Big time health anxiety set back

So I have been on cipralex for about 6 weeks along with weekly counselling and have actually seen a dramatic improvement in my health anxiety well that is until yesterday when the doc told me this common cold has turned into bronchitis.

Now I am back to square one I feel like this is the end, I am having trouble breathing I feel like the bronchitis Is going to close my airway and I will drop dead I also feel like I am going to pass out when I have a coughing fit which scares me to no end so I am trying to suppress my cough so nothing bad happens to me.

Advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated

SK.,

Being sick is a challenge for those with health anxiety! You can overcome this however.

Remember the other times when you thought the worst? It did not turn out to be the reality. This is just the anxiety trying to take over, but you are stonger than it!

Use your postive mantras and coping skills. The breathing may not be a great choice at the moment since you are feeling tight chested, but you can meditate and do the progressive muscle relaxation for now until you feel better.

Have you tried using a humidifier? That could really help to loosen the secretions in your lungs and make your cough productive.

Are you on antibiotics? If so, you should be feeling relief very soon.

You are going to be alright. Get plenty of rest, fluids and follow doctor's orders.;)

Let us know how you are doing soon.

S.C.

I know this doesn't address the anxiety aspect of it,....but,...

I'm just coming off having the flu for 3+ weeks and I had the most horrendous problems breathing and the coughing fits were so harsh, they were painful.  I'd even wake up with them.

If your doctor says it's OK, you may want to look into a cough syrup with an expectorant in it.  Coughing is important (it's the "not coughing" part that's not good).  It's a healthy sign that your body is downright unhappy with this nasty thing happening to your lungs and it's trying very hard to kick it out.

Getting the phlegm broken up and expelled is very important.  If you do not drink enough, the phlegm is too tough to come out easily and you'll cough harder, so as Larry said, lots and lots of water!

You'll kick this!

M.