I thought I'd bring this topic up for discussion.

Recently, there have been several posters asking about symptoms of OC and expressing fear concerning cancer. This is totally natural and understandable. We all went through a period of worry and anxiety when we were in the diagnostic stages of our cancer.

However, when anxiety reaches a level of fiction, it takes on another form. Hypochondria, or health anxiety is a mental illness that affects more people than we realize. It can be and is debilitating to many people.

The definition is: A state in which a person continuously worries about their health, even when they are not ill.

My understanding of health anxiety is that there are possibly symptoms, sometimes unexplained, that affect an individual to the point that they end up blowing their symptoms out of proportion and beyond the state of average common sense and realism.

While certainly there is a chance that a person really does suffer from a disease, chances are it's not what they fear it is. Defying logic, the individual convinces themselves that they are affected with a certain disease (most often deadly) and seeks confirmation from the medical field. Making matters worse, they Google the symptoms, further convincing themselves of their self diagnosis adding to their fear and anxiety. Again, it's not unusual to do so. Personally, when it was highly probable I had cancer, I did the same thing and scared the hell out of myself. It's when it goes beyond common reason and sense that it becomes a different animal.

Personally for me, I find it difficult to wrap my mind around this. But then I find it difficult to truly understand mental illness in general. Having suffered from some mild depression after my heart surgery, I do have an understanding of that malady but beyond the basic dysfunction it caused, I was not severely affected. Severe depression, OCD, bi-polar etc. are illnesses I've seen and experienced in others but not experienced myself. Even at that I struggle to truly grasp it.

Suffice it to say, we all experienced a period of darkness upon our diagnosis and subsequent self diagnosis from Dr. Google. Most often than not however, our common sense takes over and we learn to deal with our illness in a way that is positive and constructive. Yes, we always have that "boogie man" in the back of our minds, but I would venture to say that most here cope rather well with it. We experience anxiety when being tested and upon follow up appointments and scans and sometimes an ache or pain sends us down the negativity path but most often than not our common sense and often times a doctor's "all clear" takes care of it. There are times however, when we cannot pull ourselves out of the path and that's when we need to recognize the symptoms.

For someone suffering from severe health anxiety, no amount of logic or negative test results alleviate the anxiety and panic that occurs. It's something we as survivors should be aware of as it can and does affect us too. It can affect those around us as well.

So it brings up the question. How do we recognize and deal with it ourselves and how do we recognize and deal with someone who has it? Obviously, seeking help from a mental health professional that's familiar with health anxiety as well as psychotropic drugs can help treat it but beyond that, what can we do to help ourselves and more importantly, help others?...especially in a forum such as this...

The floor is open....

"T"

To relieve anxiety or depression, it's important to realize that it is a slow process of taking small steps towards making progress in getting out of the hole that you are in before it closes in around you. We can't say "cheer up" and expect it to be instantly better. Some suggestions I've seen here when the "what-ifs" attack are:
- Keep busy
- Give them a time limit, then substitute with a positive thought
- Deep breathing
- Meditation
-Mantra (repeat a positive phrase i.e. "I'm getting better and people like me")
- Help someone else
-Volunteer someplace
-Laugh therapy (check hospitals for groups)
- Write down thoughts which releases them from the brain for a time
-Get a pet to care for or borrow neighbor's dog and walk it
-Put one foot in front of the other (literally) or, if you are lying down -
-Put one foot on the floor and congratulate yourself for the progress.
- Do exercises that increase blood flow to the brain
-Go shopping
-Get out of the house, go out with friends.
-Check w/doctor re anxiety meds or therapy
-Ask positive people for suggestions and hope
-Fake it 'til you make it (i.e. "The Little Engine that Could")

Head and Neck cancer has one of the highest rates of depression, compared to other cancers, and the 4th or 5th highest rate of suicide in cancer. To add to Ann-Marie's list, get wished every day, maintain personal hygiene, listening to music, exercise, reading, doing your favorite activity, visualization, join a support group.

1) Laughter Therapy is supposed to be very beneficial. One of the hospital waiting rooms where my son had to go for appointments had a little sign on the receptionist's desk that said "Laughter Therapy Group" but when I suggested to Paul that it might help if we both went, he said No, he didn't feel like laughing. Each time we got there, and I saw the sign I kept asking him to go and he said, No, you go if you want to. After several several appointments when Paul continued to refuse, I decided I would go and I boldly walked up to the receptionist and said, I would like to join the laughter therapy group. She informed me they had cancelled it. I was crushed. And I guessed nobody felt like laughing. What a bummer. But later, it seemed ironically funny.

