Severe health anxiety

@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💜

@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 🦋

@sisyphus Hi there,
Your message honestly made me feel so good — like I could almost hear a kind, wise voice talking to me with honesty and care. I never got to meet my grandpa, but reading your words gave me that same warm feeling — like a grandfather’s advice that’s both truthful and comforting at the same time.

You’re absolutely right about human connection and living with purpose. I think that’s something I’ve been missing for a while. I’ve been trying hard to live a “normal” life — eat better, move more, stay mindful — but it’s not always easy. Sometimes my anxiety suddenly comes back out of nowhere; I’ll be fine for weeks, and then — boom — the panic hits again. It’s frustrating, but I’m trying not to let it define me or make me give up.

Your story about handling things naturally and staying independent at your age is honestly inspiring. It gives me hope that maybe one day I’ll reach that level of peace and self-control too. I think you’re proof that wisdom doesn’t come from books — it comes from experience, patience, and not sugarcoating reality.

And about your last line — haha, I definitely laughed at that one! I guess you’re right — you might just be the original “goddess of book-length comments.” 😄 I’ll have to step up my game if I want to keep up with you!

Thank you again for taking the time to share so much wisdom and encouragement. I truly appreciate your words — they’ll stay with me for a long time.

Wishing you calm days, good health, and a lot more purposeful mornings 🌞

@jhenson Hey,
Thanks for sharing that — I can totally relate to what you said. It’s crazy how one big health event can just flip your whole world upside down. I had something similar happen, and since then my anxiety’s been stuck on high alert too. It really does feel like your body forgets how to relax.

What you said about not being able to cry hit me hard. I get that so much. It’s like your emotions are trapped somewhere deep inside — you want to cry, but it just doesn’t happen. And yeah, it’s a weird kind of loss… not of someone else, but of yourself.

I know what you mean about not feeling like the same person anymore. I’m trying to accept that maybe I’ll never be exactly who I was before either — but maybe that’s okay. Maybe it just means we’re learning a new version of ourselves, one step at a time.

I really appreciate your message. It’s nice to talk to someone who actually gets it. Wishing you calmer nights and a bit of peace — we both deserve that. 💜

@glenner075 Hey,
I totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve been dealing with anxiety for a long time too, and sometimes it feels like the meds just stop doing much after a while. I haven’t tried Cymbalta myself, but I’ve been on a few different ones over the years. Some helped for a bit, others didn’t do much at all.

I’m actually thinking about trying something new soon, because I feel like my body got too used to what I was taking before. It’s good that you’re planning to talk to your doctor — sometimes it just takes a bit of trial and error to find what really fits.

You’re definitely not alone in this. Anxiety’s a sneaky thing — just when you think it’s under control, it shows up again. But the fact that you’re still looking for ways to manage it says a lot about your strength.

Hope you find something that helps you feel calmer and lighter soon. 💜

@anahitap thank you so much for kind words and for sharing your thoughts. I wish you the same, peace & good health.❤️

Hi there

Thank you for your email it’s also comforting to reach out and that you not alone and getting messages back. 🦋

Sounds like we've got a lot of company dealing with angst issues about our health~~~ some moments become overwhelming; especially the 3am mind racing episodes with the
" monster under the bed"; when my gut and chest feel that queasy sensation mentioned by "anahitap", I force myself to burp and get great relief, Best wishes to all, at least we're not alone as we think 🫂

Hi!
This could have been my post!
I haven’t really had anxiety before but my dad died in 2017, and after that it just deluged me.
In the last 3 months I have never been as bad as I have, I am in constant flight/fight mode, I believe I am dying with every symptom I get. Even now, for a week I have had symptoms I cannot attribute to health anxiety they are so specific and I have made an appointment with the doctor again.
I am convinced I have cancer again.
It is pure hell and I don’t know how I get through the days.
I’ve just had to spend Xmas with my mum and my older kids 300 miles from home and because they do not have a clue what I am struggling with I have had to put on a brave face and go through the motions whilst thinking this will be my last Xmas and I’m so sad.
I keep going online to look for therapy which helps, I can reframe my thoughts and I see a CBT therapist but it doesn’t help at all, I have no idea what to do now. I have always been the strong one in my family so I could never, ever speak to them. It’s such a lonely and draining existence isn’t it?
I also haven’t cried since my dad died, I wasn’t hugely close to him as he was an alcoholic for many years but it affected me watching him die, I’m 48, and I just want to say to you you’re not alone, I’ve seen so many posts like ours online, it’s a struggle many face and it’s so debilitating!
I am thinking of trying hypnotherapy, but then I remember I may get a diagnosis of cancer shortly and there’s no point.
Hugs to anyone who is suffering!

Dad was alcoholic ... not close. Growing up with an addicted parent deprives you of your psychological developmental stages (Erickson Maslow). The household energy is directed at co-depending the alcoholic, and away from the developmental needs of the children. It's a form of neglect and mid-level chronic trauma. Absent a developed SELF, the child uses coping devices to get through. It's an avatar performing and dancin' as fast as she can, and runnin' on empty. (Kalsched)
Then comes an event, like death, and the brittle act shatters. We can't avoid the current reality or everything we ingested and repressed in the past. So we get symptoms (Jung), like anxiety.
It's a long and difficult road at this point, but taking a deep breath and asking "Really! Who am I?" is a good first step.

As Mel Brooks said "It's not heights I'm afraid of. It's my parents."