c/anxiety·Posted by u/jordan_hale·1h ago
How do I stop checking my pulse every time my chest feels even slightly off?
It started as just making sure. Now I can't sit through a TV episode without putting two fingers on my neck. Last Tuesday on the bus I did it four times between stops because my shirt felt tight. The number is always in a normal range and I still don't believe it, so I check again with the other hand like the first one was lying. I've deleted two pulse apps and then reinstalled one in the same night. I know looking is feeding it. I still do it. The worst is when I feel a single skip and then I'm hunting for the next one for an hour. I'm not asking anyone to tell me my heart is fine. I want to know how people actually put their hands back in their pockets and leave it alone.
Peer discussion on askDr.app. Not therapy and not a substitute for professional care.
4 comments
Log in to comment.
u/malik_j1h ago
I was doing the same on the train, left wrist, right wrist, repeat. Felt like a job I didn't apply for.
u/lila_nguyen1h ago
I put a rubber band on my wrist and snap it once when I reach to check, then sit on my hands for a song. Dumb. Interrupted the reflex a little.
u/emma_fraser59m ago
When you check, are you hoping for a specific number, or just any number that feels safe enough for ten minutes?
u/omar_farouk58m ago
I left my watch in a drawer for a week. Missed the time constantly. Checked my neck less though.