I have severe health anxiety (hypochondriac)?

[Anonymous]

I'm 22F and I've been a Hypochondriac since I was younger, but got worse when I turned 20. For the last 2 months, I've had constant feelings of sickness and pain (no, they don't go away) which include chest pain, stomach pain, (wrist, forearm, calf, foot, back of hand, neck and shoulder back area stiffness and pain).
I've also had troubles with feeling like I'm choking on food, well more so like there's something stuck there but it goes away after a bit. (I do have GERD)


My boyfriend has told me this seems like Fibromyalgia, since I've had all the symptoms and I'm also someone that's diagnosed with Anxiety and Depression already, which has made this worse for me.

My brain keeps convincing me that I have something severely deadly and scary (ALS is a HUGE fear) and my brain will not stop trying to convince me I have ALS, which has caused over 3 panic attacks in 2 days. I'm going for an EMG to test my nerves and find an answer, but I'm horrified at the endless possibilities. I've had a pretty rough life, and I just want to be happy. I'm waiting for Therapy.

Can somebody help me? can somebody give me any advice? and if by any chance anybody here has ALS, can you please try and convince me I don't have something like this? like, will anyone kindly share details on symptoms?

this has ruined my life. ):

[Avcfhcic]

A lot of what you describe sounds like a mental health issue, a lot of worry and paranoia, so my recommendation would be to get a mental health check and see if there's any medication you could be put on such as fluoxetine or sertraline to help with your anxiety and get rid of these thoughts and worries.
I'd also recommend therapy, speaking with a trained professional about your problems and see if there's anything they can do to help alleviate or control your thoughts!

Let the tests take their course, try not to worry about the results because there's treatments for everything. You need to live today, not tomorrow!! 🙂

[Alex8736]

For starters from what you explained is textbook Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and/ or Generalized Anxiety Disorder

[Whatthefluff]

I am so sorry you are experiencing this level of anxiety. Have you considered medication for this, such as an SSRI?
The best advice I can give is to rationalize your fears. Even if something does turn up in medical tests, you are at the advantage of being alive in an age with the best medicine and treatment to date. I assume you also have insurance and easy access to these services, and that’s really good news to keep you healthy. I know it’s easier said than done, but try to not look into the symptoms or any medical articles if you can help it. Use your coping skills and talk to someone you trust to be a kind listener.

[MORPHEUS_12]

Google Ehlwrs Danlos Syndrome.

[Anonymous]

Did you take any of those COVID shots?