Cancer phobia is ruining my life

Some backstory on how this started. I am a 14 year old boy(UK just incase necessary) I have quite a healthy lifestyle, although occasionally I spirale into having an unhealthy day although it is usually when I'm playing with a friend or something.

 

On the 20th of September 2021, I got a positive coronavirus test, this is evidently the cause that has instigated my fears.

My symptoms were quite severe, mainly shortness of breath, and coughing.

On the 28th of September, I did two more tests and both were negative. Anyways my problem is that I am still experiencing shortness of breath all the time and my heart hurts.

 

I keep googling every symptom and I'm really scared I have lung cancer or another heart condition. I cannot get this though out of my head, which is scary because it may interfere with my exams/school stuff as I am in year 10.

 

The cycle goes of getting worried, temporary relief but than I just get worried again by googling symptoms. My mum(a week ago) said that my shortness of breath is deriving from my anxiety which I agreed with until I woke up one day and I do not have anxiety when I wake up, I can assure you, but anyways I could not yawn or take a deep breath. 

I do not feel fatigue, it hasn't interrupted my sleep or anything like that, but it is just constant and feels like it will never go away.

 

This has caused me to be a hypochondriac, sometimes reassurance helps me or listening to music but I just think that my life is going to be cut short. When I was younger, when I heard about someone dying of cancer(even fictional) I'd worry for like a day but then it'd go, especially in younger people, but now I can't let it go and I fear every goal of mine won't happen due to me dying before then.

 

(Side Note: Sorry if stuff was repeated, I have not done this kind of thing before)

  • Hi there,

    I'm sorry to hear of the difficulties you're experiencing. Some of this could be due to longer-term effects of coronavirus, but if you're still getting ongoing symptoms then it's a doctor who would be placed placed to advise on this. If you continue to experience symptoms, discuss this with a trusted adult and then make an appointment if necessary.

    I'd encourage you to steer clear of Google as a lot of the information will be irrelevant and will only lead to further worry. It may also be the case that this forum will only increase your worries as it's not likely to be the best place for you to find answers.

    I hope things ease soon for you and as I say, do speak to a doctor if things don't improve.

    All the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator