Do your panic symptoms kick in when you hear about someone's health crisis or death?

[Rathgar]

Hi all,
Yesterday at work we were called into a meeting to tell us that a colleague had passed away at age 33 - information was spotty but it was enough to set me into a tailspin the last 24 hours. I did not know the person but I was told (over and over as people congregate and talk) that she was overweight, suffering some respiratory issues or bronchitis and heart stopped in ambulance (at least this is what was being said at work).

So, now I feel twinges in my chest - I actually think I feel pain in my chest. I thought I felt my heart jump or skip a beat a few times this morning. I tried to tell myself the coffee could have affected me, but my brain is not listening.

I have not had a full blown panic attack (maybe because of the Citalopram) but my brain is still panicking. I am sweating and just need to tell someone. That's why I'm here.

Anyone have any advice?
Thanks in advance

 

[cheer_mom]

Breathe. My dad has active lung cancer and anytime he visits doctor, I get so anxious. If either of my parents say the don't feel well, then I get panicked. I definitely get crazy anxious when someone dies. You are not alone.

 

[MainerMikeBrown]

I actually don't get worried about my physical health when I hear about someone else's health crisis or death, in part, because I've been healthy physically all of my life.

 

[matisworried]

i do... especially if they're my age or younger and died of natural causes (things like accidents don't trigger me.) that's when it's important to breathe and remind myself that I am fine.

 

[Imara]

You are definitely not alone in this.


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[MainerMikeBrown]

A person is less likely to worry about something happening to him/her if that something has never happened to him or her before. That's part of why I don't worry about serious physical illnesses. I've been healthy physically throughout my life, fortunately.

 

[bin_tenn]

I used to. I'd project their situation onto my own wellbeing, especially if they were around my age. I'd think "wow, if it happened to them, it can (will?) definitely happen to me!" I've since learned to let go of that, but I completely understand the feeling, and it makes sense.