Constant fear of Cardiac arrest/death

[Anxiousthoughts247]

Hi all

I'm hoping someone can relate as I'm feeling very alone, I have a fear of dropping dead at any time and even in my sleep. I had some heart palpitations a couple of months back but ECG, echocardiogram, stress test and cardiologist all say my heart is fine. I also have MS, which gives me tremors sometimes. I find myself on google for hours looking up the chances of me dying which is 90% if it did happen, and the cause of it so I can try avoid it but it doesn't help it just makes it worse. I am 33 and genuinely scared to leave my bedroom. I am alone alot which also causes me panic, what if something happens and I can't get help. This has taken over my life and its all I can think about. If I feel a tiny bit lightheaded my brain goes oh this is it you're done for. Please tell me there is others out there

[RB47]

Hang on and it will get better. I have been there before. I have been Ina tailspin with health anxiety for the last two weeks. I have been where you are and have several years without anxiety and in and out with it. Try to eat healthier, avoid caffeine, get outside and go on walks which is hard when you think raising your heart rate is going be catastrophic. When I can stay busy and not alone in my head I tend to feel better.

[OO8OO]

With anxiety our minds take control of us,rather than the other way around. You would have to become conscious of fear being evoked by the thoughts that pop up in your mind. Then you can become aware that it is your thoughts that cause distress,not an actual emergency. Death itself is not scary,but the fear of it.When dead,there is no worry. Practically,expose yourself incrementally to scary situations to rewire the brain.Avoidance,paradoxically, will create more anxiety.

[Lovefrance in reply to OO8OO]

Hi there. Believe me, you are not alone in this. There are so many of us on here that suffer like you, so we all know what you are going through. Don’t be afraid to get in touch when you are anxious and need help. People will always reply and try and reassure you. If this continues, perhaps a chat to your doctor would help. He may suggest some antidepressants and some counselling. Do you have family and friends nearby. Is there someone you feel you could talk to. If you can’t go out, that’s a problem. Do you have a garden you could walk around or a friend who would walk a just a little waydown the road with you. Try and do some yoga, there are some good sites online. Mindfulness is great too. Again online. Like people have said, it’s all about training your mind to think differently. It takes time and it’s not something that will happen overnight. Group therapy would be good for you.Again, speak to your doctor about this. My surgery has a mental health nurse, so perhaps yours does too. Try to eat healthily, drink lots of water too.

Hope this helps and good luck.