2) I was trying to find something funny I had read about Rad Tx in Cure magazine. I didn't find it, but I did find this which my notes tell me was submitted by Brian, our Founder:

<<Last night, my wife and I were sitting in the living room and I said to her, "I never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine, and fluids from a bottle. If that ever happens, just pull the plug." She got up, unplugged the TV and threw out my beer......>>

3) In my previous post above, the second to the last item, just above "Fake it". . . should have read:
"-Check with OCF for suggestions and hope". Don't know how that happened. I suppose I cannot blame it on predictive text.

The more I've researched and read about anxiety and specifically health anxiety, the more I realize there's probably nothing I/we can do for an individual suffering this crippling malady. As I read posts on forums and watch videos pertaining to it, it just makes me sad.

It truly is a mind boggling anomaly of the mind. Perhaps, for me, it would be best to refrain from trying to help and just offer a kind word and good luck.

As for dealing with anxiety on a personal level, the suggestions offered certainly are valuable. I guess for me, having faced my demise three times in the last 6 years, I'm Ok with things. I know the score. When I was in distress with my first heart attack in the ER, I felt myself losing it. The experience was tunnel vision and the next thing I knew I was awake with an oxygen mask on my face and a couple of IVs dripping fluid into me. My life didn't flash before my eyes and there was no recollection of anything other than the lights going out. There was also no fear. It was just an "Oh Sh*t" moment. And now?... other than a few night before jitters with the scan and scopes, I'm Ok with whatever God has in store for me.


"T"

Very informative information in your post, Anne Marie.

I agree with you T, there was absolutely nothing anyone could do for me a few weeks ago. I just snapped out of it one day. Crazy part for me is I have not even started radiation, It's just all this prep before hand. Yes, it's crippling and very sad.

Yes ngk,

The time it takes to put all the pieces in place is the opportune time for the mind to wander to the dark places. I admit, mine did to an extent.

However, once I started treatments, between the treatments themselves, all the doctors appointments, schedules for taking medications, checking this, that and the other, there wasn't time to dwell on anything else. You're focused on getting through the battle alive.

Tell you what... once you get through treatment, you'll have a new perspective on life I assure you. If you can face the beast and walk away, you can conquer anything, including anxiety.

Positive thoughts and prayers!

"T"

Dealing with anxiety is very personal and unique. There are so many factors involved with a person's ability to cope with anxiety that derive from all facets of one's life.

Past traumas which force one to face and deal with anxiety, one's natural disposition: some are more able to handle stress and ambiguity than others, support from friends and families, previous treatment and medication experiences, past experience and familiarity with the life event creating the current anxiety event, etc.

Much like us with HNC, we have have the same diagnosis and treatment yet our reactions can be vastly different. In that respect, one needs to learn what tools, techniques, and therapies work for others than self-discover those which might help and also then seek professional expertise if unable to resolve the anxiety oneself. don

As for me, I always tried to keep the battle in perspective. I have been otherwise healthy, and blessed with amazing family and friends. I can see a sunset, hear a beautiful pieces of music, get down on the dance floor, not worry about my next meal, etc.. There are many people in the world who are not that lucky. So, if this was my hill to climb, so be it. I'd climb it, and come down the other side, and well, if there's another hill, I'll climb that one too...

Anxiety is a bitch. You don't realize how truly scary this is or how anxious you are sometimes - I have been bopping along okay - scans were fine last year, check ups every three months are good. So I'm okay - I come here to help but I'm pretty sure cancer is not on my mind 24 / 7 - this week I had to have my physical. My dr sends me for a pelvic ultrasound, mammogram, internal vaginal ultrasound and a breast ultrasound. Ekg And blood work, and I'm scared. Ugh..

Hi Cheryl,

It's perfectly natural to feel some anxiety when test time comes. I believe we all do as cancer survivors. The difference is recognizing and understanding it. You can also rationalize in your mind what's going on and find ways to quell the anxiety to acceptable and natural levels. Just because your doctor is asking for those tests doesn't mean he suspects you have a problem. He's just doing his due diligence as a good physician would. To someone with health anxiety it would mean the end of the world.

