by MrsMary » Sat Jan 26, 2013 1:12 pm
Hi, I'm not sure whether my problem is more hypohondriac or it goes under somatization disorder, but nevertheless I'm having really hard times with being constantly afraid of having serious diseases. It started about 4 months ago when I started experiencing digestive problems, weight loss and rapid breathing. I went to the doctor and she ran a blood test and ECG, both showed that I was perfectly healthy. 2 months ago I happened to read an article about a young woman who died of ovaries cancer; there was also written that symptoms can include bloating, urination problems and all the things I had, so I got frightened, started to google symptoms and the biggest problem was that whenever I read about a symptom of ovaries cancer, I started to experience it in my own body! (for ex lower back pain). So I went back to my GP, but since I was also having mood swings, fatigue and anxiety, too, I was diagnosed with mild depression and somatization disorder. Now, I've had a few sessions with a psychologist and part of me understands very well that physical symptoms can be the result of years of stress (I was bullied, put under a lot of pressure, changes in family etc), but at some points I'm still so frightened that I could have a serious physical illness, I start obsessing over the smallest sensations in my body, google symptoms (I know it's bad, but I can't help it) and that creates even more stress. So everything I'm asking for is a little advice and knowledge that there are other people who have had similar problem as me. I'm really afraid of death and I've also experienced some panic/anxiety attacks when the thoughts have gone too far. Please, I'm young and desperate about my situation.