How do you overcome health anxiety? (duplicate)

1. How do you overcome health anxiety?

Health anxiety, also known as hypochondria, is a condition where a person is excessively worried about having or developing a serious illness. If not addressed, the anxiety can become a burden and start to interfere with daily life.

People with health anxiety might constantly worry about their health. They may frequently check for signs of illness, avoid activities or places for fear of getting sick, and often misinterpret normal body sensations as serious illness.

The exact cause of health anxiety is not known. However, it can be influenced by past experiences with serious illness or having a family member with health anxiety. It has also been linked with wider mental health disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

2. The constant fear of ill health

Almost everyone worries intermittently about their physical health and illness. This is completely normal and it is always important to be vigilant of potential health risks. However, people with hypochondria live in constant dread that they have a serious disease.

The symptoms they worry about can manifest anywhere in the body. A headache is seen as proof of a brain tumour. Stomach pain is a sign of pancreatic cancer. A sore muscle indicates multiple sclerosis. Those with health anxiety often search for proof online or by visiting various doctors in an attempt to prove they are seriously ill, when in fact they are most likely experiencing mild symptoms of something far less worrisome.

3. Can I be affected?

Somewhere between 5 to 10 per cent of people are thought to have hypochondria. Doctors often find their practices disproportionately burdened by such patients, who may repeatedly call with every complaint and concern.

More females than males have the disorder, and it generally begins in middle adulthood. In children, the disorder often manifests in recurrent abdominal pain or headaches.

4. Symptoms of health anxiety

Symptoms of illness anxiety disorder involve preoccupation with the idea that you are seriously ill, based on normal body sensations such as a noisy stomach or minor signs such as a minor rash. Signs and symptoms may include:

. Being preoccupied with having or getting a serious disease or health condition.

. Worrying that minor symptoms or body sensations mean you have a serious illness.

. Being easily alarmed about your health status.

. Finding little or no reassurance from doctor visits or negative test results.

. Worrying excessively about a specific medical condition because it runs in your family.

. Having so much distress about possible illnesses that it is hard for you to function.

. Repeatedly checking your body for signs of illness or disease.

. Frequently making medical appointments for reassurance or avoiding medical care for fear of being diagnosed.

. Avoiding people, places or activities for fear of health risks.

. Constantly talking about your health and possible illnesses.

. Frequently searching the internet for causes of symptoms or possible illnesses.

5. Treatment options for health anxiety

• Psychotherapy (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - CBT)

This type of therapy helps individuals recognise and challenge irrational health related thoughts. It aims to modify behaviours associated with health anxiety and reduce distress.

• Medication

Certain medications have been shown to be effective in managing health anxiety when prescribed by a qualified Australian medical professional. These can help regulate the chemicals in the brain that contribute to obsessive worrying.

Self Help Strategies

• Keep a Diary:

Track how often you check your body, seek reassurance, or search for health information. Gradually reduce these behaviours.

• Challenge Negative Thoughts:

Write down health worries and counter them with more balanced thoughts. For example, you might remind yourself that headaches are often a sign of stress rather than something more sinister.

• Stay Busy:

Distract yourself when the urge to check your body arises.

• Resume Normal Activities:

Gradually engage in activities you have been avoiding due to health worries.

6. Wisdom App and EAP

Discover our leading health and wellbeing app for relaxing meditation techniques and exercises to overcome health anxiety. As part of our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), we provide access to professional support to help you manage these overwhelming thoughts.

Seeking professional help is essential. If you are experiencing health anxiety, consider seeing a GP or a mental health professional to discuss your concerns in a safe environment.

7. Summary

Health anxiety is a manageable condition that responds well to professional intervention and self help strategies. By learning to challenge irrational thoughts and reducing the habit of constant body checking, you can regain control over your daily life. It is about moving from a state of constant dread to one of balanced awareness. Discover how Wisdom Wellbeing can support your organisation and call wisdom on 1800 868 659.

Enquire today to see how Wisdom Wellbeing can transform your team.