Posted 4/16/2013 1:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Echostorm and welcome.
I am sorry that you are dealing with these fears currently.
Rest assured that people who suffer with anxiety have worries about two main concerns...fear of becoming sick/health anxiety...and fear of losing ones mind.
This is of course oversimplifying things, and there are many other sub fears and phobias, ect...
...but I can tell you from both research, and what I have read here after many, many posts, that these two are major concerns for many people.
I personally struggle with health anxiety. I really don't worry about mental illness, but can easily get obsessed with physical worries, if I am not using my coping skills (more on that later!)
...but the thing is...you can no more become schizophrenic by worrying about it, than I can get a dreaded disease or physical condition by freaking out!
We can have these as worries...but that does not make it our reality.
We then need to focus on managing the anxiety to keep the fears at bay.
Have you sought any help for your anxiety? Therapy and/or medication are two key way that people use for relief. You can ask your doctor about both, and discuss your options and come to a decision as to how you want to pursue recovery.
Self-help is also a great choice and is available right here on our site! On the main page, 1st post you will find our Resources. Lots of great ideas are there to try, starting anytime, and at home.;)
Also, instead of researching things on-line about schizophrenia...why not read our archives here? You can do a search by clicking the button on the upper right of the page (search) and inputing key words/phrases.
We have had many posts on this topic, and you will find a lot of reassuring facts...such as:
Anxiety does not develop into schizophrenia. They are two seperate mental health issues. Even if left untreated...anxiety just becomes...worse anxiety!
Keep posting with us if you find it helpful. Having a supportive group to talk with really works to make one feel better!:)
Scaredy Cat