Thoughts causing symptoms

[readytoheal]

It seems to me that my thoughts and fears frequently trigger symptoms. Today I had a migraine with aura. The aura part freaks me out. I was so afraid it would come back once it went away that today it did. If I’m afraid something will cause a flare, it does. It makes me feel as if my mind is my worst enemy and I begin fearing my fears/thoughts because they create symptoms. Any insight into how to overcome this cycle? Makes me feel like I’m going crazy.

 

[fern]

Readytoheal, have you gone through the new Recovery Program on this site? It deals a lot with fear of pain. I found it to be very helpful. There is also a separate post about outcome independence that I think this should link you to.

 

[Ines]

Hi,

Fern is right. The Recovery program really helps with fear. Another thing too is that when you get a migraine sometimes (if it's really bad) it sets off a cluster of migraines so that might be what is happening. It's not that you caused it because of your thoughts. Just breathe and get through the next few days. Do something that really makes you comfortable and relax. Take a bath or watch your favorite movie. Just know that you didn't do anything wrong because you got another one. Just know that your nerves where triggered and that with self compassion, not being afraid, and self soothing they will calm down. You will not die and eventually it will go away. You can get through this.