Worried To See The Doctor

[LovelyMunster]

Last year was the first time in a long time I've went to see the doctor. I've always been pretty healthy and have been scared to go to the doctor for a while. I had to push myself to get checked because I found a lump, but it turned out to be benign.

Now, I have to go back soon for a 6 month check up to make sure that the lump didn't grow. (I'm pretty sure it didn't) that with myself. The thing is, when I saw the doctor before, I didn't tell her just how anxious I get. I never told her about my anxiety attacks or anything because I thought that it would just go away because I was doing so much better. Now, 2 weeks ago my symptoms have came back and with a vengeance. I keep telling myself to stop worrying and it will get better, but it hasn't. The worst of my symptoms is the insomnia and heart palpitations. When I do get to sleep I have a really hard time staying asleep. Sometimes I'll wake up to things that aren't there which makes me not want to sleep all together.

I've been doing a lot of research on heart palpitations because this is what scares me the most. I've talked to my mom whose a nurse and she says she used to get them all the time and then they went away. The thing is I had them before and they went away. It just seems like they didn't last this long before, maybe they did because I don't remember when they stopped happening.

When I'm not thinking about myself and focusing on other things I don't have them. I can exercise and be alright. When I get comfortable and just try to relax that's when they hit me. I don't get any other symptoms with them and they only last a second. It's happened almost everyday and several times a day. I know without getting checked I can't know for sure, but my mom told me that if she thought it was anything serious she would get me checked immediately. She says that since I don't have any other symptoms and that I'm able to work out like I do that it's just my anxiety. If that's true, how in the heck do I control my obsessive thoughts? I don't want to have to take anti-depressants because I'm not depressed. I just worry a hell of a lot. Can anyone suggest what they do to keep their anxiety down without medication?

P.S. I know I just made a similar post but I guess I'm just being obsessive again. >.<

[mammo]

Good advice from the above.  I too fall asleep to the TV, I feel whatever works!

[lynn57]

First of all...No one should ever say it is just your anxiety.  Anxiety can be a big deal.  It can effect your life more than many serious illnesses. It's not going to harm you physically and that's good to keep in mind. Some ways to try to calm yourself is by breathing long, steady breaths.  Focus on the air going in and the air going out.  Try to take the air in so your tummy is moving, not your chest enlarging.  I know that's hard to understand, but it works.  Put your hand on your tummy.  When you inhale you should feel your belly enlarge and push against your hand.  Exercise is one of the best things you can do for anxiety.  Keep busy!  Bedtime or evening can be a difficult time.  You are left with nothing but your thoughts.  Try the breathing then, especially.  Reading a good book helps too.  I watch TV  right up until I'm actually falling asleep, but some people don't recommend this.  You have to try things that may work well for you.  Good thoughts coming your way.  Make sure and tell the doctor how you are feeling.