Health Anxiety - I can no longer function

SolZeus — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 03:20:52 GMT

Hi all,

I've had a long history of anxiety. Received treatment in the past for other anxiety disorders. However, over the last two years I have been preoccupied with my health. To the point where my anxiety has led to panic attacks and SEVERE drop in work and parenting performance. I can't stop.

I had some tests done last year which sparked it all off. I was worried about cancer, have done a whole battery of tests and each and everytime, the anxiety gets too much. I am currently freaking out about oral cancer and am seeing an ENT to get some mouth issues sorted.

I keep Googling. I keep reading up on symptoms, I keep panicking and it just never ends. I am so overwhelmed. My work has SIGNIFICANTLY suffered, as has my parenting.

People tell me not to stress, but as a father of a young child, I am petrified of having cancer and no longer being there for her. Everytime I think of it, get completely overwhelmed. I don't want to leave her, I don't want to be sick. That's all I keep thinking.

My GP has put me on medications, but that's caused its own issues (insomnia, sexual dysfunction, apathy). I have tried some therapy, but it just gets too expensive (psychologists are now charging over $200!).

I don't want to be like this anymore. Test after test, checking on medical symptoms...it's too much.

Re: Health Anxiety - I can no longer function

Mark Z. — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 19:05:38 GMT

Hi SolZeus,

I'm so sorry for the challenges you are facing, I cannot imagine how hard it is for you.

I would suggest you to contact Beyondblue hotline and have a chat with a mental health professional (1300 224 636, 24/7 for free). You may get some new resource or inspiration in addition to your current treatment, which might be helpful.

Hope everything will be better.

Warmly,

Mark

topic Re: Health Anxiety - I can no longer function in Anxiety

Health Anxiety - I can no longer function

Re: Health Anxiety - I can no longer function