I feel like I’m dying

[Beautiful]

I suffer with extreme anxiety surrounding my health mainly.

I haven’t slept the past 2 weeks

ive had certain gynaecological symptoms and have it in my head I’m dying of ovarian cancer and have possibly months to live...

I’m scared and feel out of control

ive been for scans today and my anxiousness has peaked

[Doolhof]

Hi Beautiful,

Sorry to read you are in such a horrible state right now. Do you have an appointment booked to talk with your Dr about the results of your scan?

As you are feeling so anxious, is it possible to make an emergency appointment with the medical centre/your Dr to get some help?

You could use the phone help line here at Beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 and talk to someone about how you are feeling.

Have there been strategies in the past that have helped you reduce your anxiety levels? Could you try and implement some of those things? Could you find something to distract yourself? Having awful thoughts going around and around in our heads can really make everything seem so much worse.

As I don't know your situation, I am certainly not discounting your concerns for having cancer. Knowing the results of the tests is very important. Once you know what is going on, you can start to find ways to deal with any issues that are there.

Do you have people there whom you can talk with regarding how you are feeling?

Keep writing here if it helps you. I know messages are not on the screen instantly, but it is a form of reaching out for help, assistance, understanding and validation of your issues.

I hope you find a way to reduce your anxiety and also hope your scans are okay.

Cheers for now from Dools

[Beautiful]

Thanks Doolhof!

yes I’ve spoken to Drs, I’ve called the beyondblue help line. What’s different with an anxious mind it’s very hard to rationalise. I’m at my worst early hours of the morning when most are sleeping.

my anxiousness is getting worse as I’m getting older, I’m always fearful of getting seriously sick, and not being able to support myself, and being out of control.

i do everything in my power to make sure I’m ok, constantly at the drs and getting scans to make sure I’m healthy.

all it takes is a pain somewhere in my body to really set my anxiety into overload.

i do see a therapist monthly which helps, and I can go quite a while feeling ok, but this past couple of weeks has been hell mentally and physically, not to mention putting a strain on my partner who loves me dearly.

i also fear my anxiety will drive him away.

[Doolhof]

Hi Beautiful,

Have the Drs or therapist been able to provide you with strategies, thoughts and ideas that will help with your anxiety before it becomes such a burden?

I do realise from my own experiences that it is not always easy to implement these ideas when you are going through a horrid state of anxiety!

My psychologists recommends the CBT theory where you write stuff down and go through different options, what will actually happen, what might happen and so on. The last thing I am going to do when I am going through an episode is to find paper and pen to write all of that down!

I understand the reasoning behind it, and if it is possible to do so I will try and use that formula. It just isn't always possible.

So what can you try? You have regular visits to your Dr to ensure you are not suffering from anything that needs attention, that is great. Do you feel a sense of relief when you discover there is nothing wrong?

Have you done much reading about anxiety? I have borrowed some books from the library and there are certainly lots of books on line if you are able to afford them.

Could you invite your partner to join you at a therapy session. The therapist may be able to suggest ways your partner can assist you to stop the anxiety from escalating and to learn more about anxiety to understand how you are feeling.

Communication always helps. Have a chat with your partner about your concerns, as your thoughts will be adding to your anxiety about Anxiety!

Cheers from Doolhof