Health anxiety absolutely ties in with that fear of death. Feeling the tightness in your chest that only an anxiety attack, a heart attack, or horrible indigestion can give you can just rob you of all your sense. It can be quite crippling, but I found a lot of things I can 'fact check' when I'm experiencing what I believe to be something fatal.

I appreciate you taking the time to read, and to give such a meaningful response. I am spiritual, and I have found that leaning a lot on that spirituality, even separate from an organized religion, has given me a certain inner light. I find it's been the biggest help alongside hyper-focus on projects or tasks, to get me in a better frame of mind for tackling anxiety.

Thank you again for the well wishes, and thoughtful response. I hope your own situation continues to be a story you can start with "I was there once..."