Hi, I haven't posted on a forum before but I feel like I desperately need to talk about all this.
It all started a few years ago when my mum told me to get a mole checked out. I did, and it was fine. I didn't think much of it at the time but over time I became more and more paranoid. I can't stop thinking about every mole now, and it's to the point where I'm in the bathroom every morning and night, checking my moles and then crying because I'm convinced I have skin cancer and it's too late. I made an appointment with a dermatologist next Friday, but all that's done is making me count down to when I'll get the bad news.
I've also noticed that this anxiety is spreading to other areas in my life. I can't travel because I'm paranoid of crashing, can't be a passenger because I'm constantly telling the driver to slow down, watch out, be careful etc. Driving past intersections and seeing a car coming to it from the side makes my whole body freeze because I'm sure they're going to hit me.
And at home, before I go to bed or leave the house (even just for 10 minutes) I have to go through and make sure every plug in the house is switched off (otherwise it could start a fire) and then I have to check them all again before I leave the house, and again before I drive away (just in case I forgot any)
I'm losing sleep, can't enjoy my down time because I am sure I'm going to be gone soon. Haven't done anything with my life yet - I want to travel and do more but I'm too scared to even leave this city.
Hi Sophie, you aren't the first person to feel the way you do. Anxiety is an awful thing and does take over your life. I was once told by my doctor learn to control it not let it control you, which I do try to do. When you get worked up just take time out and do some deep breathing, listening to your favourite music and chill out or your favourite to programme, it does help. Hope this helps you xx
Hi Sophie I think that maybe having a bit of a scare with the mole, it made you aware of your own vunerability, and how fragile life actually is, we all encounter this at some point, but most people are able to keep things in perspective and not dwell on the negative side of everything.
Its quite normal to be anxious about health problems but not good to dwell on them.
I am sure all your paranoia stems from the original scare, but do try to stop checking your moles etc, and all the other things you describe.
Yes be careful, yes be health aware, but you have to enjoy life as well, and stop worrying, we are all in the same bolt, we are all vunerable, and can waste valuable time worrying about things that may never happen, all that worry does is waste the time we should be enjoying.
It sounds like anxiety and OCD. You need to consult a therapist and do psychotherapy. It is really helpful. You NEED to do that. You don't deserve to suffer like this. Best of luck and keep us updated!
dont let this escalate. MY son then about 12 years old had a big mole on his arm about an inch in length there was no problem because it was brown and even around trhe edges ( symetrical) then it went dark and lumpy and as a precautionary measure it was removed. Now this was extreme. YOu should be going on the net and looking at the pictures of cancerous moles, They are usually pinky and also assymetrical or ragged edged these are the main signs. Regarding your anxieties, some are morbid which require antidepressant to take that aspect out of the picture first, you are anticipating the worst, this is as I say depressive, then the anxiety comes for which you need something like Gabapentin I not vallium which is addictive, I take gabapentin and find it a great help.
Hey everyone, thanks for all your replies!
I went to the doctor today to talk about how I've been feeling - because it's getting worse. He told me it sounds like I have generalised anxiety disorder and prescribed me with paroxetine and diazepam. I'm meant to take my first dose tomorrow morning but after hearing about potential side effects I'm feeling more anxious again!
And I still have one week until I can get checked out by a dermatologist. It's good being able to say what's causing this stress but at the same time it's made it worse.
Has anyone here had anything to do with either of the pills he's prescribed?
I know exactly how you feel. Almost 2 years ago I was shopping and for no reason went down to my knees. Went to ER. They did blood work, CT scan everything good. They sent me home. Next morning I woke up to the room spinning. Back to ER diagnosed me with vertigo. My life has not been the same since. Shortly after I started having head pressure and was convinced I had a brain tumor. Had an MRI it was good. There is not a day that goes by where something doesn't bother me and I convince myself this is my last day. It is either pain in my chest, pain in my head, weak legs you name it I have it. Once something happens anxiety kicks in like crazy and I can't stop it. I know it has to be anxiety because if I am having chest discomfort and all of a sudden I get a pain in my head the chest discomfort is gone and all I feel is the pain in my head. My dad died of ALS and this morning I woke up with jelly like legs and am now convinced I am in the beginning stages of ALS. Vicious cycle. The sad part of this is up until I went down to my knees I never let a thing bother me my whole life. By the way I was 65 when this happened. I am now 67 and it has been the worst 2 years of my life. I just want my old life back and stop worrying about every little twinge that I get. I wish us all good health and no more anxiety