Fear of Dying or Passing out

[Jon]

I'm a 26 year old 2nd year medical student, and since starting the subject of diagnosis 5 months ago, I seem to be a lot more nervous. The slightest cough, tingle or ache leaves me wondering 'what's that?!' with only the most dire consequences springing to mind. This sate of mind is completely uncharacteristic for myself, as a former boxer with very little concept of fear. It seems to be at night that I have the most trouble - when lying in bed, and I become aware of my heart beat, despite being completely healthy. By the time I've thought through the all of the possible ailments, and ruled them out one-by-one, I am in a state that I'm convinced that I'm about to drop dead, my heart rate is up, breathing rate is up... and I think to myself, 'I'm on the verge of a panic attack here' so start breathing very slowly and deeply... but I still feel rather on-edge.

Keeping myself busy so that I don't think about this sort of thing is very much a short term-cure, but I'm interested in long-term. Having read through the earlier posts here & written this, I feel a little better - knowing I'm not totally alone. I guess part of my fear is related to my choice of career - I fear not being able to treat patients in the future, and I stand to make my family & friends so proud. Obviously if I was to drop dead now, I'd miss out on that.

[SICKCHICK]

I get it also!! especially when i go shopping round Asda...i get dizzy when i think..(ooh what if i pass out)..never actually passed out...it's nearly ruined my life...i am healthy and there is no medical reason. I have ton's of sympathy for you all as i'm in the same boat. I was told it's because i may be  insecure and that it was a result of being bullied as a child??....to me it seems i'm just soooo scared of losing control and showing myself up,i use to be confident.....or maybe it's we live in a society where we have to be PERFECT so to speak and if we lose control people may not understand?.....mine started when my mum got Lung cancer and i looked after her for two years,i feared getting ill myself...if i did i wouldn't be able to look after her,if i died or was ill...she's now in remission so i should be over this fear but i am not LET'S ALL TRY TO THROW CAUTION TO THE WIND AND TRY TO CONFRONT OUR FEARS!!! I'M GOING TO REALLY TRY TOO. Reading all your blogs makes me feel i'm not alone!!!!