Health Anxiety.... What is it?
Health anxiety (sometimes called hypochondria) is when you spend so much time worrying you're ill, or about getting ill, that it starts to take over your life. Some people might call you a hypnochondriac or that you are fussing over nothing.
However, Health Anxiety is much more serious than that and it really affects someone's mental and physical health, as well as their social activities and work or education.
It can be really debilitating and the current climate in which we are living with the threat of COVID-19 not only exacerbates Health Anxiety for those already living with the condition; it can influence whether others might also start developing Health Anxiety too. Which is why it's important to get support sooner, rather than later.
It can be really debilitating and the current climate in which we are living with the threat of COVID-19 not only exacerbates Health Anxiety for those already living with the condition; it can influence whether others might also start developing Health Anxiety too. Which is why it's important to get support sooner, rather than later.
Here's some of the signs and symptoms of Health Anxiety.
Remember, everyone is different and we all experience anxiety and life differently. What's important to know is that, if it's affecting your life is an unhelpful or distressing way, get some support and start taking control of some of your anxiety symptoms.
You may have Health Anxiety if you:
* Have an obsessional preoccupation with the idea that they are currently (or will be) experiencing a physical illness;
* Have felt distressed because of this preoccupation
* Found that this preoccupation impacts negatively on all areas of life including, family life, social life and work
* Constantly worry about your health
* Frequently check your body for signs of illness, such as lumps, tingling or pain
* Feel that you have needed to carry out constant self-examination and self-diagnosis
* Are always asking people for reassurance that you're not ill
* Worry that your doctor or medical tests may have missed something
* Obsessively look at health information on the internet or in the media
* Avoid anything to do with serious illness, such as medical TV programmes
* Act as if you were ill (for example, avoiding physical activities)
Anxiety itself can cause symptoms like headaches or a racing heartbeat, and you may mistake these for signs of illness too (even though these may be typical signs of anxiety that many of us will experience).
If this sounds like you, and you want some support with this, feel free to get in touch. We have a team of fully qualified, skilled and professional psychotherapists an counsellors who can provide online appointments (anywhere in UK) or in-person appointments (Glasgow city centre).
All our therapists are understanding, patients and tailor therapy to your needs and preferences. They go at your pace and appointments are offered on a short, medium or long-term basis (the choice is yours).
All therapists have insurance, have clinical qualifications in psychotherapy, engage in regualr CPD and clinical supervision, are members of ICO and hold membership with at least one professional body. So you are in safe hands.
Feel free to get in touch to access some help and support with Health Anxiety (or anything else). We are here to listen and support you.
Glasgow Anxiety and Depression Counselling Service (GADS)
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