing, an electric transmitting stimulator, and Qi Gong to mention a few. These things combined seem to have helped. I am also connecting with a Functional Health Physician today who will be running a more complete blood panel. I'm hopeful that this will help to connect the "health" dots of all my underlying concerns, especially relating to my anxiety and Thyroid. I've taken Levothyroxine for YEARS which has a whole set of side effects, (including heart palpitations). There are more natural supplements available now that I am hoping to change to.
Ana, you are not alone. This is yucky stuff to deal with, but there is help. I also suggest reading: Don't Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen.

Shelley

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@sjholden
Hey Shelley,
Thank you so much for sharing your story — it really means a lot. I can totally relate to what you said about the “trembling at night.” The same thing happens to me — just when I’m about to fall asleep, I suddenly wake up with that weird jolt or shaking feeling. It’s honestly one of the scariest parts for me.

Reading your post made me feel less alone. It’s comforting to know that someone else understands what it’s like to live with health anxiety and all those physical symptoms that make us doubt ourselves. I really appreciate you sharing what’s helped you — I’ll definitely check out more about the vagus nerve and that book you mentioned.

Thank you again for your kindness and encouragement. Wishing you continued healing and calm nights ahead 💜

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anahitap | @anahitap | Oct 16, 2025
In reply to @roseann4z "I am a cancer survivor still under treatment starting at 32years old. I am now 71..." + (show)
Profile picture for roseann4z @roseann4z

I am a cancer survivor still under treatment starting at 32years old. I am now 71 and have severe health anxiety. I’ve tried medication, acupuncture, mindfulness etc. just seem stuck in this mess. There doesn’t seem to be an easy fix. I go to the worst scenario of every situation. It’s ruining my life. Even when my health is on track I’m a mess mentally. All the medications I take have side effects that scare me.
Thank you for listening and for any thoughts.

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@roseann4z Thank you for opening up and sharing your story. You’ve already been through so much, and the strength it takes to keep going — even while dealing with health anxiety — is incredible. I can really relate to what you said about going to the worst-case scenario; I struggle with the same thing.

Even when the doctors say everything looks fine, my mind keeps finding new “what ifs.” It’s exhausting. So please know, you’re definitely not alone in this.

I truly admire your resilience after everything you’ve faced since such a young age. You’re a fighter — even if it doesn’t always feel like it. Sending you calm thoughts and hoping you find a bit more peace each day 💜

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anahitap | @anahitap | Oct 16, 2025
In reply to @ebtexas55 "Hello Anna, There IS a relationship between gut and depression and anxiety. I wont spend the..." + (show)
Profile picture for ebtexas55 @ebtexas55

Hello Anna,
There IS a relationship between gut and depression and anxiety.
I wont spend the time here about telling you what I sent thru, but I will share things that you might want to consider that did help me.
1) SD Sympathetic Dominance. It can trigger your symptoms.
2) Vagus nerve exercises. Look online. Gargling, singing and humming are excellent. There are many others.
3) Good farm milk yogurt. Painted Sisters is good. 7 g’s of sugar or find the Too Good brand.
4) Walk with smooth jazz for about 30 minutes to start, walk up to an hour.
Be mindful of the beauty around you.
Or get a small rebounder in Amazon. I have one called one step.
5) Be good to yourself. Look for the book SWITCH ON YIUR BRAIN EVERY
DAY. Caroline Leaf is excellent. Watch her on youtube.
6) Mindful of self talk. Look at TELLING YOURSELF THE TRUTH Marie Chapian.
7) Eat clean. All natural foods.
8) Listen to inspirational podcasts.
9)Get into a women's book club or have a womens game night
10) Consider an endoscopy ultrasound.
11) Vit D abd ir 20 minutes sunshine every day
12) consider redlight therapy… if your place has a Planet Fitness see if they offer FULL BODY RL there. Well worth your health and the upgraded membership.
Blessings to you, Anna!
🌺🌷❤️

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@ebtexas55 Hi there,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write all of that — it truly means a lot. You sound like such a wise and grounded person, and I really appreciate how thoughtful your advice is.

I’m trying hard not to give up, even though some days it honestly feels really difficult. I don’t want to play the victim or let my anxiety win — I just want to keep learning, healing, and finding a bit of peace again.

I’ll definitely look into the things you mentioned — especially the vagus nerve exercises, the walking, and the books. I’ve already started making small changes in my routine, and reading supportive messages like yours gives me hope that I’m not completely lost in this.

Thank you again for sharing your experience and your kindness. People like you make these spaces feel a little less lonely. Sending you love and blessings💜

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anahitap | @anahitap | Oct 16, 2025
In reply to @coffeechoc918 "Hi there I know what you going through I have been going through the same thing...." + (show)
Profile picture for coffeechoc918 @coffeechoc918

Hi there

I know what you going through I have been going through the same thing. I have been having weird health issues for a long time. I google my symptoms go to doctors for reassurance drive everyone around me crazy. Had nerve pain bought on from going to the beach. I panicked thinking the worst but anxiety was the main trigger.
I also had stomach issues similar to what you had. It felt like a painful stitch then the pain gets worse for a few minutes. Felt like an attack I think it was anxiety related went for a scan they suspect it was acid reflux but anxiety does nasty things to you.
Sorry to hear about your dad. Prozac might help. You not alone I know what it’s like to feel there is something wrong and no one believes you.

Send me a message if you want to chat🦋

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@coffeechoc918 Hi,
Thank you so much for your kind message — it really means a lot. I’m so sorry you’ve been going through all of that. Everything you described sounds so familiar; I’ve been dealing with the same kind of health anxiety for years — the endless googling, doctor visits, and that feeling that something’s wrong even when tests come back normal. It’s exhausting, isn’t it?

And the butterfly you sent… that truly touched me. It brought back a beautiful memory — on my last birthday with my dad, there were little butterflies like that on my cake. Seeing it just made me tear up a bit, but in a good way. 💜

I haven’t tried Prozac myself, but I’ve been thinking about trying a different medication soon, since the ones I used before didn’t really help.

Thank you again for reaching out — it’s comforting to know there are others who truly understand this kind of struggle. Sending you calm thoughts and warm hugs 🦋

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