Anxiety due to PAF

[Maratella]

Hi everyone, I'm struggling with anxiety about my future, living with PAF. I'm 53 years old. My condition has changed over the last few days and I'm waiting to see the Cardiologist. I feel constantly sick with worry and feel exhausted. Sorry this sounds pathetic when I know there will be others in a worse place. Any tips to help deal with this would be most appreciated. Thank you

[steveWa]

Hi Maratella.

I'm sorry to hear that you are worrying so much about your health.

It's not pathetic, it's perfectly understandable - the fear of the unknown, what might happen, sits in the corner of our minds waiting to pounce! The natural tendency is to assume the worst rather than to assume the best outcome which, in your case, could be a course of medication that will control your condition and allow you to lead a long, healthy, normal life.

Some CBT could help. Try, for example, writing down the unhelpful thoughts you have and write down next to them an alternative, more positive, way of thinking about your health.

I wish you all the best.

[Anon2023]

hi. I’m the same age as you, diagnosed with heart problems 2 years ago. It was a complete shock and I’ve really struggled with living with the uncertainty of having a progressive heart condition. What you are feeling is a normal reaction to your circumstances. I’ve tried quite a lot of talking therapies and while I didn’t find them particularly helpful for me, they might work for you. One thing that really helps me is to plan things to do in the future so that I have things to look forward to. I also take antidepressants which I think have helped. Talking to people in the same situation can help so don’t be afraid to reach out when you need support. X