Every night, and sometimes during the day, I get really stressed about my health. Whenever I eat sweets I feel like I am going to get diabetes. Whatever anyone says does not impact the way I am feeling. I think stuff like this because I know quite a few people who have diabetes, and the thing that has impacted me the most, is that my friend just had cancer. She is fine, but because she had it, is making me feel like I'll get it. I've dug myself into a hole that I can't get out of. I'm planning on having a sleepover but I don't really wanna go anymore. Most of my friends think I am making it up because my friend has anxiety but, I'm not. Thanks for listening
Sam
Hi there,
It's natural to have worries about your health. And when the people you care about have suffered from the same illnesses, this can add to those fears.
If you're feeling constantly worried or stressed out, this may be anxiety. Anxiety is a really common issue, and can affect people in different ways. We all worry about things, but when your worries mean you're unable to do things you enjoy or it's affecting your life, it's a good idea to ask for support.
Your GP is usually the best way to try and access help for any physical or mental health concerns. It can really help to have people who understand this supporting you.
The thought of speaking to a doctor might seem quite scary, so it can help to make some notes about what you want them to know to take with you. That you'll have something to remind you what you want to say if you're nervous, or you even give them to the doctor to read as a starting point. You might also consider talking to an adult you trust for some advice.
Unfortunately sometimes people struggle to understand how we really feel on the inside. This may mean they don't react the way you'd hoped. I can see this has happened for you with your friends.
You deserve to be able to get support and reassurance from your friends, so it might help to try explaining to them how this has been affecting you. They can begin to understand what things are like for you at the moment.
You could also look at Young Minds for more support, and Doc Ready is a really good way of preparing to talk to a doctor about your health.
You can talk about your worries with a Childline counsellor. They can support you with managing your feelings or preparing to talk to someone. This is not something you have to go through alone.
Take care,
Sam
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