I have a fear of death

[bibbster26]

Hi I am 31 and if I read about a disease I think I have it. Like right now there was a show about lots of people dying from eating some food. Now I got it in my head that if I eat it might be  poisoning and I will die.I know it sounds stupid but that's how I fell then I get nervous and anxiety kicks in. When I was younger I used to think my heart was going to stop because I read online that someone young died playing basketball. So I know now it is a fear of death. I am on Zoloft and Xanax as needed. But don't speak to the  physiatrist unill sept 2. Can someone help and tell me I won't die from eating that the food isn't poisoning.

[BluCrystal]

Anxiety does not cause death.  Eating is not only a must, but your body needs food to function.  Food is not poisoned.  Eat healthy things like fresh fruit and veggies.  You will NOT die.  Blessings - Blu

[TheLightSeeker]

Hi bibbster26.

Some good advice from CallunaRose.

I'd like to add that  Hypochondria/OCD disorders may have a
connection to a  traumatic event form the past, as early as infancy or childhood, with little or no memory of it!
The traumatic event need not be a very intense event, as long as it is "experienced" as traumatic.

True cases using regression to uncover the "forgotten" events, in Hypnotherapy sessions:

"NO more cookies for you!" "You will get FAT just like your big sister!"
That is all it took for this 2 year old girl to become a compulsive over-eater
and obese later in life, as she was traumatized by this.

" Wash your filthy hands well , before you sit at the table!"
"You know what happened to uncle Charlie. He almost died from Salmonella, because he didn't wash his hands well."
A 5 year old boy became an obsessive/compulsive hand washer,
who had to wash his hands each time he touched anything that HE considered contaminated!

Billy 4, witnessed the death of his Grandpa-heart attack- at home
and later developed chest pains himself ,and also anxiety and fear of dying from heart disease.

There are strong elements of anxiety and stress underlying these
phobias, and the first thing to consider doing is accepting your phobia,
exposing yourself to it, so its strength will diminish in time.

Consider some therapy along with the medications your taking.

And do not forget that you are NOT defined by your fears!
Define and acknowledge your best attributes and give credit to yourself where credit is due.

You have no idea how much Strength and Wisdom you have within you!
And should know something else very important:
You are your own Best Healer!

I had anxiety, panic attacks, debilitating chest and back pains , insomnia
(from fear of dying in my sleep)starting at the age of 11.

  Today, I can proudly say that I'm enjoying great health, mental and physical, have extensive training and knowledge in many alternative/holistic fields, helping people get better, including many Health Professionals by facilitating a return to a balanced state of body and mind.

Note that this is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.

Best wishes!
Niko

PS
And by the way, I have never come across ANYONE who died from food poisoning, in my entire life, nor have I ever heard of such an occurrence.

Have you read Dr Amen's book"Change your Brain Change Your Life"?
He's become something like a Guru in uncovering the connections between the brain and behavior.
  Covers a lot about various disorders and suggested treatments.
Try getting it form your library. Not necessarily an endorsement for everything he presents, but very informative and educational, nonetheless.





  

[CallunaRose]

Sounds like you have hypochondria. The more you think like this the more the symptoms will be feel real. I been a hypochondriac since I was 13 and every little pain with my body drives me crazy. Food poisoning is possible for anyone, but I think you're fine. The symptoms of food poisoning are abdominal cramps, diarrhea (may be bloody), fevers and chills, headache, nausea and vomiting, and weakness.

You're fine :)