Hypochondria vs Health Anxiety

[it_started_with_kids]

Hi guys, I am new here and a bit nervous about writing because I think it's actually admitting there is something wrong. I have never really been much of a worrier, but after I had my first baby it started. I worry constantly about their health, and my health as then I won't be there to help them and see them grow up. I've had a horrible run over the last 2 months and am feeling rather overwhelmed about it all.

It all started when we camping as i wanted to get my kids out into the wilderness and start to experience nature and my son was bitten by 2 x ticks. Now the fear I have developed about Lymes disease for him is killing me. It's possibly the worst condition to be worried about as it technically doesn't exist in Australia, even though I know of 3 people who have it, one being my aunty. It has no time frame, no particular symptoms, is lifelong and has particular no treatment. It's been 7 weeks since the bite and I still worry about every fever he has or rash he gets. Then I got a UTI that I can't budge with antibiotics (even after 3 rounds), and then the antibiotics started giving my the worst anxiety I have ever felt, like really bad and horrible thoughts coming out of nowhere, then I found a breast lump they needed to remove and then go back and get more out, and then I found some moles that needed removing as well and I have upper epigastric pain that won't go away, an endoscopy incidentally found coeliac as well but no cause for the pain. Awesome. It's the Lymes thats killing me the most because its my baby.

Any tips on how to overcome these fears of mine. I am petrified there is something wrong with me and I wont be able to see my babies grow up. And even worse is I am petrified my son (who already has a heart condition) has Lymes and it will affect the rest of his life, he's only 4. Thanks for listening.

[PamelaR]

Hello It Started With Kids

A very warm welcome to Beyond Blue community. We're pleased you've found your way here. The folk who post here are caring, friendly, supportive and non judgemental.

Anxiety can be the pits and it can be debilitating. The good news though, it is manageable. It definitely sounds that you fear for your sons health along with your own health. I can see how worried you are and sorry you are going through that.

I have PTSD, anxiety and depression which I've lived with for the past 50 odd years, it's really only recently that I've started to manage it so that when I'm triggered can do something about it.

Do you mind if I ask questions as we go along? I find this the best way to support people. There is no pressure though for you to answer anything you don't want to.

Do you know very much about health anxiety? It's good to have more knowledge about these things as it helps to self manage. Do a google search for - Overcoming health anxiety workbook Centre for Clinical Intervention. There is a great deal of material in there that talks about how to control your worry.

Have you seen your doctor about your concerns re lymes disease? It will help you to get a better perspective on it as well, they maybe able to do a test for it. Not sure, you're best asking your gp.

Do you have a family member or a closed trusted friend you can talk to about your anxiety and worries? I find talking with someone really helps. I do this through a psychologist usually, at times with my husband when I need to. A gp can refer to a health professional using a mental health plan. This gives you 10 visits to a health professional that bulk bills.

Other things you could do is a search in Beyond Blue for - Tips for managing anxiety. There are quite a number of threads that you may find useful to read.

Keep reaching out to us, and let us know how you are getting on.

Kind regards

PamelaR