[Shahope]

Hello, so to give a little quick background, i am born with a heart defect and had three open heart surgeries so far. And this year at my annual appointment with my cardiologist he saw that my heart is not doing as well as excpected. He did say that it was not catastrophic and that he just wants to keep an eye on it and that is why i have to see him in six months instead of in a year.

But i just cannot stop thinking and panicking about it. I have this feeling that i'm running out of time and i am so scared. I knew that i was going to have hard days with this, between anxiety and ptsd, but i can't seem to calm down and focus my mind on something else. I just can't stop thinking about it everyday and it's ruining my days.

[TheGal]

(((Shahope)))

Most often, we catastrophize and make things worse than they actually are... I do that.

When do you see your doctor again... perhaps he can give you some reassurance?

Also, there are meditations on YouTube by John Davisi. You might want to look up his channel.

Here is a quick 5-minute one:

And a longer one:

You can also go to InsightTimer, there are many guided meditations (Meg James is good) and also some in French.

Hope you feel better soon....

Visualization techniques about being healthy and strong might also help.

Let us know how you're doing...

[Shahope]

@TheGal

thank you so much for your reply.
I know i'm definitely catastophizing ! and it's hard to stop ^^

I see him in november and i'm terrified about it. He already said that it is no catasrophic but my mind cannot stop spiraling

And thank you so much for sharing those meditations and that website, i'm definitely gonna check it out! Mediating has been helping me a little bit, and i'm gonna try that visualisation technique you suggested! . Thank you again for your reply! i really appreciate it!

[TheGal]

You are most welcome, Shahope!! I feel for you... Many hugs...

You might also want to check out Dr. Claire Weekes' book/audiobook "Hope and Help for Your Nerves". There might also be some clips of her on YouTube, as well.

If you can't find it at your library, but want a secondhand version, you can visit AbeBooks | Shop for Books, Art & Collectibles (I was lucky that my library has an audiobook version.)

Again, hang in there... !! Stay strong!!

Remember it's OK to reach out for help... post here all you want! Also, maybe make a mental health crisis plan of what to do and resources to contact when you feel the anxiety is too much...