Is the health anxiety just about yourself, or others well ?

[breeze25]

i would be interested in people views, as when I am ill I am convinced its something serious and I am going to die, yet when someone else is ill, like my son or husband, I can see the illness/complaint for what it actually is, and don't panic or think irrationally.

[Coni]

I really dont worry too much about my own health but am really obsessive about my husbands and kids health, convinced that every little thing is potentially serious....I'm also a nurse and a little knowledge is definitely a dangerous thing in terms of anxiety.

Coni XX

[angiebaby]

Most obsessed about my own health but overly concerned about my family also.

[beadbabe]

This is a very interesting question indeed and has got me thnking.

Mine almost certainly stems from worry about other people's health. My mum had breast cancer when I was young (but she is still here and well nearly 20 years on), my brother has ME, my little boys both had worrying health problems that landed them in hospital (though nothing actually really serious). I had a multiple sclerosis scare 10 years ago which led to some anxiety. But in the last 18 months I have had panic and anxiety from nowhere and a lot is related to my health. Not others - it is all inwardly focused. It no longer focuses on others but on me. So it has changed.

I just don't think I can cope with illness deep down and it has wrecked my mental health, presumably.

[nachx3]

My biggest worry apart from my own health, is the health of my children. As soon as one of them says I have a headache/tummy ache/feel hot etc. etc. I flip and the anxiety starts.

[seeker]

Solely about me, rather selfishly! Whenever anyone else is ill, I always think 'They'll be fine', but can often never apply the same logic to myself! However, I have been much better lately, thanks to happy pills and supportive friends and family.

[Blackstar]

I'm glad someone brought up this topic! My Health Anxiety is limited to myself, unless I have reason to believe that a family member or friend is likely to be at risk of something serious.

Usually if my partner/mum/dad/friend is anxious about something I can see how unlikely it is and not worry.

Weird!

[Dean]

I only found out i have anxiety like 2 days ago.. up until then i thought i had lung cancer or something similiar... damn tight chest .. now i know what it is its just got worse! ruining my life!

[Gnasher]

I have suffered from this for 25 years, and strangely I am still alive. I only seem to be really worried about myself, if my wife is ill I normally reckon she will get better. If she has a tummy bug, I fall to pieces!

[kimmiepie]

Unfortunately just about me.

If someone else does get ill, I worry about getting it.