Unable to control anxiety and panic

[Overwithit]

I have been diagnosed with possible lung cancer - getting further tests done in two more days. I cannot control the anxiety that is overtaking me with the waiting. Of course I think the worse and play out every possible bad outcome. Any ideas?

[Agora1]

Overwithit, the waiting game can send anyone's anxiety soaring, even thosewithout anxiety. The difference is that we can use different tools while waiting.

Meditation and Relaxation can help lower the adrenaline. Since we are more familiar

with the game anxiety plays with our mind.

What I usually tell myself is that it does no good to worry because whatever is there

is there. I cannot change the results of a test. However, I can keep myself from wearing

down so that I will be ready to face any challenge that I need to.

Until it is confirmed one way or the other, you still are the same person. Nothing has changed except your negative thoughts keeping you in wonder.

Relax your shoulders and breathe calming breaths.

Whatever the test results, you will get through this and we will be right behind you

in support. xx

[dan3891]

Hi Overwithit, I've never had the problem of wondering whether I have a possible life-threatening medical condition, but I definitely relate to worrying and conjuring up worst-case scenarios in my head. And such scary images causes me to feel intense anxiety, as if it were real, and cause me great distress too.

You are not alone! It is very hard, even for me, but you have to stay in the present and focus on what is. As well as meditation and relaxation that Agora1 already suggested, try to distract yourself, whether watching some funny movie, or even do mindless chores. Just anything to get your mind away from you thinking about what your possible diagnosis will be, so you don't cause yourself so much distress.

Normally, distraction works up to a point, as one will have to face their fears at some point, but in your case, you really do not have to do anything, as the test results will appear, and you will have no control over that. If you have trusted family or friends, do reach out to them too, so you don't feel alone.

With much love and care, I hope this comforted you in some way.

[Moonira in reply to dan3891]

Verrry sorry you received your diagnosis. But the battle is not over...there are treatments now that did not exist 5, 10 years ago. All the suggestions in the previous posts are great. Hope you try..we are a community here of people who care...write and vent your feelings whenever you feel like it. Sending hugs, prayers for you.💫👏💫💐

[Daveacr1959]

I can relate, I was diagnosed with cancer 2 years ago in February. After treatment and surgery I am in remission. But I freak out when a new pain comes and goes. Things that help me. 6-8 hours of sleep each day. Before I get out of bed I do the Wim Hof guided breathing exercises free on you tube. You can do them 3 times daily for stress. 30-40 minutes of daily cardio exercise. And the game changer a 5 minute cold shower to just rinse a couple times a day.

[designguy]

Hello Overit, so sorry to read of your situation. Besides some of the good advice here, I suggest letting yourself feel the fear and have the scary thoughts and feelings and try to be as kind to yourself as possible about them. One of the things that increases the intensity and duration of anxiety is resistance and in your situation it's really normal to have fearful thoughts and feelings anybody would. Try also to bring yourself back to the present by focusing on your breathing and making note of what you see in your room, in front of you, etc... Write out the anger and fear you feel to purge it and just let it flow, it is also a good way to release anxious energy. Don't worry how it looks or spelling, etc... just let it flow out. Throw it away afterward if you want. And please let us know how you are doing.

[Jsteve36]

I'm sorry about the possible diagnosis.I too am going through high anxiety and depression, I have been a smoker for 23 years and trying to quit, it has taken a toll on my health, I still have to go to my doc appointment in March which is the earliest they can get me in, I'm in fear of oral/throat/lung cancer so I can understand your situation.