Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Mental health

Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.

Original poster

Advice please

2 replies

KPA22 · 23/03/2024 22:37

Hi

My anxiety is through the roof at the moment especially around cancer. I have always had a fear of getting breast cancer but since the annoucement about Kate, it's triggered me terrible. 5 times I have checked my boobs tonight, haven't done that in along time. Anyone have any helpful tips to help me cope?

OP posts:
totallylost1 · 24/03/2024 00:42

Hello.

Let me preface this by saying that I had severe health anxiety (2011-2012 and even before that but not quite as bad) so I understand completely what you're going through. I have 2 pieces of advice.

My first bit of advice would be - STOP CHECKING. (Obviously do the normal check, but not constantly). Why do I say that? I would spend hours and hours a day checking and it drove me insane. I actually had a full on mental breakdown, the kind where i sat in a corner and rocked back and forth while scratching at my skin. What you will do by constantly checking is make your boobs sore which will then make you worry even more. If you didn't have a lump the first check, it's not going to appear on the 2nd-5th check.

Second bit of advice - STOP READING THINGS. An anxious mind can make something out of anything, and you'll believe it.

I know what it's like to be fixated on an illness. My issues went on for months and months until it hit the pinnacle of me going to the doctors sometimes 3 times a day (they'd get me in cause i was loopy) and the doctor having to have a chaperone in the room because I was at that point clinically insane. I was basically told by the doctor that if I didn't get a grip I'd either be sectioned or end up dead, they were my options..... I didn't fancy either, but it didn't matter cause in my head I was going to die anyway.

I think maybe get an appointment with a doctor and explain what's going on or even call the crisis team, you can get through to them on 111.... they'll listen to you and offer some advice.

You will be fine. Don't listen to your brain, it's lying to you.

Original poster
KPA22 · 24/03/2024 06:54

totallylost1 · 24/03/2024 00:42

Hello.

Let me preface this by saying that I had severe health anxiety (2011-2012 and even before that but not quite as bad) so I understand completely what you're going through. I have 2 pieces of advice.

My first bit of advice would be - STOP CHECKING. (Obviously do the normal check, but not constantly). Why do I say that? I would spend hours and hours a day checking and it drove me insane. I actually had a full on mental breakdown, the kind where i sat in a corner and rocked back and forth while scratching at my skin. What you will do by constantly checking is make your boobs sore which will then make you worry even more. If you didn't have a lump the first check, it's not going to appear on the 2nd-5th check.

Second bit of advice - STOP READING THINGS. An anxious mind can make something out of anything, and you'll believe it.

I know what it's like to be fixated on an illness. My issues went on for months and months until it hit the pinnacle of me going to the doctors sometimes 3 times a day (they'd get me in cause i was loopy) and the doctor having to have a chaperone in the room because I was at that point clinically insane. I was basically told by the doctor that if I didn't get a grip I'd either be sectioned or end up dead, they were my options..... I didn't fancy either, but it didn't matter cause in my head I was going to die anyway.

I think maybe get an appointment with a doctor and explain what's going on or even call the crisis team, you can get through to them on 111.... they'll listen to you and offer some advice.

You will be fine. Don't listen to your brain, it's lying to you.

Wow, thank you for this advise. It's just what I needed. I always do my 1m regular check and I try my hardest to leave it at that but it's the what ifs that creep in and start to drive me insane. I will try to take you advice on board. Thank you again x

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page