I’m a bit stressed and I need some way of getting some of it out, I was wondering if you had any ideas…
I have been very unwell recently, with glandular fever. I got a bad dose and had complications including jaundice, a cough, a very much enlarged spleen and I was in hospital twice with rupturing scares. In the past, four weeks I have had 12 sets of blood tests, 4 drips, x-rays, CT scans, morphine prescriptions and countless doctors appointments. I went a funny yellow/grey colour, had horrific bruising on my arms and now feel panicked when I see needles, something which I did not feel before, as I have now had some bad experiences with inexperienced nurses fishing around trying to find a vein. Further to this, because my spleen was so large, when I sneezed, the ligaments connecting it to my diaphragm all tore, which means that I am in pain every time I move and coughing and sneezing is very painful. Not only this, but before the first time I went into hospital I slipped two discs in my back. This cleared up but the discs have slipped out again, meaning I have to go to physiotherapy and my lower back is very painful, with the pain shooting down into my legs and across my stomach as well, making me walk awkwardly and uncomfortably. At the beginning of this year I had a horrible experience in university orientation week when my drink was spiked and I had to return home from university in a different city. I got panic attacks and was diagnosed with extreme anxiety, as I did not sleep for a week as a result of the stimulant put in my drink. I was put on Citalopram, but recently have had to stop taking it because it cannot be mixed with the painkiller I am on, Tramadol, in case it causes Seratonin Syndrome. Because I cannot take Citalopram I have noticed my anxiety symptoms returning, including flashbacks to the beginning of the year, trouble getting off to sleep, general increases in stress and panic and a burning sensation in my chest. Not only this, but I have ongoing university tests and assignments, including an oral exam and a take home exam this week, and written exams in about two or three weeks. I could apply for an aegrotat, but would prefer to sit the exams as I know I can get good marks. This means study, however, which is hard when I am in pain, stressed and tired. Finally, I have been having problems with my ex-boyfriend and my new boyfriend which culminated in an ugly scene last night. About six weeks ago I met a new guy while I was still with my boyfriend, and there was a crossover period when I stopped seeing one and started seeing the other. However, guy number one found this very hard to accept, as he claimed to be in love with me, and would not stop texting, calling and coming over. This was very stressful as I, stupidly in hindsight, decided not to tell guy 2 about him for fear of losing him or freaking him out, and so began several weeks of trying to keep them apart, which has been nothing short of hell, as my intention was not to hurt either of them. Although I was seeing the second one, sometimes I gave in and let the first one come over, just to shut him up. Last night guy number 2 went through my phone and read my messages as he was suspicious and now believes that I was cheating on him the whole time, which was untrue. All of this is getting too much for me and your guidance would be appreciated. M.M
Answer:
Worrying is a bad habit, you need to overcome it like any other bad habit. Try to modify the factors under your control, that is the only thing you can do. From http://mshn.org/worry.html