Want to kick this!

[theGOOCH]

Hello, I suffer from general anxiety and also a more specific fear of having health problems. This makes me very fearful of doctors and getting medical tests.

I'm a 33 year old male. I am a recreational athlete. I lift weights 3 days per week and I run 6 days per week. I compete in a couple races a month. I also have a very regimented dietetic plan. In spite of these things and being in very good shape I get high blood pressure readings. I don't know if I really have high blood pressure or I am just so nervous about taking it that it jumps up...then of course I see the results and get more anxious and it gets even higher so I've started a vicious cycle.

I tend to believe the whole problem with my bp is the fact that I handle stress poorly and I have the direct fear of taking my bp and worrying about how high it will be. My doc actually agrees because meds I took in the past for physical causes didn't work...also because of my general fitness level (I have 11% body fat and my resting heart rate is 51) I really don't want to go the route of anti-anxiety meds if I can find a way to deal with this another way. As I alluded to earlier I am a bit of a health "nut" and don't like being dependent on drugs.

I would give anything to be one of those people who wakes up in the morning and just feels that life is wonderful. I tend to be the more brooding, negative type and I want to stop it!!

[theGOOCH]

Was it something I said? I don't think I stink or anything

[Anxious Frank]

Guided meditation. You sound like a very disciplined person. Meditation shows it's best results in those who do it regularly.

[theGOOCH]

Thanks, I'll look into that. I've tried meditation and it helped some, but I'm not familiar with "guided meditation" I also find running very meditative.

I got a couple workbooks on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and I'm excited about digging into them. This approach just seems to make so much sense to me. I do have constant negative inner dialog, hell I even say it out loud sometimes. I always just assume everything will turn out as badly as possible...I'm already working on taking a different approach. I haven't yelled in anger or allowed myself to dwell on negative thoughts for an entire day. That has to be a record for me. ;)

[theGOOCH]

If anyone reads this, I'll give you an update: I got the book "Thoughts and Feelings" about CBT. The techniques in the book have helped me greatly. My blood pressure this morning was 110/65


Frank, their relaxation techniques are basically guided meditation, so you were on the right track. The true CBT techniques and flooding exercises have been great too.

[x1angelx]

Great to hear your post. My anxiety is also over health issues. I was given anxiety medication once, but was too nervous to take them for fear of what it would do to my body. I've order a book about getting over anxiety and my mother keeps telling me about meditation, but I've put it off. After seeing your post, maybe Mom really does know best...

Can't wait to try it!