Looking for help/advice guys. My uncle passed away suddenly last week aged 42 and I’v been in a high state of anxiety since and just cannot relax or stop the negative thoughts. I was in between panic attacks all through the wake and funeral, living on Xanax to get me through. I usually only have a Xanax when I really need them, maybe one twice a week at this stage but I have taken 3 per day over the last week just to give my mind and body a break from the stress/fear. I have health anxiety and my main fear is a heart attack and that’s what my uncle died from, his dad, my grandad died of a heart attack at age 45 and his sister, my mum died from cancer at age 32. Now I just fear we are cursed or something. All throughout the wake/funeral I was imagining it being me and just couldn’t stop.
I don’t know what to do. What can GP do for me? I’m already on prozac and take Xanax when needed. Thanks for reading x
Hi Ckd123
Sorry to hear about your uncle’s passing.
It sounds like you are fairly young and likely in good physical health so... you are not likely to die today. Breathe, go for a walk, do something to distract your mind.
I would suggest you focus on what’s within your control:
1) breathe
2) get your gp to do a physical exam to establish your baseline health and risk factors. Then develop a plan that incorporates rest, meds, exercise, and diet.
3) if you have not already done so get a referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist
4) focus on controlling what you can control and accepting what is out of your control.
I don’t think your family is “cursed”. There may be some congenital health factors you have to deal with but I would suggest you start with the facts and go from there.
Hope that helps.
Thanks for reply Larslo. I’m actually not that young, I’m 35, just close in age to my mothers younger siblings. My mum died 23 years ago at the age of 32 and when I turned 32 a few years ago that’s when I developed severe health anxiety, although I’v always had a touch of anxiety, even as a child.
I’m trying to relax and be good to myself but I have a ten month old that keeps me on my toes. I couldn’t be alone with her today as I was afraid I’d die and she’d be left alone all day hungry and doing god knows what until my older kids and husband get home. I’m just so afraid right now
If I’m to be honest I would suggest your fears are a little unrealistic. You probably know that intellectually already.
I think you need to have a further discussion with a psychiatrist about meds and some of the unresolved issues around your mother’s passing.
In the interim, I would suggest you take the Xanax as prescribed or as necessary so that you can function.
Oh definitely, when I’m being rational I know my fears are unrealistic. I had been doing so well and had some sort of grip on the anxiety until last week. It’s at it’s worse now again and I’m a bit lost as to what to do next.
I will continue to take the Xanax and make an appointment with a psychologist for this week.
Thanks again for reply x
Sounds like a great plan to me!
As a long time survivor of anxiety disorders ( im 63) I have learned that anxiety is stress related. So it doesn’t surprise me that a death in your family (the stressor) would trigger this response.
I think the challenge for all of us is to try to respond more positively to stress. For me this includes understanding what I’m afraid of, gaining perspective, and minimizing worry.
You have a lot to live for. I wish you all the best 😎
I had a baby at age 38, nearly died through it, 3 months later went into heart failure and nearly died from it. Cardiomyopathy runs rampant in my family and I was told that that was most likely what I had. So with a new baby (and a couple older children), I thought I’d be spending the rest of my life just trying to survive....I’m now almost at a normal heart ejection fraction and working full time construction with my husband....don’t limit yourself by the fear of death! Having said that, anxiety is still my biggest battle in life and it’s been stealing my joy...let’s get through this! We can do it!
That sounds tough. I’d love to be my old self again, a person who barely gave death a second thought xx
Life is always changing. We never know what’s around the next corner. We often fear the worst, but great things are waiting too
I believe that too Rril. Life never stops amazing me