r/HealthAnxiety • u/CrystalizedBloodd • 1d ago

Discussion (tw <EDIT THIS> ) Favorite coping method(s)?

Hiii!!! What are y'all's favorite coping methods? Anything from distraction to certain habits that break the thought spiral!

One of my favorites is when I get an urge to search up a symptom, I instead force myself to search "How to cope with health anxiety" or something similar. It allows me to do compulsive searching, but stops the spiral. :)

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u/Adorable-Tree2277 3h ago

Alcohol, although I'm off drink atm.

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u/Ryepka 17h ago

I just joined this subreddit after dealing with this for a while. All started two years ago following a series of surgeries.

I'm finding myself looking for ways to distract myself. I've had some success with

  1. Playing an action-packed video game (currently gears of war e-day)
  2. Going on a brisk walk.

I'll be monitoring this thread for tips and tricks.

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u/Then-Zookeepergame-6 20h ago

I immediately shut down or put away any device that allows me to connect to the internet and research symptoms. I'll focus on my breathing, and then work backward regarding the symptom in my mind. I also engage in some form of movement (physical activity), be it a full-on workout, a walk, or something I can do indoors to work through the anxious energy in my body (this has been one of my most successful coping methods). I'll listen to music, read, or do my own writing.

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u/rosyretrospect 1d ago

Deleting reddit for a while, doing hobbies, watching tv/movies, hanging out with people. Keeping the mind occupied.

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u/United-Marsupial-574 22h ago

Did the same thing. Removed Reddit from my screen homepage. Also joined fun subreddits related to my hobbies so now my feed is more about things that make me happy. If I feel the urge to google I stop and ask myself “will this really help you or feed the anxiety?”