Seriously can't handle this anymore.

[soccerash21]

I've had shoulder, stomach, and back pain since Friday. I have been super worried about it, and have been thinking every possible worst thing. I went to a doctor, she took a urine sample, and said everything was normal. So perfect. I once again, had to go to another doctor to be told that everything is fine. But if everything is fine, why am I feeling this pain still? It's not terrible pain.. on a scale from 1-10, it's probably a 1, if that. It's just bothering me because it is there, and it is worrying me. I am pretty positive that I have health anxiety, especially since I panic about every little thing that goes wrong with me. I haven't seen a doctor about my anxiety issues, but now I am seriously thinking about it. I've been having some family issues the past few weeks, which I guess could probably given me stress and maybe thats where the pain is stemming from? I know stress can do a lot of random things to your body, but I also know anxiety can too. Any thoughts if this seems like its a serious health thing, or just sounds more anxiety related? And any advice as to how to cope with this awful stuff? Thanks so much

[afuser11]

I've had shoulder, stomach, and back pain since Friday. I have been super worried about it, and have been thinking every possible worst thing. I went to a doctor, she took a urine sample, and said everything was normal. So perfect. I once again, had to go to another doctor to be told that everything is fine. But if everything is fine, why am I feeling this pain still? It's not terrible pain.. on a scale from 1-10, it's probably a 1, if that. It's just bothering me because it is there, and it is worrying me. I am pretty positive that I have health anxiety, especially since I panic about every little thing that goes wrong with me. I haven't seen a doctor about my anxiety issues, but now I am seriously thinking about it. I've been having some family issues the past few weeks, which I guess could probably given me stress and maybe thats where the pain is stemming from? I know stress can do a lot of random things to your body, but I also know anxiety can too. Any thoughts if this seems like its a serious health thing, or just sounds more anxiety related? And any advice as to how to cope with this awful stuff? Thanks so much

The title of your thread is pretty interesting: "Can't handle this anymore" -- that's what I would call catastrophizing. It is a common symptom of an anxiety disorder. Of course you can handle it, you've been handling it for days and you are still here. You are just uncomfortable with the idea that something seriously might be wrong with you (in other words, your interpreting bodily sensations as a sign of danger/serious illness). At the end of the day, all you are really scared of is thoughts. Thoughts about being sick with some serious illness. The answer is to accept the thoughts, let them pass, and don't pay them more attention than they deserve (which is basically none at all). Seriously if I had a dime for everytime I thought something was wrong with me, I'd be a millionaire in the space of a few days

[floridaguy65]

Hi Ash:) Well, it can suck being in the grips of anxiety. It can really cause some nasty lifeflow interruptions, for sure. And, when anxiety winds us up, it is nearly impossible for it to be our of our mind, completely.

You said, "I once again, had to go to another doctor to be told that everything is fine.". sounds like you've been doing the Doc visiting and med testing routine, that is so very common around here, in search of an answer as to why you feel "off" or have niggling aches and pains.

The family issues, and other life stressors, can be a major catalyst for physical manifestations from anxiety / stress / worry / panic / fear / insecurities, etc.  HA can be a definite "masking type" disorder where our minds race off with impending doom and gloom about our health when we are faced with tougher than normal life struggles. It's as if our minds create the fear over perceived impending health disasters to alleviate the worry over all the stuff in our lives and prevents us from feeling that we have the strength (or good enough health) to tackle or face our other life issues.

IMHO, I would schedule an introductory meeting with a therapist, if possible. It's so nice to speak with a professional, simply, to get some beginning insights as to what might be going on in your mind and body. They see this type stuff on a daily basis and can offer up tremendous hope and potential for some solace, perhaps. It is there that you might learn what you can do to help yourself. To me, it is the self-help habits and actions that lead to the most powerful benefits:) But, you must start somewhere....and seeing a professional is a good place to begin:)

You've had some med tests and Doc visit. Nothing serious has popped up. This is wonderful...you're healthy:) Many peeps in this world are not, unfortunately. But, you being healthy gives you a fantastic opportunity to seek out a healing path for what may be troubling you:)

Peace and Feel Well:)