Help! I am so scared right now. I have come down with what my mind knows is just a little stomach bug, but I am so scared!! I keep obsessing that something is really wrong with me. I have not had panic attacks this bad in years. I am so worried that I won't be able to handle this. I keep worrying that something is REALLY wrong with me. I keep worrying that I won't be able to function - to take care of my kids or myself. This is only some diarrhea and stomach cramps, but my mind is JUST RACING WITH THESE SCARY THOUGHTS. Can anyone help me? I really need some words of wisdom. Thank you.

Hi Emrichfam!
Why don't you try to employ the suggestion from Lesson 9: setting aside time to worry. Because you have stomach cramps and diarrhea, you might want to say to yourself, "I am going to worry about this in five to seven days. If, by day seven, I am not getting at all better, I am going to schedule a doctor's appointment." Most flus and stomach sicknesses pass within a week or two. Give yourself time to feel better. Keep repeating positive thoughts to yourself like, "I am not going to worry until there is something to worry about. Right now, my body seems to have the flu. I am going to wait it out and see if it passes before worrying it is something other than the flu." I don't know if this is helpful, but Lessons 3 and 9 are ones I listen to when I am feeling particularly anxious. Be gentle to yourself-tea, baths, movies, magazines, and rest..