Feeling Anxious About Being Alone: Seeking Guidance
Age 25, weighing 120 pounds, standing at 5'6". I have been diagnosed with OCD. I'm scheduled to consult with a specialist regarding some possible neurological concerns, specifically investigating unexplained episodes that may be related to seizures or potentially multiple sclerosis. In the emergency room, they mentioned the possibility of 'temporal lobe seizures,' but they only confirmed that there was no immediate threat to my life. No definitive diagnosis has been made at this point. These frightening experiences have resulted in a strong unease about being by myself, as I'm worried that I might lose consciousness. I'm looking for guidance on what symptoms to monitor and any helpful strategies to cope with this anxiety. This situation has persisted for more than a month now.
Answers (1)
9/13/2025, 5:30:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about being alone, especially after experiencing unsettling episodes and having a diagnosis of OCD. Your concerns are valid, and it's important to address your anxiety while also keeping an eye on your symptoms.
Explanation
Your anxiety about being alone may stem from a fear of losing control or experiencing a medical episode without support. Since you are awaiting further evaluation for your neurological concerns, it’s crucial to monitor specific symptoms while implementing strategies to manage your anxiety.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a Diary: Track when episodes occur, describing what happened before, during, and after. Note any triggers, such as stress or lack of sleep.
- Watch for Warning Signs: Be aware of specific sensations before your episodes, such as unusual feelings in your body, changes in vision, or confusion.
-
Coping Strategies:
- Grounding Techniques: Practice mindfulness or grounding exercises. Focus on your breathing, or use items (like a stress ball) to bring yourself back to the present.
- Gradual Exposure: Start spending small amounts of time alone in safe environments to gradually build your comfort level. Begin with short durations, then slowly increase as you feel more secure.
- Stay Connected: Use your phone to keep in touch with friends or family when you’re alone. Having someone to talk to can alleviate anxiety.
-
Self-Care Practices:
- Routine and Stability: Establish a daily routine to create a sense of normalcy, including time for relaxation and activities you enjoy.
- Physical Activity: Engage in regular exercise, which can help reduce anxiety levels and improve overall emotional health.
-
Professional Support:
- Since you have OCD, continue working with a mental health professional. They can help offer tailored strategies to manage both your anxiety and OCD symptoms.
It's important to remember that you are in control of your next steps, and monitoring your symptoms will aid in your upcoming medical evaluations. If you ever feel overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out for support from friends, family, or professionals. Remember, you’re not alone in this.
Related Questions
Should I Visit the ER for a Swollen Earlobe?
Hello! I’m 27 years old, assigned female at birth, standing at 164 cm and weighing 54 kg, currently residing in Germany. Last weekend, I decided to wear nickel earrings for a few hours, which unfortunately led to irritation and crustiness around both of my ear piercings. I had these piercings done last winter, and I was aware that nickel could cause issues, but it was a special occasion, and I couldn’t afford to purchase high-quality earrings, to be completely honest. When I returned home that evening, my ears were a bit irritated, which was typical, but I encountered a problem with one of the piercings; I couldn’t get the stud back in properly unless I inserted it from behind. To prevent the hole from closing up, I went ahead with that method, cleaned the area thoroughly, and let it be. Now, five days later, I’ve realized that my earlobe is painful to the touch. When I tried to remove the earring, it caused considerable discomfort, and although the exterior doesn’t appear swollen, I can feel a lump within my earlobe. I refrained from reinserting the stud, unsure if I could do so, and disinfected the area once again. Since it’s the weekend and my general practitioner’s office is closed until Monday, I’m feeling quite anxious. I’m worried about the possibility of an infection, especially since my earlobe feels warm. Additionally, I'm feeling lightheaded and have a headache; I'm not sure if these symptoms are a result of my health anxiety or linked to the condition of my ear. A friend suggested that I should head to the emergency room, but I don’t have a way to get there, which adds to my fear. Should I wait until Monday for my GP appointment, or is this situation serious enough to warrant an immediate visit to the ER?
Can the Tdap Vaccine Result in Persistent Swelling of Lymph Nodes?
For the past few weeks—approximately three to four—I have noticed a lymph node in my neck that has become enlarged. To address my concerns, I visited my primary care physician, who conducted a thorough examination along with some tests. Fortunately, all the results returned normal, and my doctor was not overly worried since I do not have any accompanying symptoms. Notably, this swelling occurred on the same side where I received my Tdap vaccine at the end of July. Is it plausible for the vaccine to still be causing this swelling? I can't help but spiral into darker thoughts after searching online, leading me to worry about conditions like lymphoma.
