Terror

I just wondered if anyone has any ways to deal with the feelings of terror or anxiety? I feel as though I can be normal (ish!) in the day, doing normal things but at night I can't sleep and am constantly catastrophising about the worst possible senarios. My heart races and I am panicking until about 3am when I fall asleep. My uncle died from Melanoma and I think this may be contributing to me focussing on the worst case. 

  • It is a very scary time waiting for results - almost the worst part of the process in my view.  Once you have these results I therefore think it might be easier for you.

    Know that what you are experiencing is quite normal and it will pass.

    Also do the usual things to get a good night's sleep eg cutting down on caffeine, avoiding screen time close to bedtime.

    You could also try out breathing exercises and/or look into CBT which teaches techniques to manage "unhelpful thoughts".

    Know that if the worse case scenario happens and you are diagnosed with cancer there are plenty of treatments available and it is not the horror story that it once was.

    I have generally find that things are far worse in anticipation than when they actually happen....

    Oh and you may / may not want to consider medication..

    Hope that helps

  • Thank you so much. I think I am making things worse for myself because I almost feel as though if I don't worry about it and take it seriously then it will be worse, which I know is ridiculous. Will try going for a calming walk this evening and distract myself. Thanks again.