monkfishjoe
21-05-11, 19:41
Hi, firstly I'm sorry if a similar post has been written before. Please bear with me.
Some history: I'm 28 and have suffered anxiety and depression on and off since I was about 13 (and have been 'successfully' treated for these at various points). I have recently (6 weeks ago) been diagnosed with anxiety and depression, but it is unlike anything I have felt before. I was admitted to hospital, suddenly to have my appendix removed and since then have had massive health anxiety.
SInce coming out of hospital I have 'had' heart attack, stroke, bowel cancer, prostate cancer, brain tumour and my new fear vCJD... This is all in the space of 5 weeks.
I am having at least one panic attack every day and feel in the past few days, feel that they are getting worse. They are more extreme and it is taking longer for me to calm dowm.
In the past I have always been able to rationalise things and convince myself that the chances of having any of these things is very small. I have also been able to believe doctors and other people when they say 'You don't have illness X'. Now, I can't. I am constantly thinking that I have been mis-diagnosed or that the Dr has missed something.
Is this normal? I know the hospital visit could be seen as the trigger, but I've never felt so scared and out of control as I have these past 6 weeks.
I genuinely didn't know anxiety/panic could affect me for most of my waking hours, every day.
Any reassurance from people with similar experiences would be greatly welcomed.
Some history: I'm 28 and have suffered anxiety and depression on and off since I was about 13 (and have been 'successfully' treated for these at various points). I have recently (6 weeks ago) been diagnosed with anxiety and depression, but it is unlike anything I have felt before. I was admitted to hospital, suddenly to have my appendix removed and since then have had massive health anxiety.
SInce coming out of hospital I have 'had' heart attack, stroke, bowel cancer, prostate cancer, brain tumour and my new fear vCJD... This is all in the space of 5 weeks.
I am having at least one panic attack every day and feel in the past few days, feel that they are getting worse. They are more extreme and it is taking longer for me to calm dowm.
In the past I have always been able to rationalise things and convince myself that the chances of having any of these things is very small. I have also been able to believe doctors and other people when they say 'You don't have illness X'. Now, I can't. I am constantly thinking that I have been mis-diagnosed or that the Dr has missed something.
Is this normal? I know the hospital visit could be seen as the trigger, but I've never felt so scared and out of control as I have these past 6 weeks.
I genuinely didn't know anxiety/panic could affect me for most of my waking hours, every day.
Any reassurance from people with similar experiences would be greatly welcomed.