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Author Topic: PLEASE HELP - WHAT SHOULD I DO?  (Read 100 times)

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Offline hypochondriaclife

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PLEASE HELP - WHAT SHOULD I DO?
« on: January 14, 2013, 12:52:45 PM »
Hi...
Basically, I think I am starting to get really hypochondriac and I don't know if I should do something about it???
I started just by worrying , kind of, about my health, but it's started to get loads worse. Pretty much every day I compulsively check symptoms online and worry myself loads about serious illnesses - cancer is a major concern for me.
Every tiny little spot or ache or pain on my body and I totally freak out. I've been to have a blood test which came back normal, but I'm still convinced there's something wrong.
And, during PSHE lessons we learn about STDs and stuff like that and everyone else was just there laughing and I was having a panic attack - seriously I was so worried. I even started to convince myself that I had STDs even though I know it's impossible because I am not sexually active. Seriously, even I know it's ridiculous and yet I can't stop worrying.
It's started to take over my everyday life. Like now. Instead of doing coursework like I should be I have just spent an hour and a half looking up symptoms. And often conversations with my friends turn to my ailments (which by the way they all think are totally stupid  :()
What should I do???  :traurig001:
Should I talk to one of my teachers?
Should I see a GP? If so, can I go to the doctors without telling my parents? And what if they tell my to see a psychiatrist or counselor? Would I then have to tell my parents?
Is it worth getting help or should I just leave it? Will it only get worse?
Sorry for all the questions but if you can answer one/some/all of them then that would be great! Any other information or advice would also be really appreciated.
By the way, I'm female and 15 years old if that helps. x thanks   :happy0151:
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Offline vardnas

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Re: PLEASE HELP - WHAT SHOULD I DO?
« Reply #1 on: January 14, 2013, 03:09:03 PM »
Health anxiety isn't a problem that's just going to go away on it's own. You are certainly making it worse by looking symptoms up on the internet. That is definitely self-destructive behavior, so if you can keep yourself from doing it, please refrain, it will help.

Do you have a good relationship with your parents? They should be your first line of defense. Talk to them and tell them how you feel. A GP could prescribe you anti-anxiety medicine if they felt they were warranted, and yes, a psychologist would not be a bad option for you. They'll be able to help you process why you're so scared/worried so that you can concentrate on school and friendships and everything else that a 15 year old should be enjoying. But please talk to your parents or a school counselor or a trusted adult of some kind and be honest with them. What you're going through is VERY common and there's no shame in it.
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In case anyone is still confused:  googling your symptoms will cause you to remain in a state of extreme anxiety. Stepping away from the internet is the first step toward lasting peace.

Offline mollyfin

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Re: PLEASE HELP - WHAT SHOULD I DO?
« Reply #2 on: January 14, 2013, 07:32:17 PM »
If you can't talk to your parents about it, try your school counselor.  They'll probably have some good resources for you. 

Personally I think normal people would be anxious in those STD warning classes if they're anything like the ones my school did - with all those horrible pictures!  But if you're not sexually active you can't possibly have any of them :) 
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anything