Severe anxiety over sudden death syndrome....

Sorry for the morbid title. I'm here because I really don't know what to do. Even though this has happened before and I got through it, but it's back. I have not been officially diagnosed by a professional. I am not sure if I have anxiety or depression but it's very likely with the way I feel sometimes. I believe I just have too much time on my hands.

I have had this happened to me before. I was so worried over the fact that I would die in my sleep at a young age, and I would never be able to see my family again. I cried and would have near panic attacks because I was so scared and the thought depressed me terribly. It's back again, and I keep worrying about the fact that I will die suddenly in my sleep. Be aware I have no logical reason to think this way. I believe I only made things worse for myself by researching on the internet. Down to the last detail. Deep down I know I don't have any real life threatening condition but I keep thinking what if. I believe it is a control thing.

No one in my family has had a heart attack, heart disease, died suddenly at a young age (except for a cousin of mine who succumbed to a seizure in sleep, she had a seizure disorder she was 30), or anything that would make me think this way. The only thing that runs in my family is high blood pressure. I believe what triggered my anxiety was watching a series of creepy videos with a friend of mine. I started worrying about dying at a young age again for no reason. It's so bad, I am actually crying again. I am 21 now, and all the cases I saw of people dying suddenly and in their sleep had a undetected cardiac condition.

I am so scared I may be one of them, even though I have never had any issues with my heart, and the doctor would always tell me my heart was fine when they listened to it. Also no one in my family has had problems with my heart. My grandmother has dealt with congestive heart failure but will be 70 soon. I am going to the doctor next friday for a regular check up but my anxiety has me thinking I won't make it until then. Because stories of people knowing they were going before they did has me worrying too. I need reassurance.

Hi Cresence and welcome!

You are not alone in your fears...it is a common anxiety trait to worry about health concerns and even death.

In fact, we have a book in our Resources here that deals with health anxiety, and even has a whole chapter dedicated to the fear of dying. (let me know if you are interested, and I will post the link for you if you like)

Also in our Resources are a lot of great self-help coping skills for reducing overall anxiety, and therefore your fears and worries. Give them a look and try!

When you see your doctor, you will likely discuss anxiety management options such as medication, therapy or both.

I do recommend asking for a therapy referral...and be sure to bring it up if your doctor does not. In this way you can work at getting to the root of the problem, and feel much better as soon as possible.

Post with us anytime. There are many of us who understand what you are going through, as we have been, or are there ourselves.

Talk to you soon, and let us know how your appointment goes, okay?

Scaredy Cat