How can I stop worrying that something is wrong with me or my family?

I am a 25 year old female. My grandpa passed away a few months ago from leukemia. i was very close to him. He was a healthy man and then all of a sudden was diagonosed and given 2 weeks to live. He lived 5 weeks. Since his death i have been having problems with hypochondria. I always think i have some horrible disease. I am on medicine for acid reflux...but i think it could be my heart. i look up symptoms all day for diseases and leukemia. I hate living like this and don't know what to do. My grandma passed away 4 years ago and i went through the same thing after that. i even have panic attacks. somebody help. does anyone have the same problem? i'm also very afraid of something happening to my family. right now i have a sinus infection...diagnosed by my doc. but i'm afraid it could be something worse. AHH! thanks!

When I was thirty, I finally went to my DR., because I worried all the time over the most minor things. I was constantly worrying that I had a disease- the rarer the better. I knew it was dumb and didn't call up my Dr. telling her I had Mad Cow or lupus or anything else I had the "symptoms" of. I would worry about money and balance the checkbook when I first woke up, I couldn't sleep in because my head raced with everything I needed to be doing. My Dr. Diagnosed me with anxiety. I was given medication that has changed my life. I had been like that since a child. I will soon be seeking therapy in addition to my meds. Your Granfather passing away caused a lot of stress which has led to anxiety which will not go away. Please call your Dr., this doesn't sound like it has been a chronic condition- but maybe he/she can help walk you through the next couple months.

I agree. This sounds like an anxiety disorder. Contact your doctor for a referral to a therapist. YOu don't have to live full of worry and you may be able to be treated without meds (not that I am against meds, not at all. Just not all cases require meds).

All the best!

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For the most parts, doctors know what they are talking about, but if you are unsatisfied with your current physician, you should seek a second opinion. Discuss treatments for panic/anxiety or OCD. The problems you are experience have much more to be about Thae recent tragedies in your family. Your recent exposure to tragic diseases may have contributed to your being a hypochondriac, something that is best addressed by a Psychiatrist who may have prescriptions in mind or a GOOD therapist who can help you deal with these issues.