Dealing with anxiety following diagnosis

Hi Beats84 

I'm sorry to read that since you've been diagnosed with melanoma you've been suffering with health anxiety. As this is something that I've been fortunate not to be affected with I don't have any experience to share with you but I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. Responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list again.

Please do consider getting help from your GP, especially if you find that the health anxiety is impacting on your daily life.

While you're waiting for replies, it would be great if you could put something about your diagnosis and treatment into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

Hi. Yes I feel this. Have you got / can you arrange regular mole checks with a dermatologist? I did yearly checks after my first melanoma in situ even though I was told it wasnt necessary if I was vigilant and it's really helped reassure me plus I have someone who knows me if something does crop up.

Hi, I'm awaiting the results of my WLE too, and like you have a predisposition to anxiety. I'm managing it by not dwelling on my situation, as I find it I do then my anxiety levels go up. I don't know how I'll react if my results come back positive, but I'll face that then. Sticking your head in the sand is entirely acceptable to me at this stage! Try to distract yourself if you can. Good luck. Xx

Your GP can prescribe you (additional) help for managing anxiety.  I was on citalopram 30mg daily prior to my cancer diagnosis and now also take lorazepam 0.5mg up to four times a day as needed.  It really does help me.