Over thinking and worrying

Dear GJD  ,

Thank you for your getting in touch. I'm sorry to hear about your wife’s illness and that she is currently on her 6 cycles of chemo treatment. I understand how difficult it can be watching someone you love go through an illness like this and the fear that and worry that can accompany this so I’m glad you’ve reached out for support today. And please remember if you’d ever like to talk through your fears and worries in a confidential, safe space, then our Macmillan Support line is available for you to call too, you can find the contact details below.

Thinking the worst and overreacting when your wife feels poorly is completely understandable and lots of others do feel this way too. Sometimes this can be due to feelings of helplessness and the knowledge that there is nothing you can do to help improve your loved one's situation, or make them better. You mention you feel like you’re constantly on a knife edge and ask if this happens to anyone else. If you haven’t already done so, would you consider posting this query on our Online community – family and friends forum support page, as this allows you to connect with others who are supporting their loved ones too? Quite often connecting with others who know what you are going through can be a great support?

If you are really struggling with your emotions then it may be worthwhile reaching out to your GP to discuss things GJD . They may be able to help with how you are feeling and perhaps refer you for some counselling to help you process what has been happening with your wife and her illness.

There may also be support and perhaps counselling available via a local support centre so if you think this will help, then please put your postcode into our In your Area search to find the centre closest to you.

And as advised, we are here at Macmillan Cancer Support if you'd like to reach out for some emotional support and a listening ear. We also have a money and work service who specialise in many areas including financial queries like benefit entitlements, wills, insurances and rights at work. In addition, we have a team of cancer information nurse specialists who are able to help with any medical queries you may have. And as well as being here on the online community, we  also have our live web chat service and our freephone  number 0808 808 0000 which is available  7 days a week,  8am-8pm.

I really hope this information helps GJD , and please don't hesitate to get back in touch whenever you need to.

Take care,