HEALTH ANXIETY. Do any of these sound like you?
Worrying that minor symptoms or body sensations mean you have a serious illness
Frequently searching the internet for causes of symptoms or possible illnesses
Being preoccupied with having or getting a serious disease or health condition
Worrying excessively about a specific medical condition or your risk of developing a medical condition because it runs in your family
Repeatedly checking your body for signs of illness or If you struggle with health anxiety, chances are you’ve experienced at least one of these symptoms before and have felt especially panicked during the pandemic…but here are the facts as a psychologist (disclaimer: this post is NOT meant to diagnose or treat, but merely to inform you more on the specifics from a clinical perspective):
There are two types of health anxieties: Somatic Symptom Disorder and Illness Anxiety Disorder (formally known as hypochondriasis).
Many people with health anxiety fear they are ill or will contract a disease…and this consumes their mind—ALL. THE. TIME.
Many people obsess over bodily functions (such as breathing or heartbeat) or physical discomfort (headaches, stomach aches, lightheadedness).
Some might worry about a specific organ (such as the brain or heart) or be preoccupied by a disease you heard about on the news or at work
People who struggle with health anxiety may also be preoccupied with the belief that they have, or are in danger of contracting, a serious illness.
This fear of having a serious illness can interfere with your daily life and may even lead to unnecessary testing, wasted hours in the doctor’s office, and days consumed by worry.
So how can you begin healing?
Well remember… These health anxieties are a type of anxiety disorder, which is best treated by a licensed psychologist who specializes in anxiety disorders.
Treatment options may include medications and psychotherapy, often in the form of talk therapy, which can help you manage and move past your worries.
If you need help with how to start the therapy process, please don’t hesitate to DM me