Persistent Neck Pain and Related Headaches
A 39-year-old male, standing at 5'10" and weighing 165 pounds, is experiencing ongoing discomfort in the neck area since June. The pain has been intermittent but remains rather persistent. Engaging in weightlifting seems to exacerbate the issue, despite the individual adhering to proper lifting techniques. Exercises such as bench presses and overhead presses tend to trigger the pain, and even pull-ups seem to have an impact. Although I’ve taken extended breaks from lifting, during those times the pain improved marginally but never fully subsided. My physician has linked this pain to sleep disturbances, which I believe is not the case. The discomfort intensifies with movements of the head—turning side to side or tilting up and down. Additionally, headaches occur, seemingly related to the neck pain, involving areas at the back and sides of the head, around the eyes, and occasionally sharp sensations at the top. These headaches are, however, less frequent compared to the neck issues. Recently, I noted some fronthead pain upon moving my eyes in the morning. There's also a sensation of tightness in the region of the throat muscles. Although massage therapy and stretching have had minimal effect, a recent head and neck massage brought about temporary relief. I’m seeking insights into what might be happening. Would it be advisable to consult an orthopedic specialist or a neurologist? Alternatively, should I consider scheduling an MRI of the head and neck, as that seems to be the standard recommendation either way? Furthermore, I’m interested in hiring a coach to observe my lifting technique, just to eliminate any form-related issues, even though I’ve been lifting for nearly two decades without any previous problems. I appreciate any suggestions you might have.
Recovering from Nerve Damage: A Journey Towards Relief
A 33-year-old man is navigating the healing process of nerve damage in his back. After a decade of numbness and cold sensations, he has begun to regain feeling and warmth, but this resurgence is overwhelming. The reactivation of his muscles and nerves has led to a sensation of tightness in his back that he has been trying to manage for the past three weeks. He notes that the intense warmth and discomfort can only subside when he focuses on relaxing the muscles in his neck and mid-back. Unfortunately, this struggle leaves him feeling confined and claustrophobic, making it nearly impossible to lie down without experiencing a wave of panic. Despite exploring various options for relief, he has not resorted to benzodiazepines, recognizing that they are not a viable solution for him. This has led to a sense of frustration and confusion; while he can remain calm during the day, attempting to lie down triggers a suffocating sensation that compels him to stand back up, seeking a return to normalcy. The experience is complemented by a disconcerting visual haze, which seems to close in on him. The distress re-emerges consistently, returning after only about an hour of comfort, leaving him constantly searching for answers and coping strategies.
Living With Chronic Illness: Seeking Guidance
At 24 years old and weighing just 110 pounds, I find myself in a precarious situation. My journey with health challenges began when I was 16, receiving a diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Unsatisfied with this label, I opted for further investigation that included both a colonoscopy and an endoscopy. Fortunately, these tests returned primarily normal results, aside from a mild case of gastritis noted during the colonoscopy. Over the years, however, my condition has deteriorated into something that feels far more serious than IBS alone, and the toll it takes on my daily life is overwhelming. I struggle with the simplest of tasks; working is nearly impossible, and I often can't even manage to stroll through a store without dealing with sudden symptoms that leave me reeling. Typically, my episodes unfold in a familiar pattern. It begins with a wave of warmth that quickly escalates to an urgent need for something cool. I become disoriented, nauseated, and intensely hot, often seeking relief by clutching cold items against my abdomen or positioning the car's air conditioning directly on my face. These actions provide some temporary respite, but I frequently find myself needing to rush to the bathroom, often resulting in bouts of diarrhea. One particularly vivid instance occurred a few months back when I visited Arby’s, a place I genuinely enjoy. While waiting for my order, I began to feel uncomfortably warm, prompting me to walk in circles around my table in search of fresh air. But when the food arrived, I could hardly touch it. Sipping soda only intensified my discomfort. I found myself on the verge of fainting, unable to move or articulate my distress. Despite a friend's attempts to guide me to the restroom, any motion exacerbated my situation. Thankfully, someone brought me ice, which I pressed against my skin, helping me to make it home along with the steady flow of cold air from the car. After such episodes, the exhaustion that follows is overwhelming. I am at a loss about what might be wrong, and my mental health continues to plummet due to my inability to engage in daily life. My constant struggle with cramping, an upset stomach, and perpetual nausea makes me feel like I am trapped in a never-ending cycle of misery. I often feel like a burden to those around me, as they wish to participate in activities, but I am unable to join them. To manage the symptoms, I spend a lot of time at home, only to find that even there, I can be struck down by an episode. I am reaching out in hopes of receiving advice and support. I long to reclaim a semblance of normalcy in my life. My eating habits have drastically changed—I now consume only small portions, often unable to finish even a modest meal, like a half of a hamburger accompanied by a few fries. If I eat anything more substantial, I am met with severe discomfort. This message might come off as chaotic, but I am nearing my wit's end. Absent immediate medical intervention, I am unsure of my next steps. I’m also prepping for a two-week vacation that my family organized, fully paid for, and I am meant to join them. Although I want to partake in this adventure, I can’t shake the feeling that my presence may cause more trouble than joy. Given my issues with mobility due to hip pain and a pronounced intolerance to heat, the destination—The Grand Canyon—adds to my anxiety. I am genuinely worried about dampening the experience for everyone else. I've purchased a specialized neck cooler and fan, and I'm packing a cooler with ice, but I’m uncertain about how we’ll maintain the ice supply, or if the fan will even provide relief in the desert heat. I'm in desperate need of guidance. What should I be investigating with my health? What information might assist you in fully grasping my situation? I'm eager to uncover the truth and regain the life I once had.