Anxious and worried :-(

Hi everyone I know this must have been asked many times before but can anyone offer advice on how to stop googling symptoms and worrying about appointments? 
I've had a mouth ulcer for several weeks and completely convinced it's something bad. My dentist referred me to a specialist under the 2 week referral scheme and I'm preparing for the worst, I can't sleep or even speak to people because my mind has just gone completely erratic, I feel like I've looked up every page on google relating to my symptoms and what sort of treatment might be offered etc. It's driving me mad, can anyone recommend ways to forget about things like this, things to do or links for meditation and reassurance etc? I'm a 39 year old male, live alone and got lots of friends and family but I can't bring myself to speak to any of them because I feel really guilty. 
I acknowledge many people have been through much worse than this so my situation may seem relatively minor - but any advice on this would be hugely appreciated. Thank you and all the very best to you all. 

  • Hi there 

    I'm sorry to hear that you are suffering at the moment, I'm very much the same as you, my symptoms are stomach/bowel related but like you have been referred on the 2 week wait pathway and I have done nothing but google my symptoms looking for answers, it's consumed my life. I try and take my mind off of it by engageing in different activities but it isn't long before my focus is back to my symptoms and googling. There are so many wonderful meditation videos on YouTube, have a look at them and find one that you like, it will be difficult at first to silence the mind but keep at it and hopefully it will get better and distract you a little. 

    Have you had a date for your referral yet ? 
     

     

  • Hi Mazey hope you're ok, my appointment is on 5th May but it's only a telephone consultation because of the current circumstances. I understand these sort of things  are all delayed at the moment which just adds to the anxiety. 
    Have you got a date yet? I can totally relate to what you say about searching online endlessly for reassurance, it's so frustrating isn't it. I guess many people are in the same boat, some in a worse situation too with regards to cancelled or delayed treatment. Thanks for the YouTube advice I shall take a look, if anyone else has any other advice please feel free to post.

  • Hi sorry to hear you're going through something like this. Im going through some gynae probs atm and feel like im always worrying myself. I have a scan at the hospital tomorrow and am very worried especially because of the current situation. 

     

    In terms of distractions i find going for a drive/change in scenery  helps. Praying helps  (dont know your faith situation). Also doing things like playing games and watching completely unrelated documentaries on youtube. Like vice documentaries. E.g guy who only eats mac n cheese for the last 17years. I watched quiz on itv. I know this might not be helpful but i find when youre distracted u forget your worries. Hope this helps 

  • Hi Maya sorry to hear you’re going through something similar, thanks for all the recommendations I’ve taken to playing the PS4 which helps distract me for a bit. I find great comfort in going to bed and sleeping for as long as possible, I don’t know why that is but it’s all I look forward to. Sounds silly I know, I guess it’s because I’m asleep so I can’t be thinking about anything too bad. Do you have an appointment lined up?