Fear of illness

Posted by hajra @hajra, Jul 8, 2023

i always think what would i feel when i come to know i have some of sort of disease and DR will tell me you have 3 months left etc. I am always afraid of such feelings. and i always wonder how do the people with certain disease have such hope and courage to live after they come to know. I have health anxiety , maybe am an overthinker too. My nightmare is that i will come to know suddenlt that i have such short time left and my dreams wont be fulfilled. Maybe this seems stupid. dur to my health anxiety am aiming to become a DR so i would have an idea whats going in my body.
i also want to say to people who are fighting with an illness " I have so much respect and admiration for the way you are fighting your illness. Your perseverance and determination are truly inspiring."

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Miriam, Volunteer Mentor | @mir123 | Jul 8, 2023

It is an interesting question, but I think you might try to address the anxiety more directly. Often anxiety seems to be "about" a topic but is really more generalized. Anxiety might be part of the human condition, but there is a lot you can do to help: exercise is good, cutting down caffeine, being with friends, being in nature. There are drugs as back-up, but I've found good results from lifestyle changes. And therapy, to talk it through. If it appeals to you, spirituality--from organized religion to meditation--can help you feel peaceful and grounded. A 12-step style "higher power" is a great help even outside of 12-step. I wish you the best.

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Jul 9, 2023

@hajra Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. What has led you here?

We need to live and look towards what we want to achieve today, and in long-range plans. Thinking that we have only a limited time to accomplish anything will bring tension, more anxiety. Maybe even make us forego relationships or chances on a day-to-day basis. Dwelling on negative/anxiety provoking things can seem to make them multiply, never a good thing in my opinion!

As @mir123 mentioned, taking as good care of ourselves physically/ emotionally/mentally as we can, will go a long way to easing the "what ifs" of life. Becoming a doctor is a noble idea. How far along in your studies, are you?
Ginger