Do constant health check-ups, self-examination and asking people for reassurance feel relatable to you?  
“You are okay. This is normal; you have no serious health complications.”  
Is this assurance all it takes to get back to life?  
Well, this article might help you ease out a little.  
 
Ken Goodman, a clinical fellow and board member of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, says, “The illness you fear might not be the illness you have.” There’s a chance that you are experiencing health anxiety when you repeatedly worry about your health, knowing that your thoughts are often irrational.  
According to various clinical, educational, and research-based health organizations,  

Health anxiety has various names, like illness-anxiety disorder or hypochondriasis.  


It refers to being extremely worried that you are or will be seriously ill.  


People with health anxiety may not have any physical symptoms related to the serious illnesses they fear or may construct normal body sensations or minor symptoms as signs of some life-threatening disease.  

One of the best ways to ease your health anxiety can be to talk to a certified doctor and do the prescribed regular health check-ups or medical examinations.  
Health anxiety can seriously interfere with people's lives to the extent that –  

Their fears become so strong they find it hard to trust the doctors or medical tests.  


They keep looking at health information on the internet or different forms of media. 


Avoid everything that is connected to the diseases they fear. 


Act as if they already have the life-threatening disease they are afraid of.  


Struggle with regular physical exercises as fear takes over motivation.  

 
And here’s something super important!  
 
Many people with health anxiety seek professional help from doctors and get regular medical examinations done. However, they are uncomfortable seeking mental health treatment because of their evidence less solid belief that their condition is medically rooted.  
While there are no exact reasons that lead to health anxiety, experts believe that the below can be a few potential reasons –  

Inadequate understanding of how our bodies and the diseases we fear operate.  


Health concerns related to a loved one.  


Past experiences of poor health.  


Child abuse  


A stressful lifestyle  

This takes us to a crucial actionable step –  
Seeking psychological counselling in addition to medical help from doctors, especially when health anxiety is a long-term condition.  
Experts say that health anxiety can change its appearance and get severe with more stressful events and age. However, it’s also highly treatable! 
Please know that not all health worries indicate health anxiety.  
If you or somebody you know is going through something difficult and needs to get in touch with a therapist, consider reaching our ‘Support’ and ‘Engage’ verticals for affordable and inclusive help!    
Like our content? Please show us some support by sharing and up-voting!
Image Credits: Pexels.com
This article represents the author’s personal views and experiences. iDare doesn’t endorse or take responsibility for the opinions expressed.