Struggling with anxiety - fear of getting health issues.

[Claire89uk]

Ive been suffering from anxiety and nervousness my whole life. But in the last 4 months, my anxiety has become worse and resulted in anxiety attacks. I thought i was coping for the most part but the last 3 to 4 weeks have completely taken all my mental strength. Now ive been signed off work for a month and been given sertraline to help. Last night i had the worst night ever. I barely slept. My mind was racing about every thing which has ever worried me. I know i am a healthy person but since my gran passed away nearly 2 months ago ive been terrified that im going to get really sick. Most of my attacks come from this fear. Fear of getting sick. Fear of dying. It becomes so scary at that moment in time, i truly believe im sick or dying.

Does anyone get this anxiety even though they are according to medicial professionals perfectly healthy? How do you cope with this? Is it best to speak to a counsellor or therapist? Im really struggling and i want to get my life back on track. Im aiming to enrol back into college to become a teacher assistant. Its what i really want to do. But im getting more concerned that this anxiety will control my life.

[RyRywifey]

Hi Claire and welcome to the community 😌 I'm so sorry you are going thru this, as I know first hand how awful this is (my most recent post) I'm currently going through the same thing. But I convince myself of incurable diseases and become so depressed of the fear that I have them (at different times) that it keeps me from being happy and functioning properly smh, you're not alone at all and I hope you find comfort in knowing that and I'm hopeful that joining this community will help you get through this. Anxiety is a liar, please know that

[GMason]

I get health anxiety too, it's really hard, I have been getting private blood tests done recently, maybe that would help?

The NHS offers a really basic range of services, sometimes paying for things can help

[Agora1]

Hi Claire89uk, our generalized anxiety sets us up for Health Anxiety when we ourselves have gone through an illness or surgery as well as when someone near to us passes. I am truly sorry for the passing of your grandmother. It is always a rude awakening in life. Now that you have been signed off from work for 1 month as well as put on Sertraline, it would be an optimal time to seek out therapy. Medication and therapy work well together in allowing you to address your issues with health and dying. You WILL get your life back on track. Pursue your dream of enrolling in college and becoming a teacher's assistant. Do this for yourself but know that your grandmother will be watching over you and guiding you through each step.

You are never alone. I'm so glad you found this forum where you can receive the support and understanding we all need at certain times of our lives. My best to you x