I am 22 and have been diagnosed bipolar.I also have anxiety.I started working at a day care center the summer of 2005.I started getting sick all of the time.Nothing major but colds, the flu, and stomache problems.I got sick when I was younger but not regularly like now.Anyways, I figured that it was the germy environment.I started a new job two months ago, and quit the day care job.I now work in customer service.I thought that I would stop getting sick, on top of relieving stress.The problem did not stop.I am still getting sick.Is it all in my head or what is wrong?

Hi ~

Working in a daycare facility can certainly make you sick. I noticed that I would get sick alot too and thought it was where I worked because it seemed like everybody was sick. But then I quit and stayed home and still got sick. I don't think it is in your head but perhaps our anixety and worrying causes our immune system to not work properly. Once I got my anxiety under control, I stopped getting sick. There are times that I have an upset stomach and think it is a stomach bug or flu but then it goes away within 24 hours and noboby else in my family gets it. I used to think it was all in my head too. But, if it would make you feel better, see your doctor and have him run some blood tests to make sure there isn't anything seriously wrong. I felt sooooo much better after my doctor drew blood and knew that I was healthy!!

By the way, I am from PA too. There aren't too many others here on the forum from the East Coast. We live near Hershey and Harrisburg.

Cherie

Anytime you work with the public, you are exposed to more germs and will contract many more illnesses.

I am a big believer in hand sanitizer, when ever, where ever and as often as possible. It really cuts down on sicknesses.

Anytime you handle money or doorknobs or anything other people handle you are touching germs. Money has been known to have TB on it!!! Think about it.

Also, I, agree with Cherie, I think our anxiety and worrying lowers our immune

And by the way, I am not from PA but my husband was born there. I would like to visit there sometime.

Love and prayers,
Tina

I also get sick a lot. I lost my husband to Chronic Obstructive Lung disease two years ago and he had many crisis. I coped and held up ok but after his death I started the same symptoms and have had several crisis myself. We both smoked and I still smoke 2 or 3 a day. I just cannot quit. I'm too uptight without an occasional smoke. I do have some copd but not to the degree he did. I think I do this to myself. My 43 year career as an x-ray technologist ended with his illness about a year and half before his death. Now I am home alone, 68 years old and don't stay focused very well. I do go out with friends to eat a couple of times a week and have many friends and 3 children who are all concerned but sometimes I just don't want to be around anyone. I am beginning to get better than I was and my grief is not acute. Feel I have turned a corner there.