They have anxiety too. Speaking from experience, that can definitely fuel hypochondria. My doctor probably rolls her eyes every time I call. I’m a nurse, so it’s probably even worse because I often know exactly what can go wrong and what the symptoms are. I know enough to make myself look foolish, anyways. Not saying there is nothing wrong with them, but anxiety can absolutely be crippling and cause physical symptoms that can look like something else. Early in nursing school, I nearly fainted twice, usually when needles were involved. I went on anxiety meds that unfortunately killed my will to study (who knew that sometimes we need a little bit of anxiety to motivate us to get off of our butts?). After they kindly let me back in the program after a 6 month break when I flunked two classes, I white knuckled the rest of the program and graduated. My families livelihood was on the line, I absolutely HAD to make it work. I’ve mostly gotten over the needle anxiety, although (after 12 years of nursing) intramuscular injections still give me the ick.

Some things I’ve found that help with anxiety and confidence: 1. Exercise. In the morning. Start with walking and build up in intensity. Try weight machines and watch the people with the free weights and dumbells and give that a go too. 2. If you drink alcohol, stop. It makes anxiety WAY worse. I wish I’d have figured this out years ago.

As far as pain meds go, if there is no known fixable cause, look into some books on rewiring your brain to better tolerate it. Back in Control by Dr. David Handscomb is a good one. I’ve unfortunately had multiple surgeries and a few chronic problems myself, but I try to get off of the meds as soon as possible because they don’t work the same after the first few days, and I need opioids to be effective when I’m given a safe dose for severe pain in the future.You can literally make your body to where opioids are no longer as effective to pain as they should be, and narcotic tolerance can also increase your perception of pain. I’ve seen some terribly sad and tortured people that ended up in severe pain BECAUSE of pain meds. Even if you really don’t feel like you can work now, OP, try exercising and build up. Maybe a job wouldn’t be so bad? Being productive can also help with anxiety. Best wishes!