Aa
Severe health anxiety
I feel like I'm going crazy. I'm a 20 year old female. My anxiety started about about December 2013. I had gotten sick for about three days. Slight fever, sore throat, upset stomach, extreme fatigue. After the majority of my symptoms subsided I found that I still had somewhat of a sore throat. So of course I decided to google my symptoms. WORST MISTAKE EVER. I typed in constant sore throat and up pops a thing for HIV symptoms and throat cancer. My whole life I've been terrified of getting an STD. Then I read the symptoms and found myself seeing them in myself. The more anxiety I got the more weight I lost. I have no health insurance so decided to calm my anxiety by smoking marijuana which I believe is making it worse. I feel trapped and like every little thing I feel is directly related to HIV. I have anxiety 24/7 and have lost my last job because I got so anxious I couldn't leave my house. I recently got Medicaid and am trying to work up the nerve to go to the doctor but am terrified of the results. I don't know what to do anymore. It has brought me from a half pack a day smoker to almost 2 packs a day smoking. So throat cancer is still in the back of my mind as well. I can barely stay asleep unless I get stoned out of my mind. I wake up obsessing about it. I need relief from this.
It sure does help to talk it through doesn't it? And MOST comforting is just knowing that we're all in this together, you're FAR from alone.
I'm so glad that I found this site. Being able to talk to people about this has been great.
Thank you really. I was on Zoloft for about two years when I was 15 and the results were wonderful. I wouldn't mind trying that route again. There has been a few unexpected deaths around me for a few years now and I think that might be why I'm scared of getting a terminal illness. I will definitely try and find a therapist if I can find one in my area that accepts Medicaid. I'm starting to feel slightly hopeful about going to the doctor and having the test done. And hopefully after this I can attempt to move on with my life. I feel so trapped all the time it's unbearable.
I'm glad you got a little relief from my reply. Anxiety is a bear, no doubt about it, and in all honesty, the BEST way to really address it, so that you see long term improvements, is to work with a therapist learning how to change the way you think and react, you know, the "what iffing" that we all do. That is truly the key to getting anxiety under control. You can medicate away the symptoms of anxiety all day long, but if you don't address the underlying thinking process, you'll still struggle to cope when the medication either isn't working as well, or when you have breakthrough anxiety despite being on a medication.
Medications can be beneficial, but only to help manage the symptoms, and decrease the anxiety enough where you're more comfortable and able to effectively work at therapy.
Personally, if a person wants to include medications as part of their anxiety treatment, I would recommend an antidepressant (like Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro, etc), with an AS NEEDED anti-anxiety med (like Xanax, Ativan) that will be taken only when anxiety is very bad, or for a SHORT period of time during the initial adjustment phase of the antidepressant, while you're waiting to see the benefits of the AD.
Taking a benzodiazepine like Xanax regularly only ends up compounding the issue, as benzos come with tolerance (where you'd need a higher and higher dose to maintain the same level of effectiveness), and dependency, where you would experience withdrawals if you abruptly stopped taking it.
That can actually lead to increased anxiety down the road, so when you get to the point where you're in front of your doc, express that you would prefer not to take an anxiolytic more than just either as needed, or for a short period of time (a few weeks). It's good to discuss the different risks versus benefits of each medication. Of course, the above recommendations are only my opinion.
Also, like I already addressed, you have to be proactive about avoiding things that are known to exacerbate anxiety, like alcohol, smoking, drugs, caffeine. The better you take care of your BODY, the better your mind will be. Think about it....it only makes sense that if you engage in activities that are known to trigger anxiety, of course you're going to feel worse. It's bad enough that you're struggling, no need to add fuel to the fire.
Now, just keep in mind that there isn't an overnight fix. This is going to take some time. The sooner you try to find acceptance and realize that this is a process, the better off you'll be. So, you'll get the ball rolling and hopefully be referred to a therapist. If you think you want to discuss medications, then ask your PCP for a referral to a psychiatrist, they're really the best choice, doctor wise, to manage psych meds. Then, the psychiatrist can refer you to a therapist who is well versed in treating anxiety.
Keep us posted, okay? We're here for you!
Medications can be beneficial, but only to help manage the symptoms, and decrease the anxiety enough where you're more comfortable and able to effectively work at therapy.
Personally, if a person wants to include medications as part of their anxiety treatment, I would recommend an antidepressant (like Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro, etc), with an AS NEEDED anti-anxiety med (like Xanax, Ativan) that will be taken only when anxiety is very bad, or for a SHORT period of time during the initial adjustment phase of the antidepressant, while you're waiting to see the benefits of the AD.
Taking a benzodiazepine like Xanax regularly only ends up compounding the issue, as benzos come with tolerance (where you'd need a higher and higher dose to maintain the same level of effectiveness), and dependency, where you would experience withdrawals if you abruptly stopped taking it.
