Panicking about DC - can anyone help me calm down

[Liosalfar]

Hello

I've never posted on the mental wealth board before and I feel really terrible doing so just because I need some help.

I suffered from bad PND after my first DC, part of which includes extreme anxiety about my DCs health.

My husband is away a lot and my greatest fear is that my DC are ill when I am on my own. He is away at the moment and my eldest DC has had a 39.5 fever since last night. I am really struggling to stay calm about this, particularly with the night approaching.

I have given calpol and his temp comes down to 38 but then goes straight back up. I can't see anything obvious that is wrong with him ( no cold, slight cough).

I am trying to tell myself that it really is just a fever and I have to ride it out, but I am really struggling and can feel the panic rising. I'm becoming terrified of what will happen tonight. I'm also panicking about my youngest, who is just a baby, getting it.

I don't have any family etc near by so I really do just have to get a grip and manage this. If anyone has any words of wisdom please help!

Can you ring the NHS direct people? Or whatever they are called now. I did this when my DH was away and my DD decided to run such a high fever she started to hallucinate. The woman was very calming on the phone ( and incidentally told me to stop putting cold wet cloths on her forehead as that would trigger the shiver response.) I felt better having spoken to someone and we got through the night on calpol and in the morning it all seemed easier.

The fact his temp comes down to 38 with calpol is a good sign.

You can alternate calpol and nurofen to keep the temp down.

Just remember - it's only panic, nothing terrible is going to happen to you because of the panic and it will dissipate. I only say this as I used to get panic attacks and was told to think of this when they came on.

Also have a look at some health anxiety forums to know you're not the only one.

Thank you both