topic Anxiety over Illness in Anxiety

Anxiety over Illness

Dreamcatcher — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 10:20:42 GMT

Not quite sure how to begin this! Well here goes! I am a 33 year old mother of one beautiful baby girl and happily married so my anxiety is not stemming from either. This all began 4 years ago when I battled an illness and was quite un well and was sure that I was going to die! I recovered but now every time I have a stomach ache, my mind runs away and the little voice in my head that I like to call the accuser tells me it's stomach cancer. Or if I have a head ache it's a tumor I am sure you get the drift I try my best not to give in to these fears and stop googling my symptoms as this only makes things worse. At the moment I am really anxious as I am waiting on ultra sound results I wish I didn't always think the worst I hate to burden my husband with my constant health worries and have no close girl friends that I can talk too. I work in a fast paced enviroment part-time so that I can be with my daughter. I am not sure how to get over the anxiety and dont want to take medication, I would appreciated any ones thoughts?

Anxiety over Illness

white knight — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 13:14:29 GMT

Hi DC, welcome to Beyond Blue forums

I think your irrational or over reactive thoughts are common but not so severe IMO. We are not professional medical staff - sufferers of mental illness ourselves so its just opinion.

You could be suffering PTSD. I'd definitely follow it up with your GP and subsequent treatment.

The mind is a complex organ that act odd at times and the stress you experienced likely has created a mindset that wont diminish. Good luck and take care. Hopefully someone here has experienced what you are going through.

Anxiety over Illness

MissA — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 00:17:01 GMT

I know exactly what you are going through, my anxiety started about 7mths ago when I was really stressed about work, wedding, moving etc. That's when I was diagnosed with IBS which was a relief because I thought I has Celiac disease and can be triggered by anxiety. Now I've lost a lot of weight and I Google what causes weight loss then I start to think the worst. I have been the to doctors who has told me I'm not eating healthy food and I don't have diabetes or a thyroid problem I just have low vitamin D. But of coarse that wasn't enough and I am still fighting my mind every minute of everyday thinking what if its 'this' what if its 'that'. I feel like I'm going insane and driving everyone crazy. I'm like you I don't wish to go on meds but I have a feeling that if it doesn't get any better soon I will be going to a counsellor. Try wearing a rubber band around your wrist and snap it every time your mind starts yelling out illnesses.

Good luck, Let me know how you go.

Anxiety over Illness

Dreamcatcher — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 10:49:07 GMT

Arrrgh I guess my fears were founded, I have an ovarian cyst not cancerous and also suspect that c diff is back I feel so depressed. The only thing keeping me going atm is my love of my daughter and husband. I am so tired! I struggle to go to work and feel sick to my stomach all day. I am hoping some natural remedies will help because c diff is what caused my anxiety in the first place. I hope you are doing better Have you tried probiotics? they are meant to help with IBS Thank you for sharing thoughts xx

Anxiety over Illness

guest149 — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 06:31:02 GMT

I know your fears. I do know that my anxiety is NOT based on logic. And I have experienced the fear of illness but it has never been a self fulfilling prophesy. I've worked in night clubs as a DJ for many years and have seen sick people, but alcohol, drugs and tobacco are usually the cause of their illness. However..... my mental illness causes other things that are equally destructive.

I think you are not alone at all in your fears. I still get these fears but I've lived with panic and anxiety and depression for so long, I just really kinda, in a twisted way want to get sick and

end it. I'm too much of a coward to do it by my own hands. I just don't want to exit in pain from illness. The mental pain I endure is usually more than I can handle. BUT......here comes the sarcasm... Lucky me, I am healthier than a man 30 years younger than me. At my last checkup at the hospital, the doctor said I have the lungs of a teenager. I don't smoke. Im 60 and in perfect physical health, so i have GOT to get my head together if I am to have any quality of life, I will probably live until 100. I pray that I don't.

beyondblue’s clinically-trained moderators often work online (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 224 636.

Anxiety over Illness

mj74 — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 09:36:28 GMT

Hi dreamcatcher I feel your pain, a few years ago I also suffered a life altering illness and also suffered from anxiety and still do , its a day to day battle and I have to make a concious effort to make the best of each day , sorry I dont have any thing helpful to offer best of luck xx