Hi amy68, that week or two before your period is brutal, well for me it is. My anxiety and panic/depression level just escalates until the "day" and then I start to become "normal" again. I spoke to my doctor about this, she spoke about PMS or even PMDD, which more applies to me. So for those 2 weeks before my "day", I take a small dose of antidepressants and that is seeming to work. With that, I have also had some sessions with my counsellor pertaining to my issues of physical symptoms and me jumping the gun on illnesses.
When I was younger, much younger (18), I had 3 family members die within 1 month. I had no idea at 18 how to deal with that. Of course it was sad but now I realize the turmoil that I went through in my later years, and still somewhat go through at times, when it comes to illnesses. I was afraid of something bad happening to me again, illnesses, death, etc. This would trigger scary thoughts when I knew someone was ill, or I wasn't feeling well, etc. With dealing with a counsellor, I've realized that this is where it stems from and now I understand this and I don't seem to be too anxious about that anymore. It took time and help, but I did it.
I don't know if you have a similar history, but I know I just wanted to be happy again and content in my life. I have 3 wonderful boys and a husband who need me and I wanted to be happy again.
I remember feeling as you are right now...I really do...there is a light at the end of the tunnel, really. Take care, talk to you soon.