Big worrier from the UK

[Charl]

Hi, I'm new to this forum..

I've joined because I literally worry about everything in my life, there's not a day goes by where I'm not panicking deep down about something! I don't want to sound silly here but I really just can't help it and didn't know where to turn to until I came across this. For example, at the minute I'm stressing about a cluster of freckles I've had on my back for a few years now and convinced myself it's going to turn into skin cancer - this may have been triggered by the current news stories going on about how one sunburn in childhood (which i did in my teens) can double the risk of skin cancer, i just can't stop panicking. It would be nice to find out how other people deal with their anxiety issues because I really need to learn how to relax...easier said than done!

[needtogetwell]

Welcome Charl,

You have come to a really good place. Our members have varied life experiences, but we all do or have struggled with anxiety.

I'm going to suggest you do quite a bit of reading of threads and ask questions.

You might find Dahilas thread on meditation helpful or 14's sticky thread called Health Anxiety Exposed of great use to you.

One thing is for sure, you are not alone, we all have been where you are.

Cheers
Pam

[JohnC]

Hi Charl, Have you had your doc. check out the spots that you have been worrying about? If not go do it. One thing about skin cancer is very curable. As for the sunburns when your in childhood, uh well I had a bunch of them. Started working for my uncles landscaping company when I was 12 and in the sun all day and I also spent many days on Lake Erie fishing and came home looking like a lobster. When I go to the doc I just have him check them over. He took one off once to check and it was nothing. If I may suggest. Fourteen14 has a thread he started called Health anxiety Exposed. It is very good and you should take the time and read through the whole thing.

[petrified]

Hi charl and welcome great advice already from pam and John I would recommend also getting them checked with your gp if only just to put your mind at rest.
Fourteens thread is really good it's helped me look at my fears differently.

[jessed03]

Hey Charl, repping the uk!

Nice to meet you.

Johns right. Fourteen is building up the thread on health anxiety, and even worry in general. You can go post in there, and he answers questions, chats about stuff. It's a good thread.

Hope to see you around more.

[Charl]

Thank you all for the advice on where to look :) made me feel so welcome and helps a great deal knowing I'm not the only one who worries a lot :) Thanks again!

[sarahadella]

Hi Charl.

I too am from the UK!

My anxiety and worry issues range in severity, there have been times like you when I worry about anything/everything in my life.

I have found excercise to be a really useful tool to help me focus on something else. I have only recently started going to the gym and I can't tell you how much it is helping. I feel better just for doing something for me, I have made life changes recently (I used to drink a lot) so I have cut down on that, I am eating better and just trying to see if 'healhy body - healthy mind' really is the case!

Good luck!