Health Anxiety - when did yours start?

[Concepta]

My friend used to be a very laid back girl who never got worried about anything. A few years ago her mum passed away and ever since that she has been very depressed and always worrying about herself. She hadn't been to the doctor since she was a child but never leaves the GP practice now. The doctor on a recent visit said she suffered form Health Anxiety. He said she could go to CBT but she doesn't want to. If you suffer from it, when did yours begin - was it after a death or illness. Have you overcome it or is it something you have to live with. I want to be able to help her but I don't know how. Thankfully she doesn't use the internet as I know if she did she would think she had every illness ever heard of. She is at the age of the menopause aswell - could this be contributing to the anxiety - her GP said he didn't think so, but I'm not so sure. Thank you in anticipation of your replies.

Hi, can't help you much but I have some experience of this and your friend really, really would benefit from CBT - having said that, it will only work if she accepts that she needs help. Otherwise you can't help her, sorry.

I don't think she has coped well with the death of her mum. She isn't married. She works, eats and sleeps. She isn't one for hobbies although I have told her she should try and do something for herself. She has started going for long walkes, which will help but some days if it wasnt for her work she says she wouldn't get out of bed. I feel helpless.

Sorry meant walks!!

She has started on anti-depressants recently, but to be honest she seems worse since she started them. I was wondering if things get worse before they get better.