to think I'm dying every time I feel sick

[ElleBing]

And Google doesn't help!

In the last month I've convinced myself that I have;

*ectopic pregnancy
*breast cancer
*severe gastroenteritis

Well, I KNOW I'm being unreasonable. It's no fun being an internet hypochondriac. I wish I could pack it in...

ah no! every time you feel ill step away from the computer! hope you're feeling ok

I used to worry alot about this sort of thing and I cant remember where I saw it or read it but the advice which help me was to, stop, look at your symptoms and ask "is this an immediate threat to me"- if not dont google it, dont think abotu it, try and do something else. If in say 3 hours you still feel as worried then reassess it. That way you dont panic at each twinge or pain as after 3 hours things tend to settle down or at least not seem so worrying.

i have this... every headache is a brain tumour, every case of heartburn - heart attack, every sore throat - cancer... ive had therapy and anti depressents for the anxiety but its still here. what fernie said was good.

you need to try and think rationally, which i know is difficult when you're so worried. breathe deeply and keep telling yourself that whatever is wrong with you is simple and will be over soon.

NEVER google symptoms.. it'll only end in more anguish... oh and nhs 24 online is scary too. Ive used it for minor ailments and they always tell me to phone 999

HTH x

The website nomorepanic.co.uk has a section about health anxiety. It can be pretty reassuring when you think a symptom is a sure sign you're on your way out then you read that X other people are feeling the exact sameway :-), diffuses the fear a lot!

Lot's of people feel the same way. Medical students are famous for it. Just try and remember a headache can be from meningitis, but it can also be from worrying about stuff. Think positive, and don't google if you will worry.
(Are you actually even pregnant or did you just have a pain n your side?)