Severe anxiety when child has fever

[Bumble878]

Does anyone else suffer like this?

My child has a high temp, spoken to the doctor and I have had the reassurance etc.
However, that doesn’t stop me from totally thinking the worst.

I struggled with anxiety for ten years until I went to the doctor and had it sorted, I’ve been taking medication for over 10 years now and I’m in a great place EXCEPT for when my son (6) becomes ill specifically with a temp. My anxiety goes wild. I obsess with checking how hot he is etc.

It drives me mad, I annoy myself but I just worry about it so much.

I just wondered if I’m the only one like this?

Thanks

High temp means your dc is fighting illness to become better. If it's really high temp like over 40, it's really worrying, but otherwise it's natural reaction of the body.
My dc has weak immune system, temp over 40 was a regular thing at young age. But with age, he become stronger.
Worry will translate to your child, so don't be too worried. And you can make sure has healthy life to make him stronger.

Yes I'm terrible. I have really really bad anxiety and like you panic when DS has a fever. It's horrible seeing them like it isn't it. Especially when you don't know why they have a fever.

Thanks both.

I try not to show my anxiety to him and keep smiling. It’s just one of my buttons that when it’s pressed I can’t help but panic but thank you both for allowing me to see that it’s ok and natural and also that I’m not alone in my worries.

@SeaTurtles92 I hope you’re ok and your anxiety doesn’t get the better of you. Here if you ever need a chat (message)

You are definitely not alone OP! It is scary when they get ill. I am just the same, fine until my daughter gets unwell (thankfully not too often) and then I totally panic. I act calm but definitely am not! I found it harder when she was very young as of course they can't tell you what's wrong, but now she's older I feel more confident. If you are concerned you can always call 111 for advice.

Yes me. Ds had a febrile fit and both dc were really ill with salmonella when little so I always panic inside. Outside I give them paracetamol and/or ibuprofen and wait for it to take effect to bring it down!

Yes I am completely like this. No real anxiety in daily life but my child getting sick sends me crazy basically. I have become better over time but I completely understand the feeling. I can't eat and sleep etc either when I feel like this.

You are definitely not the only one.
I used to work on a medical help line and we used to get hundreds of calls a day from very anxious parents regarding temperature.
Until I worked there, it never occurred to me to be worried about a child with a temperature as I had never been particularly worried when my own kids had/have a temperature. I have never even owned a thermometer.
I suppose it’s my medical background and knowledge.

I never ever felt as though I could fully put their minds at rest either. I completely understand though why people are anxious about it.

But no, you are not the only one at all.

@Bumble878
Hi Bumble, I am going through this at the minute. It’s sent me completely spiralling and I struggling to manage to anxiety if what ifs and being terrified the high temps will come back. Have you since find a way to cope better? Any tips? 😥