fats heart reate, nervousness

[jcml05]

Recently I had given myself a little scare, worrying about stds.  I went to the doctor had a full work up, blood tests, and everything came back negative.  The only problem is I can't stop focusing on the issue.  I constantly feel as if I am trapped in one long panic attack.  I will be good for a few days, and than I start flipping out and worrying all over again.  The worst part is I find myself still looking for symptons and constantly examining my body.  Please help!  What can I do to ease the worries?  Can I make myself sick by constantly worrying?

[JoAnnaRF]

Yes you can. You should see your Dr. and explain the problems you are having. He can prescribe a medication for anxiety and panic disorder. Try to relax and focus on something positive. Read a good book or watch a movie to take your mind off of your worries. Don't be embarrassed to talk to your Dr. about this. It is a very prevalent condition that should be treated.

[Christie2004]

Try posting your questions on the STD forum.  I think it is only $10.  But from what I see, people over there who share your anxiety aren't really relieved when Dr. HHH tells them what he thinks.  Anxiety and panic over STD's is awfully common and might be part of an obsessive/compulsive disorder if you can't stop thinking about it.

A mental health professional may be able to help you overcome this fear.

[AbbyGirl270]

Stress and worrying can cause more health problems. You have to stop worrying ( I know easier said then done) but look at it this way, if everything came back negative, you are OK. Try to distract yourself and stay busy so you arent always focusing on worrying about STDS. I would be happy if everything came back ok, I would concentrate on the good, not the bad or what can happen. Be glad you are healthy right now, enjoy life. Life is too short to worry all the time.

[Confused76]

I'll relay my story quickly.  About two years I freaked out I might have an STD or something else wrong with me.  I started getting stomach pains and I was a nervous wreck.  I went to the doctor and got a full work up.  Everything was negative, yet I was still convinced something was wrong with me.  The pains in my stomach and all over my body got worse.  There were days it hurt to walk up the stairs and I was having panic attacks all the time.  This just reinforced for me the thought I was really sick and going to die.  They did CT scans, ultrasounds, you name it.

The best thing that ever happened to me... 6 months of anti-depressants.  After a month on them I wasn't a nut anymore.  I knew after all those tests, there was NOTHING wrong with me.  So yes it is possible to make yourself sick with worry.  I went from being a little worried about STDs to paralyzed with fear and in pain I was causing by stressing myself out.  If you have had the necessary tests, maybe you should see a mental health professional.  It might help and there's no shame in it.