What is it?

Health anxiety is an excessive fear of getting sick, even when there’s no real evidence. It can lead to:

• Constant worry: You might fixate on every ache and pain, imagining the worst-case scenario.
• Frequent doctor visits: You might seek reassurance by seeing doctors often, even if they confirm you’re healthy.
• Difficulty managing daily life: Worrying about illness can take a toll on your work, relationships, and overall well-being.

Why does it happen?

There can be several reasons behind health anxiety, like:

• Negative thinking patterns: You might have a tendency to jump to conclusions or catastrophize.
• Past experiences: Having a personal or family history of illness can increase anxiety about health.
• Personality factors: Some individuals are naturally more prone to anxiety and worry.

How can you feel better?

While it’s important to seek medical attention for real health concerns, health anxiety can be managed with various approaches:

• Challenging negative thoughts: Learn to identify and “fact-check” your worries with a therapist.
• Relaxation techniques: Practices like deep breathing or meditation can help manage anxiety symptoms.
• Mindfulness: Focusing on the present moment can help reduce worry about the future.

Remember:

Health anxiety is a real condition, and seeking professional support is key to getting back to your life without constant worry. A therapist can help you develop tools to manage your anxiety and improve your overall well-being.