That can actually lead to increased anxiety down the road, so when you get to the point where you're in front of your doc, express that you would prefer not to take an anxiolytic more than just either as needed, or for a short period of time (a few weeks). It's good to discuss the different risks versus benefits of each medication. Of course, the above recommendations are only my opinion.
Also, like I already addressed, you have to be proactive about avoiding things that are known to exacerbate anxiety, like alcohol, smoking, drugs, caffeine. The better you take care of your BODY, the better your mind will be. Think about it....it only makes sense that if you engage in activities that are known to trigger anxiety, of course you're going to feel worse. It's bad enough that you're struggling, no need to add fuel to the fire.
Now, just keep in mind that there isn't an overnight fix. This is going to take some time. The sooner you try to find acceptance and realize that this is a process, the better off you'll be. So, you'll get the ball rolling and hopefully be referred to a therapist. If you think you want to discuss medications, then ask your PCP for a referral to a psychiatrist, they're really the best choice, doctor wise, to manage psych meds. Then, the psychiatrist can refer you to a therapist who is well versed in treating anxiety.
Keep us posted, okay? We're here for you!
I wish I could explain the sigh of relief I had after reading your comment. I take it you're a nurse from your name. Smoking marijuana has only made it worse I think. Now I have anxiety when I'm high and sober. And my anxiety makes me think I need it to stop my anxiety when in all reality it doesn't help at all. So I'm stuck in a vicious cycle with that as well. I truly hope you are right and that I don't have anything wrong with me. Honestly I would rather just have health anxiety instead of HIV so I hope I really am just going insane as weird as that sounds. Lol at my appointment I was also going to ask to try Chantix. I've tried everything and nothing has worked. Been smoking since I was twelve and I hate it so much. I'll be happy to stop for good. What would you recommend for anxiety to talk to my doctor about. I don't want to be a zombie all doped up on Xanax, I still want to feel like myself and be able to do normal things in my life. That is once I get my life back to normal.
One more thing, of COURSE your throat hurts, between the out of control cigarette smoking and MJ smoking! If you lay off the MJ and cut way back on the cigarette smoking, your throat will feel loads better, probably in as little as a day!
Oh geez!!! Listen, hon....if there was a list of everything NOT to do when one has anxiety, you could cross most of the big ones off the list....smoking, using marijuana (BIG anxiety trigger there, not to mention unhealthy self medicating), googling, and giving in to the anxiety, isolating yourself. NO wonder your anxiety is so so bad! You've GOT to start being proactive and helping yourself. Right now, you're sabotaging yourself.
For starters, unless you are a man and had unprotected sex with another man, or with an IV drug abuser, your chances of being infected from a one time heterosexual encounter are MINUTE. The VAST majority of people do NOT have HIV. Fear has led people to believe that it's very common, it's not, it's actually very uncommon. Only about 1.1 million people out of 316.13 million are infected with HIV. That's less than a half of ONE percent of the population...to that put things into perspective for you. So, therefore, what are the chances of meeting up with an infected person in an intimate setting? EXTREMELY unlikely, ESPECIALLY if you're not in a high risk group (men who have sex with other men, and IV drug abusers).
Here's what I recommend...for one, stop smoking pot and cut back on your cigarette smoking. TWO, STOP searching the internet, unless you're looking for help with your anxiety and coping, and three, get to your doctor...for two reasons, ONE to test for HIV and put that fear to bed (I'd bet money that it will be negative), and also to address the anxiety with him/her. You need to start getting on the anxiety, before it gets even worse.
I see that you've got an appointment scheduled, which is great....however, call and ask to be put on a cancellation list, or ask for a more urgent appointment, explain that your anxiety is debilitating and causing you a lot of issues. Keep calling, they'll most likely eventually fit you in sooner. If not, you have a few weeks to hang in there until you can be seen. If you cannot wait, then proceed to an urgent care center. They can at least take care of the HIV testing, and refer you to a mental health professional to get the ball rolling on the anxiety.
Keep us updated!
For starters, unless you are a man and had unprotected sex with another man, or with an IV drug abuser, your chances of being infected from a one time heterosexual encounter are MINUTE. The VAST majority of people do NOT have HIV. Fear has led people to believe that it's very common, it's not, it's actually very uncommon. Only about 1.1 million people out of 316.13 million are infected with HIV. That's less than a half of ONE percent of the population...to that put things into perspective for you. So, therefore, what are the chances of meeting up with an infected person in an intimate setting? EXTREMELY unlikely, ESPECIALLY if you're not in a high risk group (men who have sex with other men, and IV drug abusers).
Here's what I recommend...for one, stop smoking pot and cut back on your cigarette smoking. TWO, STOP searching the internet, unless you're looking for help with your anxiety and coping, and three, get to your doctor...for two reasons, ONE to test for HIV and put that fear to bed (I'd bet money that it will be negative), and also to address the anxiety with him/her. You need to start getting on the anxiety, before it gets even worse.