It's when it goes beyond reason and reality that it becomes a major psychological handicap. For example... and these are some I've read recently from an anxiety forum. First is what the person thought was wrong and then what was really happening.

I'm going blind! --- Dry eyes

West Nile Virus --- Stomach bug

Brain Cancer --- sinus congestion

Colon cancer because of red stools --- ate too many pistachios

Woke up with my arm numb. Thought it was a heart attack --- arm fell asleep while sleeping

Thought I had a rare tropical disease because of bright yellow urine --- vitamin B tablets

Add to that multiple doctor visits and tests that all say "normal", yet the individual insists there's still something wrong. Anxiety itself can aggravate any real symptoms as well as create them when none existed.

Good luck on your follow ups... and think positive!!

Positive thoughts and prayers

"T"

[quote]Anxiety itself can aggravate any real symptoms as well as create them when none existed.[/quote]I SO believe this; the power of mind over body is a dual edge sword. You can will your body to best health and I honestly believe those who constantly have visions of bad conditions can actually will their body to create hormones and other chemical and physical conditions that provide the proper conditions to allow bad things to occur.

THINK POSITIVITY! No harm in trying!

Oh I know... I actually asked for the physical this is his being thorough he does this for every female patient that comes to him for a physical. It's just the fear, and I totally acknowledge this... Argh...

Oh man, did I laugh at the pistachio one... That may not be polite, but hoo, was that funny

Cheryl, sorry for the disquieting thoughts dogging you. Just think how confident you're going to feel once you've been checked out so thoroughly. It's hard not to imagine the worst once you've lived through it.

Re the anxious folk T is thinking about, it troubles me that by self-diagnosing a genuine health issue may go undiscovered and untreated. When someone decides they've got cancer, they stop searching and may never find out it's actually Crohn's disease, an allergy, a bacterial infection.... or pistachios.

Mamacita,

What you said concerning self diagnosis (typically through Dr. Google) is very prominent on the health anxiety forums. Added to that, phobias of tests, dentists and doctors adds up to one big mental mess!

As I researched and read over the last few weeks, I've been taken back by the sheer number of people and the plethora of issues that exist. From general anxiety to full blown panic attacks to OCD, social and health anxiety, phobias etc. Some posters having several of these issues at the same time. Also, many posters suffer from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) which is aggravated by their anxiety. I'm just thankful I don't experience the issues I've been reading about. I have enough to deal with just recovering from treatment

Thankfully, there is help available. From self help suggestions to therapy and Rx drugs to help control symptoms. On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are several threads that offer hope for those suffering from these maladies.

Positive thoughts and prayers

"T"

Anxiety is a huge bitch like Cheryl said, sometimes it comes out of no where, mine started 5 years ago, my first child was 2. I was just driving happy, actually singing to music and then bam! Could not breath my feet went numb, my chest tightened, half my face went numb, my heart was pounding. Pulled off at a rest stop and got on a pay phone and called my mom, she had to come get me. Ever since that day I had panic attacks multiple times a day, I would wake up with them in my sleep. I have no idea what causes it, I later got diagnosed with panic disorder and anxiety disorder. My hormones from my second pregnancy took away all my anxiety symptoms, it was awesome and it was strange. Coping with cancer brings a reason for anxiety, it's hard to deal with naturally I have tired everything but visualization, meditation, and breathing exercising are the ones that helped the most. Anxiety in a sense causes depression.I believe in a talking to doctor about these issues always because they can become serious quickly and treatment with medicine even if it's just short term can save you. Another thing is, anxiety can take a huge toll on your overall health. It's important to treat it, as it can cause chaos on our immune symptoms.

There is a new study released that few Head and Neck Cancer patients seek help for depression. You can find the study in Oral Cancer News at the opening page. I'll try to link it here, if I can.

Jessica -it was awesome hearing about your experience with anxiety attacks and how the pregnancy hormones took away all the symptoms for you! It's encouraging to consider that anxiety may be related to hormones and not just to serious life experiences. You're right about checking with a doctor. With my son's recent health problems, I've been anxious, but the breathing and exercise have helped me. He's been diagnosed with sleep apnea but expects to do better in a couple of days when he gets a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine that helps the breathing at night. We are still waiting on the MRI results which should be available next week some time. I think just taking action makes one feel more in control and less prone to the "what if" worries.

