How to stop obsessing over urinary symptoms?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am so anxious writing this. I do not even know where to start. I am 24, and for the past 3 months, I have been googling every single urinary symptom I experience and convincing myself it is bladder cancer every time.

I went and got a urine test done, and the report showed RBC 6-8/HPF. The doctor said it is borderline but not alarming. Still, I cannot stop panicking every time I feel any little discomfort down there.

How do I stop obsessing about every urinary symptom at 24 without losing my mind completely?
Is this level of worry even normal, or am I missing something serious?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

This is called illness anxiety disorder, in which a person is fearful about catching a serious illness. Although there is no concrete evidence, the brain remains uncertain. This is not your fault, but these are symptoms of the disorder. This is a similar illness to physical disorders.

When we feel anxious and experience uncertainty, we start doing safety behaviors. For instance, if I get burning micturition, I become fearful about having cancer. After confirmation, my anxiety will reduce. The problem is that this safety behavior is short-term, and the anxiety will pop out again. These safety behaviors that we believe reduce our distress are the ones that actually maintain the anxiety cycle. The person repeats them again and again.

The more you do safety behaviors, the more the disease progresses. Therefore, the best way is to reduce safety behaviors gradually. Initially, you will experience an increase in anxiety, but after some time, it will start to reduce. This is the only way to face anxiety. It is like stage phobia. If you keep on avoiding it, you will never be able to extinguish the anxiety, but if you start appearing on stage, it will go away.

This is called self-help-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Learn which cognitive distortions your brain is using. For instance, one cognitive distortion your brain is using is catastrophism. It is like creating a storm in a cup and thinking about the worst possible diagnosis or outcome.

If you read more about it and reduce safety behaviors, you will surely be able to reduce your symptoms. Meanwhile, learn relaxation exercises such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, go for a walk every evening, and maintain sleep hygiene.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.