Do you ruminate over relatively minor health issues? When you get sick, do you automatically assume that the worst-case scenario is about to unfold? Are you constantly micro-managing physical symptoms in your loved ones?
If so, you may have health anxiety (also known as illness anxiety disorder), a common mental health condition characterized by excessive worry about your physical health. Health anxiety symptoms exist on a large spectrum, but without treatment, you may feel constantly panicky.
What Is Health Anxiety?
Health anxiety refers to experiencing chronic anxiety about your physical well-being. Some of the main symptoms of this condition include:
feeling preoccupied about getting or having a specific illness
needing constant reassurance that you're not sick or don't have a specific condition
catastrophizing certain physical symptoms and/or looking them up excessively online
avoiding doctors or other healthcare providers due to fear of something being wrong
avoiding certain places or people due to fear of getting sick
constantly going to the doctor for examinations or medical tests
engaging in ongoing self-diagnosis
having immediate anxiety in response to certain bodily sensations
Anxiety symptoms can trigger physical sensations. This speaks to the powerful mind-body connection; for example, it's well-known that anxiety correlates with symptoms like chronic pain, panic attacks, fatigue, gastrointestinal distress, and headaches. Moreover, physical symptoms may trigger anxious spirals.
What Causes Illness Anxiety Disorder?
Health anxiety is not inherently illogical. We've all heard those stories where someone talks about discovering they have cancer after going in for a routine physical exam. Many people can also recount devastating experiences where loved ones died due to missing certain symptoms.
Furthermore, those who experience health anxiety often latch onto certain grains of truth. For example, you may hear that the presence of a certain physical symptom (i.e. a migraine) may indicate the sign of something more severe (like a brain tumor). But instead of waiting to get the evidence, your mind automatically assumes you have some serious illness and you need to seek immediate support.
Some of the main risk factors for developing health anxiety include:
adverse health experiences (having poor medical treatment as a child)
having a family member go through a serious illness
other anxiety disorders
individual temperament
How Are Health Anxiety Symptoms Treated?
Overcoming health anxiety isn't an overnight process. If you've ever had a serious medical condition, treatment may be even more complicated.
That said, there is effective treatment for this condition. Health anxiety is generally treated by:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. For example, let's say that, whenever you have a stomachache, you conclude that you must have an ulcer. CBT will teach you cognitive tools to examine the evidence, practice more mindfulness, evaluate other alternative options, and engage in healthy stress management tools.
Medication: Antidepressants may help reduce worry symptoms and treat overall mood stabilization. These are often beneficial when used in conjunction with other mental health treatments.
Mindfulness-based therapies: Mindfulness entails accepting your current thoughts and feelings in the here and now. Instead of harshly judging or acting on negative thoughts, you simply note them. You learn to tolerate uncomfortable bodily functions or sensations. Ongoing mindfulness can create a desensitization effect that reduces anxiety symptoms.
Lifestyle changes: It's important to change how you perceive certain health concerns. Many people find that focusing more on relationships and hobbies helps them feel more rounded in their lives. Similarly, many people with health anxiety benefit from setting limits with technology, as it's common to get stuck in cycles of 'doom-scrolling' or 'reassurance-checking' certain symptoms.
What Should You Do If You're Struggling Right Now?
First, it's important to remember you're not alone. Many people experience health worries, and it makes perfect sense to care about your physical health.
The most important thing to do is recognize that feelings are not facts. For example, just because you feel like you might be sick, that doesn't mean you actually are sick. You may feel like the world is ending, but that doesn't mean it truly is.
Second, seeking mental health treatment can also make a big difference in how you feel. A therapist trained to treat health anxiety will help you better understand your triggers and symptoms. They can offer guidance and support to help you manage your condition and reduce the intensity of your anxiety.
Anxiety Treatment in Orange County, CA
At Resurface Group, we specialize in treating all types of anxiety disorders. There is often a significant overlap between anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, low self-esteem, and relationship issues. We provide comprehensive treatment dedicated to untangling yourself from these symptoms to help you feel more fulfilled in daily life.
We offer a variety of mental health services customized to your specific needs. Our virtual IOP program, Resurface Connect, provides support, community, and resources- all from the comfort and convenience of your home.
Contact us today to get in touch with one of our team members!
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