As I've been researching and studying health anxiety issues, I've joined a site much like OCF that specifically deals with anxiety issues. I've been in contact with some of the admins and exchanged information, asked questions and read quite a bit.

Truly, it's mind boggling when you read some of the posts. I came across this video on YouTube and it just so happens it's one of the members of the site previously mentioned.

Take 15 minutes and watch. It gives you an intimate insight to what health anxiety is like. It truly seems quite mad but keep in mind, it's very real to the individual suffering through this malady. With all due respect to anyone suffering from HA, I don't mean any disrespect at all. I just find it interesting.

Having been married to a woman who suffered from severe depression disorder which manifested itself into hoarding and been a relationship with a woman who suffered from bi-polar disorder, I have an intimate understanding of mental dysfunction.

I suffered from some minor depression after my bypass surgery and was on drug therapy along with psychotherapy for several months.

As a survivor of H&N cancer I know full well the statistical facts of my survival. Fortunately, I'm at total peace with things. I have a certain amount of "scanxiety" as we all do, but compared to true HA, I'm totally fine and function at above normal capacity for what I've been through.

Take a moment and watch... I found it absolutely fascinating...

Breakdown

"T"

I have a severe panic disorder that has taken years to get under control. My primary symptoms were shaking, chills, and throwing up. I am betting the throwing up contributed damage to my tongue, making it more susceptible to the cancer when it struck.

My anxieties are not health anxieties, though health issues do not help! My symptoms have switched more to migraines and nausea now, neither of which are helpful in my current surgery recovery.

I had graduated from therapy, but one of my first steps after diagnosis was to call my therapist up for an appointment. I figured preemptive sanity checks would be a good thing. I would advise that for anyone who struggles with anxiety and depression.

Also explain your condition to ALL your doctors. I spiked a small fever in the hospital, but I explained that it was due to the panic attacks I had that night. The puking and the shivers required me to really bundle up, so I could stop shaking. So I overheated. Not sure the nurses were convinced, but my surgeon understood, and helped me to go home sooner where I could cope better with the anxiety.

Just a bit of how it looks from this side. I could write more but I have a lovely migraine kicking me in the head at the moment.

Kristen

well as a person living with several mental issues hypochondria being one of them. It is a coping style. low self esteem begs for attention, validation. The most important thing is that it is not as cut and dry as one knowingly or not lies to themselves . When confronted with hard evidence that I do not have what I think or want to think I have. I have to back off of that obsession because it has been proven invalid to me and to further claim illness in the face of undeniable evidence to the contrary. does not feed the "Woe is me" Because for me it has to be a possibility. Now you may think that this guy must be in heaven. Quite the contrary. Back in 1989 when I first found out that someone I had slept with was sick. I did not want to be found positive for at the time a fatal illness. But when I found out that I was HIV positive. I was well I do have this why not take the attention that I surely would reap. I remember playing Blue Oyster Cults "Don't fear the reaper" in a small gay bar that maybe half of the patrons being in the same boat as me there was a morbid sense of belonging that I embraced. Because it was that or just wait to die. At this point people were selling their life insurance for $o.50 on the dollar and didn't really care about anything after making sure that their funeral costs were covered. So much money was spent on once in a lifetime trips around the world while they were still well enough to enjoy it. And I went on a lot of those trips on someone elsees dime. And in those moments all was well in the state of denile. then more people started to get sick. They party was ending for so many at the same time. Celebrations of life were a weekly thing. Those of us who were living off of Bactrim and AZT were the lucky ones. I had lost my first love to AIDS. And then some one came up with a pill that stopped the virus from replicating itself. And all of a sudden people wished that they hadn't blown their life savings on lavish trips and fancy cars. Had no idea what they were gonna do with their new lease on life. But how off track did I get? When I found a lump in my throat I had made great progress in my mental state of being. And I did not jump to the cancer conclusion. I thought it was HIV related. And so did my Doctor. A clogged saliva gland was what my Doc. suggested. after all I had have issues with my lymph nodes before. So my progress in not being such a hypo. set me back more than three months.(at least) in that time I watched it grow bigger and bigger until I finally I decided to buy into my works insurance. And met my new doctor and he immediately thought that we needed to find out what it was. So my progress set me back at least four months. It came back as SCC. stage IV, instead of perhaps stage 2-3 if I had hypoed over it. Ironic!