Health anxiety is a mental health condition that involves excessive worry about having a serious illness, even when no symptoms are present or the symptoms are harmless. This condition can be debilitating, making it difficult for individuals to live their daily lives without being overwhelmed by thoughts of illness or disease. While health anxiety can manifest in various ways, understanding its symptoms is the first step in learning how to manage it.
What Are the Symptoms of Health Anxiety?
Health anxiety manifests in both physical and emotional symptoms. For many people, the concern about their health starts small, often triggered by a minor physical ailment such as a headache or stomach ache. However, the anxiety can quickly escalate into obsessive thoughts, convincing the person that they are seriously ill. Some common symptoms of health anxiety include:
Constant Worrying About Health: Individuals with health anxiety often fixate on their health, interpreting minor symptoms as signs of a serious illness. This can lead to a cycle of constant checking, such as repeatedly measuring temperature, checking for lumps, or monitoring their pulse.
Frequent Doctor Visits or Medical Tests: Many individuals with health anxiety seek reassurance from healthcare professionals, often visiting doctors or urgent care centers, even for benign symptoms. Despite reassurances from doctors that there is no serious health concern, the anxiety remains, prompting further visits and tests.
Avoidance of Health Information: Ironically, while those with health anxiety often obsess about their health, they may also avoid information that could help them better understand their symptoms. This includes avoiding articles, websites, or even conversations about health for fear of discovering something alarming.
Physical Symptoms: Health anxiety can cause physical symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, dizziness, chest pains, or stomach problems. These symptoms are often triggered by the stress and anxiety surrounding health concerns and can mimic actual physical health issues, further reinforcing the anxiety.
Reassurance-Seeking Behavior: A person with health anxiety might frequently ask family members, friends, or healthcare providers for reassurance. Despite receiving comforting words, this reassurance provides only temporary relief before the anxiety returns.
Constant Fear of a Life-Threatening Illness: The fear of serious conditions like cancer, heart disease, or other severe illnesses often overshadows the person’s thoughts. They might interpret common or mild symptoms as evidence of these diseases, despite no actual diagnosis to support it.
How CARESPACE Psychotherapists Can Help
Dealing with health anxiety can be an exhausting cycle that interferes with daily life. However, individuals experiencing health anxiety can find relief with the help of psychotherapists who specialize in managing health anxiety and other anxiety disorders. At CARESPACE Health+Wellness, psychotherapists provide a safe space for clients to explore their fears and learn strategies to cope with overwhelming thoughts.
Psychotherapists at CARESPACE understand the complexities of health anxiety and work with clients to break the cycle of constant worry. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for health anxiety. CBT helps individuals challenge and reframe irrational thoughts, replacing them with more balanced, realistic thinking. The goal is to reduce the constant worry by addressing the root causes of anxiety, changing patterns of behavior, and improving overall coping mechanisms.
Therapists at CARESPACE also incorporate mindfulness and relaxation techniques, helping clients manage the physical symptoms of anxiety. These techniques teach clients how to stay grounded and focused on the present moment, instead of spiraling into worst-case scenarios. Mindfulness can be especially beneficial for individuals who struggle with panic attacks or constant physical symptoms of anxiety.
In addition to one-on-one therapy, CARESPACE offers group sessions that provide the opportunity for individuals to connect with others facing similar challenges. These group settings can foster a sense of community, making it easier for people to share their experiences and support each other in overcoming health anxiety.
Moving Forward with Health Anxiety
Health anxiety is a challenging condition, but with the right treatment and support, it is possible to manage. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking help early can prevent the anxiety from taking over one’s life. Whether through psychotherapy at CARESPACE or other therapeutic methods, there is hope for those who struggle with this condition. Understanding that these worries are a part of an anxiety disorder and not a reflection of actual health issues is an essential step in the healing process. If you or someone you know is experiencing health anxiety, know that help is available, and recovery is possible.
If you’re looking for practical tips, check out our Health Anxiety Hub.
