Health anxiety

[Barneybetsy]

my friend has very low self esteem and is suffering from rosacea and also gastritis problems and can’t eat much. Lost over 3 stone she has had a breakdown and cannot talk about anything other than how bad she feels and that now she can’t go out as her face will flush. She’s in an absolute state . All her friends have pulled away as she can only talk about her illness and how she is now really ugly … I am so worried for her. I have tried to encourage her to talk with her GP but she doesn’t want to go on medication as with her stomach is would probably react.

Anyone have any ideas to help her. She is 66 she lives alone and has no family.

She is usually such a fun loving lady who cares so much for other people. More to this problem than can go into here.

[Skyp]

Hi.its good she has such a caring freind in you. She really needs to see her gp.maybe you could tell her that medication will help her through this awful time.gp would know what medication would agree with her. Especially as she has tummy problems. Yes it might take a couple of times to get the right one and the right dosage. Just takes awhile to adjust the sertralin in the brain. I so hope she gets the help she needs.im going through a bad spell at the mo. X

[Barneybetsy in reply to Skyp]

thank you for your reply. I will show her this as what you’re saying I say it might help hearing it from someone else.

It’s difficult with anti depressants as everyone is different and it’s trial and error which is hard when you have unwanted side affect to keep trying different ones.

Wishing you well so sorry you are struggling at the moment and thank you so much for replying .

[cashew78]

Hello. You're doing the only thing you can really do atm; being there for your friend and encouraging them as much as possible. The weight loss you describe is concerning; it's not healthy to loose a lot of weight in a short time (one stone is 16 pounds, no?) and she should be encouraged to seek medical advice on that alone. I have family with serious stomach/gut problems and both IBS & Crohn's disease come to mind. If they're having a hard time going out and not wanting to be seen, perhaps a coffee date at night might help? Good luck, and take care; of both yourself and your friend.

[Barneybetsy in reply to cashew78]

thank you for your reply. She has never suffered with anything like this before and I think it’s mainly been caused by a lot of stress and worry and if she could calm herself and get some sleep (as she can’t sleep with the constant flushing and gut pain) she could come out of it as it’s completely took away her normal life ( she’s can’t work at moment). So many financial worries as she’s now on half pay so everything is like a vicious circle.

Really appreciate your reply wishing you well and your family.

I do meet her once a week but she is so upset and is so worried her face will flush but it tends to do that at night, so preying that the rosacea gets better she’s on antibiotics so really hoping this will help.

[EsmeLu]

I’ve had Rosacea since I was 25. It’s not a big deal. Medication is applied directly to the face in a cream or lotion. And she has to moisturize her face, which most women do anyway. She may be having a problem with aging, it happens to ma y people. Encourage her to speak to a counselor or to an organization that can help her. She should also mention it to her GP. Tell her I’m young enough to be her daughter and I have what she has. I also have high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and migraines. If I can do it so can she. You’re a very good friend and she’s lucky to have you. If you think she might be depressed encourage her to seek counseling and see a psychiatrist for meds. Life is too short to spend it depressed.

[Barneybetsy in reply to EsmeLu]

Thank you so much for your reply I will read this to her thank you so much. so sorry to hear you have so much going on yourself and so young I really hope things get easier for you. Please look after yourself I hope you are getting the help you need to x big hug

[EsmeLu in reply to Barneybetsy]

Thank you. I am. II have a psychiatrist, therapist, GP, and several specialists for my different problems. I take my meds and do as I’m told. I have more good days now than bad days. I will pray the same happens for your friend. She just has to make the effort. Sending you both hugs and good wishes.

[QuiltLady]

A few years ago I finally asked my dermatologist about my red skin that looked broken out and she gave me a cream called Soolantra with 1% Ivermectin and my face cleared up in a week or less! I now use it on occasion when it seems to be getting a little red again. I couldn't believe how nice and smooth my skin felt! It's a little pricey but her insurance may cover it like mine did.

[Barneybetsy in reply to QuiltLady]

Thank you I will try to get this cream we are in the uk so not sure it’s here but will definitely look thank you 🙏

[EsmeLu in reply to Barneybetsy]

If not the same I’m sure they have an equivalent. What I use for my Rosacea is an older, cheaper medicine that works well for me. So there are options.