Mental health following mum's diagnosis (cancer mentioned)

[Ella1980]

I'm REALLY struggling. I've been unwell with anxiety (in particular health anxiety) for a number of years.

Was just starting to manage it when my mum was suddenly diagnosed with cancer last year. A total shock. She had suspected something wasn't right for some time (she kept this to herself) and kept going back to her GP on numerous ocassions to be told not to worry. She insisted on further investigation and long story short was diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer last April.

She was the most health concious woman ever-healthy diet, non-smoker, slim, daily exerciser.

She was supposed to have chemo and radiotherapy but reacted so badly to the chemo she could only have the radio. She knows her prgnosis but I don't want to know if that makes sense?

I just cannot stop worrying about the future and know I am going to have to see her ultimately deteriorate. I can't sleep, no one knows if/when it's going to come back.

Suffering panic attacks and my jaw is constantly sore from clenching.

Health anxiety and fear horrendous too.

Any advice much appreciated x

I’m so so sorry that you’re going through this, OP! I don’t think at times like this you’re ever going to feel okay. It’s horrible, and you’re going to worry. And that’s normal. Anyone would.

I am really not qualified to give good advice but I don’t want you to feel alone! I guess the only thing I can suggest right now is to accept that you’re going to feel really strong feelings. Anxiety, anger, fear, the highs with your mum might even seem higher than normal: just all out of kilter. Are there any things you can put in as normalising structures in your day? Comforting things that give you either an escape for a few minutes, or ground you? Use every self care tip you can. Be as nice to yourself as you can.

Best wishes to you and your mum!