HEALTH ANXIETY Do any of these sound like you?

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

Ways to REST when Exhaustion is at a Soul Level

Ways to REST when Exhaustion is at a Soul Level.

Go on a mindful nature walk

Light a candle and watch it flicker

Spend time in prayer or meditation

Do one thing slowly, and with intention

Get a 30-second hug from a safe person

Let your heart soften and have a good cry

Remind yourself, “I don’t have to earn my rest.”

Do less and take one thing off your plate today

Say no to something that just feels like too much

Allow yourself moments of solitude—not isolation

Allow yourself to cancel something you said yes to

Let a safe person see your vulnerability and struggle

Let yourself scroll awhile if it’s restful and not numbing

Do one thing for joy—not achievement or productivity

Lower the bar today—Let “good enough” be good enough

Unfollow anyone that makes you feel like you aren’t enough

Slow down—physically, mentally, relationally, and spiritually

There’s a kind of exhaustion that sleep just doesn’t fix.

The kind that comes from living in a chronic state of nervous system dysregulation and having an anxious brain that never shuts off.

From holding it all together when you’re unraveling inside.

It’s not just physical—it’s emotional, mental, and spiritual too.

And it asks for a different kind of rest. Not just naps and early bedtimes, but boundaries, softness, slowness, and being held—even if only by yourself.

Here are some ways to get the rest your soul needs when your fatigue goes beyond the need for sleep.

Which is your favorite? Let’s talk about it in the comments!

Need some uplifting reminders that encourage and inspire, even on the draining days? Get my new

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Anxiety in your 20’s

Anxiety in your 20’s.

I’ve been loving this series on what anxiety looks like in different decades, so today I want to share a little about my 20s.

Back then, I didn’t even know I had anxiety…I just knew I felt uncomfortable in my own skin. My self-esteem was low, and instead of coping in healthy ways, I numbed with partying, drinking, and unhealthy habits.

I buried emotions and old traumas because I didn’t know how else to deal. It wasn’t until my mid-30s that I finally started to feel at home in my own skin. Here are some tools I wish I had made more of a priority in my 20s.

Daily Tools for Anxiety in Your 20s

Get honest about who you spend your time with. Notice how friends make you feel-do they lift you

up or drain you?

Cut down on alcohol + numbing habits. They may give short relief but make anxiety worse long-term.

Start therapy if you can. Having a safe space to process emotions can change everything.

Create a mental health toolkit. Build coping habits like journaling, grounding, or breathwork.

Practice saying ‘no’ once a week to protect your peace and energy.

Stay single long enough to learn to love yourself before settling for less.

Try living alone or traveling solo. It builds independence and self-trust.

Anchor your day with one ritual (walk, playlist, or morning journaling) to feel grounded.

Your 20s don’t have to be about numbing or pretending. You’re allowed to choose healing, even if you don’t have it all figured out yet.

“Who am I supposed to be by now?”

“Everyone else has a career… what if I’m already behind?”

“What if I picked the wrong major/job and ruined my future?”

“They’re getting engaged, buying houses, traveling-and I can’t even pay rent.”

“Shouldn’t I have it all figured out by 25?”

“What if I fail before I even start?”

“If I say no, they’ll stop inviting me. But I’m exhausted.”

“Did I make the wrong choice moving here? Choosing this partner? Taking this job?”

“I should feel independent by now, but I can’t even afford it.”

“Why does every big life change feel like I’m about to fall apart?”

THE WORST THINGS ABOUT HAVING ANXIETY

THE WORST THINGS ABOUT HAVING ANXIETY

Believing you’re a burden to everyone.

Cancelling plans last minute.

Having an outburst over something that others may consider not a big deal.

Frequent crying and mood swings.

Isolating yourself from others.

Constantly waiting for something bad to happen.

Feeling unwell physically most of the time.

Inability to forgive yourself for making mistakes.

We all know there are some horrible things about having anxiety, like the things in this post. However, anxiety can also do us some good at times. It can heighten our awareness, motivate us to prepare for challenges, and even help us recognize and avoid potential dangers.

* If your anxiety is doing more harm than good, here are some tips to jumpstart your healing journey

1 Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with more realistic ones.

Often, those with anxiety tend to catastrophize and imagine worst-case scenarios. By consciously questioning these thoughts and evaluating the evidence for their validity, you can reduce the power they hold over you.

2 Do the work.

Taking care of your physical and mental well-being can significantly impact your anxiety levels. This includes adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and eating a balanced diet. Also engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as practicing , painting, or spending time in nature, can help Alice anxiety and promote a sense of calmness.

3 Seek support from a mental health professional. They can provide guidance, tools, and techniques tailored to your specific needs. Therapy can help you explore the root causes of your anxiety, develop coping mechanisms, and enhance your overall resilience in the face of stress.

* Remember, anxiety is a common human experience, and you are not alone in your struggles. The journey to anxiety healing may take time and effort, but with persistence and self-compassion, you can find relief and begin to fully enjoy life again.

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