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Anu Krishna |1807 Answers |Ask -Follow

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jun 08, 2026

Anu Krishna is a mind coach and relationship expert.
The co-founder of Unfear Changemakers LLP, she has received her neuro linguistic programming training from National Federation of NeuroLinguistic Programming, USA, and her energy work specialisation from the Institute for Inner Studies, Manila.
She is an executive member of the Indian Association of Adolescent Health.... more

Asked by Anonymous - May 20, 2026

Hi health expert, I have been struggling with severe health anxiety for many years now. I am currently in my mid-40s and I think this started after a traumatic experience around 10–12 years ago. We had gone on a family vacation and shortly after returning my uncle fell seriously ill. After diagnosis we found out he had advanced stage cancer and we lost him within a few months. The shock of that experience affected me deeply and ever since then I have lived with an intense fear of cancer and serious illness. Even small things like a stomach ache, a pimple, swelling, fever, or any unusual sensation trigger extreme fear in me. I immediately start thinking the worst and it causes sleepless nights and constant worry. This has seriously affected my quality of life. Along with the anxiety, my OCD symptoms also become very intense during these phases. It feels like there’s a voice in my head constantly telling me to perform certain rituals like praying immediately, drinking water at a specific moment, not switching off the AC, or doing random actions “or else” something bad will happen. It becomes mentally exhausting, and at times I struggle to function normally in my daily routine. I have consulted several psychiatrists and psychologists over the years, but I still feel unhappy and stuck. I am reaching out here to ask if anyone has experienced something similar or found anything that genuinely helped whether coping techniques, home remedies, calming practices, or anything else that brought some peace and stability. Basically I am looking for some home remedy and also want to check is this something rare or they are people who goi through this.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Health anxiety is not abnormal but it can rob you of a good quality life and when it starts to eat into your mind and keep you stuck in a loop constantly, you need to take action.
Your nervous system is on a hyper vigilant mode that perceives a small burp as a major threat sending you into a survival mode. This will keep you in an endless loop of worry, researching symptoms, anxious over the smallest things; everything will feel heightened. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is known to treat this very well; you can seek a therapist in your area to guide you through this challenge.
In the meantime, you can try the following at home:
- every time you feel your heart beating heavily or mind racing, resort to breathing from the diaphragm (2 mins; don't force the breaths, let it be as easy as it can be - if you begin to feel uneasy STOP immediately)
- journal your thoughts and write down your worst fears and breathe again reassuring yourself that it happened to your uncle and that does not mean it will happen to you as well
- practice the attitude of gratitude and write down 5 things that you are grateful for every night before going to bed
- the next time there's a thought that you are about to loop into, do 10 jumping jacks or splash cold water on your face; this attempts to distract you and reset your nervous system
- surround yourself with people who are usually cheerful and carry a positive mindset

You are either the master of your mind OR you get enslaved by it; you have experienced the latter...for once, try taking charge and see how you can master it and live peacefully. It requires mind training and it's possible with consistent efforts.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

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Anu Krishna |1807 Answers |Ask -Follow

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Oct 06, 2020

Question by BS - Oct 06, 2020Hindi

Dear ma'am, I am going through a tough mental state right now. I do not know what state is this. It may be fear, lack of confidence or anything else. On 25th November 2019 I underwent surgery for anal fissure and piles. It took a long time to heal as I was suffering from constipation even after surgery. Every morning i would have a trauma like situation before going to bathroom. My stool would be hard enough to pass with blood both before and after surgery. I generally get nervous after seeing blood. In the meantime surgery has been healed. Even today I have constipation. I suffered from rhinitis like situation after surgery by consuming fruits and curd to make stool soft. feel difficulty in breathing With these medical conditions I developed a mental condition at which i always feel sick myself. No mood or energy to do anything. Fearing for life. When I wake up in midnight it gets very tough again to sleep. I sweat a lot. There is so much negative thought in my mind at night. I feel heavy in my head. I fear every sound I hear which disturbs and terrifies me. I consulted a psychiatrist 7 days ago; he told me that it is fear and lack of confidence. He has given me medicines to overcome fear. Kindly suggest ma'am at which state I am and help me. I am actually obsessed with my health and my life. Every moment I feel I would die. Nervousness grips me. I have lost weight of around 18 kg post surgery.

Ans: Dear BS, I can only imagine what you are going through and I truly hope that you feel better soon.

Fear is what can increase your physical symptoms and you will feel ill. Which is what is happening to you!

All the sounds and thoughts are a result of overworking the mind with your health and fearing the worst.

But do ask yourself: What if I have actually recovered?

It will be good to know when this problem exactly began; what triggered it. If there is an event or a situation that caused it, then you know you might have to work on that.

Sometimes, fear makes children’s stool hard too and as doctors treat constipation, it is also necessary not to keep being fearful of it.

I know the surgery might have made it worse in the mind which is why I suggest start waking up every morning by believing that your surgery has worked and that you are fully recovered.

The simple belief instilled in your mind can work wonders by positively influencing your body to support your whole health. Also, calm the mind with meditation and exercises to keep the body supple and healthy.

To keep the stools soft, eat a lot of food that high roughage content. Slowly, you will see your mood and energy come back and feel a lot better.

All in all, believe that you are healing. Wishing you a wonderful health.

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