Hello,
Im a 23 year old reasonably healthy male. I lost close relatives a year ago, and for a couple of months ago Ive had severe health anxiety. It started with an obsession with allergies (the only thing I know I am allergic to is aspirin), then I was convinced I had botulism after eating some canned cooked mushrooms a few days later.

The latest episode was the worst one, last night, I became convinced I was suffering from Meningitis and Blood poisoning for no good reason. Panic attack, stress and all its accompanying feelings of dizzyness and nausea and so on. Ive become used to it now. I spent the night at a friends place, met some people and am feeling a little better now, but this paranoia has gotten worse very quickly over the last couple of months.

I am unsure about eating most foods, I am scared of something bad happening. Its a pity for a chap my age, healthy as can be (though improving fitness is in order) and studying a subject I love in a beautiful country.

I wonder what I ought to do. I am stressed almost all the time, and its affecting my work and general health.

I want to live normally again !