I see that you've got an appointment scheduled, which is great....however, call and ask to be put on a cancellation list, or ask for a more urgent appointment, explain that your anxiety is debilitating and causing you a lot of issues. Keep calling, they'll most likely eventually fit you in sooner. If not, you have a few weeks to hang in there until you can be seen. If you cannot wait, then proceed to an urgent care center. They can at least take care of the HIV testing, and refer you to a mental health professional to get the ball rolling on the anxiety.
Keep us updated!
Made an appointment today but can't get in until September third. The right side of my throat is kind of hurting like it's irritated but I've been smoking non stop since I woke up. So I hope everything is alright. All I can do now is wait. Once again thanks everyone for your advice it really helps.
Your not alone. I went through the same thing my anxiety started about 2 to 3 months ago and during that time I got a cold, sore throat, I lost weight, my head was hurting, I got the joint and tingly feeling in my arms and legs, and the swollen lymph nodes. But I've had a physical and I came out good on everything and I've already gotten check for hiv twice and I came out negative but to make sure I don't have it ima go again in 3 months. Your not alone. Anxiety can give u all kinds of symptoms. I'm 21 so I can relate to you. I was thinking about getting myself a medical card for my anxiety since my best friend is pot smoker and it helps her out with her anxiety but idk I kinda just want to stick to the pills my doctor prescribed me. But yeah ur not alone and I hope my story made u feel better. If u ever need to talk send me a message :)
You have a point. I'll make the appointment tomorrow. Thanks everyone for your advice. I will post back after my appointment. I hope everything goes well. Should I talk to the doctor about my anxiety as well?
Waiting a few days is nothing compared to always wondering "what if??" For years.
This makes me feel slightly better knowing I'm not the only one. I, just scared that if I think I'm in the clear I'll get a positive result. I'm guessing that would be my anxiety as well. How bad was the wait on your anxiety? I feel like I would lose my mind waiting for days.
Stay off the Internet. It will always show you the worse thing possible. Thus leading to worse anxiety! Google is no DR. Shoot I could make a website that says if your right Hand is bigger then your left then you have 7 toes. I know that is super weird. But my point being you wouldn't believe something ridiculous like that! The Internet is a great tool. But not a great tool for diagnosis. Actually an awful one at that
Well I had a few tests. Had unprotected sex with multiple partners (This was when my anxiety was BAD!) it usually took 2-5 days. If I got the test on a Monday I would usually get a call Wednesday-Friday. If I took it Friday well I had to wait Saturday Sunday blah blah so took a little longer.
And just the fact that it popped up when I typed in constant sore throat into Google makes me think I have it plus the unprotected sex. I can't take this anxiety anymore. :(
I had unprotected sex in March 2013. That's what is terrifying me. How long did you have to wait for the doctor to call?
I agree. Anxiety cause play tricks on your body. Fatigue is a huge issue with many people with anxiety. I also had an HIV fear for awhile. Finally realized I was being crazy and it was all anxiety. Have you ever had an exposure? (Unprotected sex, sharing needles)? If not you have nothing to worry about. Regards to you getting sick... Well people the flu. Sore throat. Fevers. Every year. It happens. It doesn't mean you have to jump to the worse case scenario...... I can't believe I am saying this because I have major health anxiety issues and always jump to the worse case... So it's something that we need to work on! What makes you think you even have HIV? My cousin who is 10 who has had zero risk just had a sore throat for 2 weeks. All it ended up being was a sore throat. Which I'm guessing is what you had. IF you had a risk a simple test will put your mind at ease. When my doctor called me and told me I was negative I never felt so much joy in my life because I carried that weight on my shoulders for years!! Took away so much from me in my life. Don't make the mistake I did and wait for years. If you never had a risk well you have nothing to worry about
I think your fatigue and headaches are from the anxiety. I have bad anxiety too and get lightheaded, headaches and a floating/rocking sensation.
If you had HIV, I think you'd know by now and battled a few flu like colds over the past months. Go see the doc as you said and get peace of mind though. :) I'm sure your fine and everything is just the anxiety of the last few months.
If you had HIV, I think you'd know by now and battled a few flu like colds over the past months. Go see the doc as you said and get peace of mind though. :) I'm sure your fine and everything is just the anxiety of the last few months.
I didn't think about HIV at all in march until I got sick later that year in December. I'm going to attempt to make an appointment tomorrow to see a doctor. I obsess over it everyday and I'm not sure if it's just my mind making up symptoms. This is the first time I've talked to anyone about it. Just the thought makes me feel nasty and alone.
No fever, but I have tired spells after I calm down from an anxiety episode. I've been reading on here and people say that having anxiety can cause physical symptoms. Sometimes I get headaches. But I'm always anxious and when I am I don't eat. So I try to tell myself it's from not eating and from smoking constantly. Sometimes I'm able to talk myself down but the ugly thought just creeps back into my head. If I had HIV I would have gotten it in march 2013.
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