Fear after diagnosis

I recently had a bout of Atrial Fibrillation and was put on medication - which is not helping by the way.  All the tests for my heart turned out good.  However, this has thrown me into anxiety about the whole thing, particularly because I am still having the episodes - they wake me up at night.  In addition, I have had several unpleasant situations regarding work this year, which really bothered me, so the AF just sort of added to everything.  To complicate things, I haven't felt good enough to work a whole day since the beginning of September.  I've become very aware of my mortality and think quite often about bad things happening to me.  What do you suggest to help my mental outlook?

Thanks.

[HFHS.MD-AJ]

Kaye,

It seems like you have developed some form of anxiety, which may or may not be related to your recent medical problems. I cannot provide a specific diagnosis without evaluating you, and obtaining further history. Atrial fibrillation and anxiety may have some similar symptoms, such as rapid or pounding heart beat. Both conditions may also co-exist. I urge you to discuss your concerns further with your treating physician, and to seek evaluation by a mental health professional, who will hopefully also be able to help resolve other stresses that you are going through. Anxiety disorders have been discussed on many occasions in our forum, and you may wish to search through our archives for more information.