I keep having a phobia of having health problems and death. What do I do?

Question

Please help. I keep thinking about my cancer-diagnosed grandmother who will die soon, and I'm afraid that i'll have a disease, and i just can't stand the fact of death. Help!

Answer 1

Hello teentitan,

I am very sorry to hear about your grandmother. I know that it is a very difficult time.

It is a fact of life that we all have to die, and a fear of death can stop us from enjoying the adventure and excitment of LIFE. Unfortunately, the sort of fear that you are talking about can indeed make us ill. Our brains are amazing things and there are studies after study that we can literally think ourselves ill.

There is no easy way to overcome this fear so I do suggest you seek the help of a good counsellor, and you find someone to talk to about the grief you are feeling for your grandmother.

Until then there are a couple of sentences for you to mull over which may help.

Even if all your fears were grounded (which deep down you know that they are not) You would not be dropping dead today. So put that aside and enjoy today. Live for the minute or the hour. Have fun.

There is no point worrying about things we cannot control. For example, You cannot have any say (control) over the death of your grandmother, but you do have some input (control) into her life. Therefore what can you do to make today better? Do you want to just have the memory of her death, or do you choose to have some good memories of her last few months? What can you share with her that you will both enjoy, that you will remember fondly and she will enjoy doing?

Make sure that you laugh many times a day. In the same way that dwelling on illness can make us ill, laughter is very healing, whether mentally, emotionally and physically. (I know this is difficult, especially at this time) Perhaps get some "you've been framed" tapes and watch them with your grandmother.

If your grandmother had a choice, she would rather you remembered her life, not her death.

I know that these few sentences from a stranger will not make your life magically better, but I do sincerely hope that they help.

All the best

Answer 2

I have had the exact same problem, I put my faith in God. We are all going to die, so stop worrying about the inevitable. You will die a lot sooner if you keep this up. Speak positive, right now look in the mirror and say out loud, I am being silly over and over till you smile. Then speak things like I am at a health weight, I don't have sores, I have a healthy appetite... Go out for a walk and feel the sunshine on your face. Soak in a hot tub, pamper your self and read the word of God. I can do all things Thur Christ who strengthen me. Think on these things what so ever things are good, true, lovely, a of good report. Try to live healthier to, that will help. what ever you fear will come on you, so don't be in bondage to fear. Pray to Jesus.

Answer 3

hi i can totally relate to this one my grandma nan and mum have all had luekemia i lost my nan and grandma my mums still here and everyday i used to panick about small bruises and other completely different types of cancer like brest cancer it was pretty much my every waking thought untill... i found a lump and had to go for a mammo (im twenty two) it tooks three months for my appointment to come through i panicked and cried all the time i finally had my scan and it was my hormones making small cysts round my breasts i honestly cried when i realised although we need to be vigilant we also need to live otherwise you might as well get hit by a bus im still careful check myself regually and stuff but i now know that just because my family have had it doesnt mean i need to be consumed by it. put your mind at risk go to a health site some where realiable like yahoo health and type in the type of cancer it is check if its inherited and if so make sure you are vigilant witht the signs dont let it eat you up live life for today and enjoy every waking moment as if your last. good luck

Answer 4

Death is a part of life everyone must face sooner or later. Now seems to be your time. It is natural to be fearful when watching a loved one going through it. If normal routines are not helping, and you start experiencing panic attacks it is time to get professional help. Otherwise try focusing on your grandmothers life instead of her death. It helped me to do this 4 years ago when my father died after a long illness.

Answer 5

Be strong for your Grandmother now - put your fears aside.

How? Tell yourself - repeat positive phrases to yourself instead of playing the recording in your head about being sick and dying. We're all going to die someday - that's fact. The challange is to LIVE while you are here. And living doesn't mean worrying about something you have no control over - let it go.

Answer 6

1. You're depressed.

2. You're aware of your own mortality.

3. Have a gene test to determine if you carry the cancer gene. Some do in a family & some don't.

4. Put your mind to rest that no one gets out of life alive.

Good Luck and Warm Regards!

Answer 7

We all have to die at some point. Don't be afraid. Do what you love to do, and spend as much time as you can with the people you love. You'll be alright.

Answer 8

I don't know, maybe a good counselor? I have the same phobias myself and would like to know how to help with it also, if you find out anything that is useful to you, maybe you could pass it on, good luck, I wish you well, please try and enjoy you life..

Answer 9

keep medical appointments.contact cancer hospital,and ask them what you can do,,because of your fears,do not let them tell you don't worry and hang up.you want answerer's,a diet, stop smoking,and stop your FRIENDS,Family from smoking around you.get healthy,get educated................then live your life..you should go to some groups about death,and dying,to help you cope,so stress dose bot effect your health...good heath to you.

Answer 10

you should seek out a therapist whom specializes in phobias in your area