Health Anxiety is the worry about health. Have you ever googled your symptoms and thought you have a serious illness? People who have health anxiety focus a lot on their health and a lot of their time is taken up with worry. Even after going to their doctor they are still not satisfied with the answer and insist on further tests such as blood tests and scans. Another name for Health Anxiety is “Hypochondriasis”.
IS IT NORMAL TO WORRY ABOUT HEALTH?
Worrying about health is normal especially if we are waiting on some significant tests or are going to the hospital/dentist for a procedure. This kind of worry is beneficial as we can take steps to improve our health and lifestyle such as physical activity for a healthy weight/fitness level or giving up smoking/alcohol or eating healthier.
The only time worrying about health is a problem is when it consumes your day with anxiety. When you are constantly searching the internet for answers or going from one doctor to another.
COMMON THOUGHTS OF SOMEONE WHO HAS HEALTH ANXIETY…
• I must have cancer, I have all the symptoms.
• This headache is not normal.
• How many times have doctors miss diagnosed and got it wrong?
• Why can’t they just do the tests I am asking for?
• I have new symptoms, this is getting worse.
• I am not getting taken seriously, why is no one listening, I think I am dying.
WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR BODY WHEN THESE THOUGHTS ARE GOING THROUGH YOUR MIND?
Common symptoms that occur in ALL anxieties…
• Tension and headaches, blurred vision.
• Tingling in fingers, numbness in hands and toes. Body aches
• Breathing changes
• Restless
• Insomnia
• Nausea/diarrhoea
• Sweating
• Heart palpitations
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Common practice for those who worry about their health, is that they consume many hours of the day focusing on different sensations of their body. They constantly worry about being sick and death. Next time you have the urge to worry ask yourself……
• If I start thinking about illness do not read medical books, online medical advice, google illness, watch You Tube clips.
• Do distract yourself, call a friend, watch a movie, go for a walk, join the gym, draw, paint or listen to some music. The list is endless!