I’m soo scared

1. Hi, i’m a 14 year old female who is currently struggling with anxiety. I havent had a death in my family recently, however 2 years ago in 2022 I thought I was going to have a heart attack because my left arm was hurting and after that i’m always googling symptoms. In december 2023 I was playing football at school and I got really hot and sweaty, however didn’t think anything of it because this was a daily occurrence for me. I play the drums and straight after I was playing my drums, of course they are loud and straight after I went to my maths class and felt really sick and weak and had a very bad headache. This confused me and I had a really strong need for water. Anyway I went home sick in third period. This happened again in january, however I think I had a fever. But it starts because of a headache. And I dont know if it is just a fever but it usually is started by loud noises and warm places, sometimes bright lights or if i wear my glasses for a longer time then usual of after not wearing them for a while. But I can tell if it’s going to happen because I get a headache. 

2. Recently, i’ve noticed that I have been getting quite a few headaches which is quite unusual for me. They are more common on the side of my head, sometimes at the back and sometimes behind my eyes. But i’ve noticed that this has been happening for ages and i’m saying years. I googled it and it said brain cancer. With my anxiety and the fact I probably have a very bad fear of death and being sick. The other symptoms i’m not sure i’ve had. I haven’t had a seizure or fit. i’m not usually feeling sick or being sick, however i’m usually tired or sometimes i’m not. My memory feels like it has gotten worse but it could just be that i’ve always been like that and not taken a note to it. When I say worse I mean I sometimes forget the names of celebrities that I should know, stuff like that. And my vision since year 8 so 2021 and 2022 has been getting worse but I think it’s because i’ve been spending too much time on my devices and my option hasn’t said anything apart from that. I’m just scare. I know it is probably my anxiety but I cant help but be scared. I feel like my eyes are bit heavy too. But this could’ve be my anxiety giving me all of these symptoms i’m not sure. Most of them link to stress and I think that is it since i’m doing my GCSEs. Please help!! 

  • Hello. I think your anxiety is manifesting physical symptoms. Our bodies are very clever at making us feel actually unwell if our minds are in constant overdrive, thinking and thinking and worrying and stressing. I'm sure you are just fine. GCSEs will be making you stressed I'm sure. Instead of panicking, try and do a guided meditation free from YouTube and remember you will be OK. You're young. Don't put pressure on yourself re exams. Just do your best. You'll always have options in life. Take care. 

  • Hi and thanks for your post,

    I am really sorry to hear that you are feeling so anxious about your health.

    The cancer forum is really not the place for us to tell people what is wrong with them. If you are concerned about your health then do share how you are feeling with a trusted adult or your GP. We are unable to diagnose anyone. 

    It can be very lonely worrying about your health on your own. Health anxiety can be exhausting and do remember cancer at your age is not common.

    There are various organisations that help people manage their anxiety. There is an organisation called Anxiety UK which you can see here

    There is also an organisation called Young Minds which you can see here

    I can understand that doing public examinations can be stressful so if there is a teacher who you trust do share how you are feeling with them.

    The most important thing is to let those around you know that you are struggling and that you need help to try and manage your anxiety.

    I wish you all the best and hope that you are able to share this with someone.

    Take care,

    Catherine