Here for some help from fellow worriers

[WorriedAsAlways]

Hi everyone,

My name is Jen. I have been dealing with health anxiety for about 1.5 years. Due to a bad breakup, my doctor prescribed me Prozac. Day 2 of taking it, I had my first panic attack. They my say I had an allergic reaction. Ever since then, I have suffered from worse anxiety that turned into health concerns.

I am so sick of thinking I have cancer or some serious illness. I work in Workers Compensation so I am constantly surrounded by health conditions. I am so sad that I can’t stop thinking that I am dying and my kids won’t have me. This is a horrible phobia I don’t wish upon anyone.

I go in and out of episodes. I am currently in the middle of one now. I function really well despite my concerns and fool everyone around me that I am just peachy.

I lost all my friends due to my previous relationship and have no one to talk to or cry on a shoulder of. I know deep down I am ok, but I can’t stop thinking what if. How does this stop? They physical manifestations of my worry are horrible.

I really just need a community to talk to and learn to overcome my fears of the unknown. Sorry to start off a Debbie downer but I could really use a friend or two right now. I love life and my kids but am just so miserable thinking I am going to die before I actually get to live.

 

[EvaGisele]

I totally get what you’re saying. I work in social services and I hear lots of bad stories that I worry will happen to me. I have health anxiety and am sometimes scared to take even an aspirin for fear of some rare bad reaction. I hide this really well. I don’t really have anyone to talk with about this either. I have such a fear of the future, of ending up all alone and unnoticed. Anxiety leads me to keep
people at arm’s length, so I don’t have many really good friends.

 

[triceps]

I totally get what you’re saying. I work in social services and I hear lots of bad stories that I worry will happen to me. I have health anxiety and am sometimes scared to take even an aspirin for fear of some rare bad reaction. I hide this really well. I don’t really have anyone to talk with about this either. I have such a fear of the future, of ending up all alone and unnoticed. Anxiety leads me to keep
people at arm’s length, so I don’t have many really good friends.

Can I suggest that you speak with who you consider your best friend who given some time will have an understanding and be a resource for you.

 

[EvaGisele]

Thanks, triceps. I’m going to start being more open with some people, some of whom have anxiety too! I guess I’ve just always felt the need to keep up a strong facade.

 

[triceps]

Thanks, triceps. I’m going to start being more open with some people, some of whom have anxiety too! I guess I’ve just always felt the need to keep up a strong facade.

I was able to keep up that facade for many years. As I got older I just didn't have the mental energy to hide the anxiety which slowly was getting worse.