Pleae help with anxiety about ailments. It is taking over my life.

[chairmanmaiou]

I am frequently unwell with minor illnesses, viruses, that sort of thing. Thing is when I am ill I seem to be totally debilitated and have to stay off work or get help with the lo.
I am in constant fear of germs and viruses. I am not OCD, but I could get there if I don't do something soon.
I wouldn't mind so much if I wasn't so knocked out by illnesses.
I have been to the immunologist - there is no clinical problem.

Can anyopne suggest anything to help?
I am getting to the stage where I want to live in a bubble.

Please

cbt would help you a lot.

It's not at all uncommon to feel this way and people do come through the other side with help.

Do you have a friendly sympathetic GP?

Do you get any help with lo? You sound tired and run down, hope you don't mind me saying that. I went through something similar when dd was little, it was so demoralising, as people (including dh) seemed to think I was exaggerating.

Sorry I can't offer any words of wisdom, just wanted to let you know you're not the only one and you will come out the other side with a fantastic immune system...I hope

Poor you. I have felt like this, as if I have the worst immune system in the world and am liable to get every bug going. My problems are made worse by the fact I am emetophobic and can easily become obsessed if a vomiting virus is circulating.

I have found that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy very helpful and would really recommend it. I had it to tackle the emetophobia but once I explained my feelings to the therapist it was clear that all germs were a problem. Thanks to the CBT my fear of illness is much reduced and so I think about illness less which it makes it feel less like illness dominates my life. It has also reduced my stress and stress inhibits your immune system so I think I am healthier now.

To boost my immune system I had a series of acupucture and chinese medicine. I am not a great beleiver in alternative therapies but it does seem to have helped. I also take echinacia and vitamins regularly and make sure I get plenty of sleep. Maybe its the placebo affect or maybe these things really helped but I do feel healthier. At least they have given me a semblance of control over my health.

I got my CBT referral from my GP - maybe that might be a good first step for you? Good luck!

Many thanks for replying to me.
I am run down, yes, though I do get help with my lo as the Grandparents are more than happy to take him on outings. Also, dh is quite understanding.

I will look in to CBT. I'd be willing to try it certainly. My GP is okay.

I am also a bit scceptical about complementary therapies as I have spent a fortune in the past to no benefit. However, i do take echinacea because it doesn't cost me too much and helps me feel a bit better about my health.

I do need to improve my diet. It is okay, but too few fruits and too many sugary things. I think it would help psychologically if nothing else.

Thanks again for replying.
I don't feel so lonely now.