Understanding and Managing Health Anxiety: When Worrying Becomes a Challenge
Do Constant Health Check-ups and Reassurance Feel Relatable?
Do constant health check-ups, self-examination, and asking people for reassurance feel relatable to you?
“You are okay. This is normal; you have no serious health complications.”
Is this assurance all it takes to get back to life?
Well, this article might help you ease out a little.
Understanding Health Anxiety
Ken Goodman, a clinical fellow and board member of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, says, “The illness you fear might not be the illness you have.” There’s a chance that you are experiencing health anxiety when you repeatedly worry about your health, knowing that your thoughts are often irrational.
According to various clinical, educational, and research-based health organizations:
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Health anxiety has various names, like illness-anxiety disorder or hypochondriasis.
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It refers to being extremely worried that you are or will be seriously ill.
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People with health anxiety may not have any physical symptoms related to the serious illnesses they fear or may interpret normal body sensations or minor symptoms as signs of some life-threatening disease.
How to Ease Health Anxiety
One of the best ways to ease your health anxiety is to talk to a certified doctor and do the prescribed regular health check-ups or medical examinations.
When Health Anxiety Interferes with Life
Health anxiety can seriously interfere with people's lives to the extent that:
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Their fears become so strong they find it hard to trust doctors or medical tests.
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They keep looking at health information on the internet or different forms of media.
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They avoid everything connected to the diseases they fear.
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They act as if they already have the life-threatening disease they are afraid of.
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They struggle with regular physical exercise as fear overtakes motivation.
The Challenge of Seeking Mental Health Help
Many people with health anxiety seek professional help from doctors and get regular medical examinations done. However, they are often uncomfortable seeking mental health treatment because of their solid belief that their condition is medically rooted.
Possible Causes of Health Anxiety
While there are no exact reasons that lead to health anxiety, experts believe the following may be potential contributors:
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Inadequate understanding of how our bodies and the diseases we fear operate.
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Health concerns related to a loved one.
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Past experiences of poor health.
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Child abuse.
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A stressful lifestyle.
A Crucial Actionable Step
Seeking psychological counselling in addition to medical help from doctors is especially important when health anxiety is a long-term condition.
Experts say health anxiety can worsen with stressful events and age but is also highly treatable!
Please remember that not all health worries indicate health anxiety.
If you or someone you know is going through something difficult and needs to get in touch with a therapist, consider reaching out to our ‘Support’ and ‘Engage’ verticals for affordable and inclusive help!
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