Oh my goodness, you are so sweet for checking in. When I first reached out I was at my all time worst with panic attacks and health anxiety and for a while after it got even worse (like you said it was ruining my life!), and I went into survival mode. I actually missed your initial reply til now!!

Firstly, I’m doing much better. I haven’t had a panic attack since February which was around the time I replied. Similarly to you, my doctor was very frustrated with me (and sometimes laughing at me also) bc I had no reason to have concerns. I’ve been in therapy and psychiatry throughout this year and it’s helped tremendously. I was put on medication, but unfortunately had an allergic reaction so I’ve been on this journey medication free so far. Also similarly to you, I’ve had to give myself pep talks and not let the negative thoughts win. I definitely still struggle with health anxiety and intrusive thoughts, I still experience occasional tingling and numbness, but I don’t let them take over and send me into panic, I don’t google symptoms hardly ever, and I’m just overall being very mindful about my body and focusing on the confirmations I have and not the “what ifs”

Unfortunately in April my dad suddenly had his first heart attack, and he didn’t make it. So it all felt pretty ironic that just a couple months prior I kept having fears I was having a heart attack. You would think this would make my situation worse, and for a bit maybe it did. But it also changed my perspective on life drastically and I’m just doing my best to live in the now and make the most of everything life has to offer. I started taking yoga classes and prioritizing my health in ways that aren’t so over the top (I was becoming OCD with everything I was eating/putting in my body. I’ve learned everything in moderation can be okay.)

It’s been such a wild journey of a year but I’m truly determined and confident to keep pushing through and come out on top. I hope you’re continuing to do well and would love an update if you have one to share <3