Am I a Hypochondriac or Mentally Ill?

Hi Carsyn! I want to start by saying my messages are open if you'd like. :) I don't believe you are "victimizing yourself." To me that sounds like faking, and people who are faking KNOW they're faking. But maybe you meant something different from that? It is very common for people with chronic conditions, including mental disorders, to feel like they're faking or exaggerating their symptoms! You're still valid regardless. Even if your symptoms are caused or worsened by anxiety, those symptoms are still real to you and you deserve treatment and support. ❤️