I feel incredibly guilty

For starters, I didn't know where to post this. This is cancer related and I just wanted to ask what I should do.

You most likely saw the title, I feel guilty. I feel guilty over how I worry so much about small symptoms that most likely aren't even cancer. When I come onto the forum, I see people who have cancer writing about how they are fighting it and how they are beating it. I'm very happy for them, but I feel incredibly guilty. I feel bad over how I have a symptom e.g. headache, and then make a big deal out of it. My close relative died a few years ago from cancer and I am paranoid of the illness. It just makes me feel bad, I don't even know how to explain it properly.

  • Hey, I couldn't just read and run. 
     

    I know exactly what you mean, I have severe health anxiety over cancer and it's all consuming. Every lump, sore throat or mouth ulcer I go into full panic mode and Google everything. Then the guilt sets in as my auntie died from breast cancer which spread everywhere two weeks ago :( 
     

    Maybe a talk with your doc may help here? That's what I'm doing to try and curb this horrible anxiety. 
     

    I really hope you're okay and that your anxiety settles soon. 

  • Hi, you cannot help feeling anxious and it is just the way you were made.  If the worry feels overwhelming you should discuss with your doctor.  I have quite significant mental health problems and I was prescribed Pregablin for anxiety.  It is very effective.  Some people are offered Sertraline.  I guess I am a bit like you.  I am certainly very health aware and this stemmed from my working role.  So really distraction when you can manage it - phoning someone to have a chat, losing yourself in a tv programme or flicking through a magazine.

  • Hi, 

    sorry for the incredibly late reply. I'm sorry for your loss. My condolences go to you and your family. When you described about going to google, I do the same. I also have health anxiety and am now receiving counselling to stop the thoughts about cancer. 

    I hope you are well.

  • Hi, 

    Im sorry about the late reply to this post too. The worries did feel overwhelming and I am at this point receiving counselling in order to stop the extreme anxiety about my health. I hope you are also doing well and are feeling better. I'm also doing the distractions you mentioned such as watching the tv and talking to friends.

    I hope you are well.

  • I have severe health anxiety after surviving a serious illness. Yiu can refer yourself to Health in Mind for CBT.

     

    Best wishes 

    J

  • I've said sorry to everyone on this for the late replies. I've been incredibly busy. I hope that you're doing well and hope that you're healthy. I have had CBT therapy.