I think I'm a hypochondriac

[worried0117]

I am a freshman in college, and I noticed that ever since October, I've been excessively worried about the health of my parents. It started with my mom having a random rash (probably an allergic reaction to something) and I did research online and found it was a symptom of leukemia, and I freaked out. She had laryngitis in November and I thought her loss of voice meant she had some disease of the throat).  I'm not a hypochondriac in terms of I am worried about myself, but I get really worried about them. If I get a random headache, I don't care, but if my dad does, I worry he has cancer or something. I hate it. It really gets in the way of how I function and perform in school, because I get so worried that all I want to do is research online, pray, and lock myself in my room and try to sleep it off. One morning my mom said she lost weight, and I was convinced it was an "unexplained weight loss" and even though I had planned to study all day for a test I had the next morning, I couldn't and ended up failing the test. I really can't stand being like this, I wish I was back to the way I was and not freak out about everything. Even if my dad gets a sip of milk from the fridge I worry about him having heartburn and etc. Does anyone have any advice on what I should do?? Thanks.

[worried0117]

Thanks for the advice! I will definitely look into therapy. I have been contemplating it but I think it's time to do something about it. Thanks again, take care!

[worried0117]

Thanks for all of the advice. I would never take meds for it, I can live with it but it's just a pain to have all of these thoughts. I will definitely look into therapy, hopefully my college offers it--at least my high tuition costs could be of use for something. :-) Thanks again, and take care!!

[mammo]

Therapy would be very good for you.  Some of us do worry a bit too much, and therapy can teach you how not to do this.  It's okay to worry about your parents, but not to the point that it's consuming your life.  Good luck to you and take care.

[MrGreen]

You know a lot of people worry about their loved ones dying. More people than you can imagine. It can be classed as a type of anxiety. One that could be dealt with, I would say, with theraphy alone. They would help you see things for what they really are and not for what you imagine them to be. It is not a silly fear. A very common one. But I don't see medication as an answer to such a fear. Maybe college has some kind of councilor you can talk to? That is the area I would be looking in. At theraphy.