Health Anxiety

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Here’s a free collection of resources about health anxiety (also known as hypochondria)- Health anxiety blogs, videos, support groups, first-hand experiences and advice from people who have health anxiety, etc.

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Health Anxiety Blogs

Here’s a list of health anxiety/hypochondria blogs- blogs written by hypochondriacs, or are about health anxiety.

****Email alexbalinski@gmail.com to submit your blog to this list.***

Wikipedia Article	en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypochondriasis	2017
Reddit	reddit.com/r/HealthAnxiety	2017
No More Panic	nomorepanic.co.uk/..healthanxiety	2017
ADAA	adaa.org/..health-anxiety	2017
NHS	nhs.uk/conditions/hypochondria	2017
Anxiety UK	anxietyuk.org.uk/..health-anxiety	2017
Calmer You	calmer-you.com/health-anxiety	2017
OCD Center of LA	ocdla.com/hypochondriasis	2017
AnxietyBC	anxietybc.com/parenting/health-anxiety	2017
MoodSmith	moodsmith.com/hypochondria	2017
Medical News Today	medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9983.php	2017
WebMD	webmd.com/..somatic_symptom_disorder	2017

Health Anxiety Support Groups

Health Anxiety Support Groups On Facebook

Health Anxiety Survey

We’re surveying people about their experiences with health anxiety. Here will be a collection of their responses.

*This information is not meant to replace medical advice, and the information gathered via surveys may or may not be correct. Hopefully it will be helpful to you!

*Response format = Answer (Name, Age)

**Click here to share your experience with health anxiety**

Health Anxiety Symptoms

What symptoms have you experienced?

Morning nausea. Side aches. Depression. Fast heart rate. Stinging and aching anywhere in my body. Headaches. Frustration. Guilt. Rumination. (Miles, 16 years old)
My first symptom was pain in my lower back, I have had pain in my ovaries, in the back, headaches, short of breath, all the symptoms of oral and oralpharyngheal cancer, right now I have a lump in my tongue and a swollen lymph node in my neck. (Helena, 18 years old)
Tingling in my hands, wrist pain, leg and feet pain, arm pain that can affect my whole arm. All of these come and go. Headaches occasionally, but what freaks me out the most are the tingling and odd feelings in my limbs. (Cheryl, 23 years old)
Intense fear of my children or my family and I getting cancer or a virus that could kill us. (Tina, 24 years old)
Body aches and certain feelings in chest. (Eva, 24 years old)
Believing I had MS and a brain tumor. Scanning my body for physical symptoms. Overly aware of myself, dizzy spells, shortness of breath. (Leisa, 27 years old)
Racing heart, crying, nausea, dizziness, exhaustion. (Tara, 29 years old)
Always thinking I’m going to die of a stroke, heart attack or brain aneurysm, also fear my daughter is ill all the time. (Emma, 31 years old)
Increased heart rate, white coat hypertension, anxious tremors, and a pessimistic outlook in life. (Sid, 31 years old)
Panic attacks, nausea, and shaking. (Brandy, 34 years old)
Shaking, cold sweats, nausea, racing thoughts, negative thoughts, fear. (Veronica, 36 years old)
Irrational thoughts on body symptoms. (Claire, 40 years old)
Heart Palpitations, nausea, stomach complaints etc. (Julia, 57 years old)
Anxiety, fear, pain. (Janet, 61 years old)
Fast heartbeat, headaches, general aches and pains, nausea. (Christine, 62 years old)

Health Anxiety Causes

What do you think contributed to your health anxiety?

Sexual relationships. Medical articles/media about health concerns. Grooming habits/”checking” patterns. (Miles, 16 years old)
I thinks it’s a coping method my brain developed, I’m 17, I thought I was pregnant, it may sound silly, but my anxiety was a bomb that exploded the moment I had that panic attack, and since then, I’m nervous, it was so bad that I’m having suicidal thoughts. (Helena, 18 years old)
Uncle got diagnosed with MS and I worry so much I have it. My job requires a lot of heavy lifting, so pains from that I make a lot worse in my head. (Cheryl, 23 years old)
Only started after I contracted pneumonia 2 years ago. (Tina, 24 years old)
Cancer ..it’s everywhere ..it seems everyone is getting it and dying from it..also my baby..he gives me something to look forward to so I get scared my life will be taken away shortly and I can’t be with him or my husband. (Eva, 24 years old)
Stress. Post-natal depression. (Leisa, 27 years old)
Hearing about people with cancer. (Tara, 29 years old)
I had thyroid cancer when I was 23. (Emma, 31 years old)
A feeling of doom, financial insecurities in case of illness, and obligations towards family. (Sid, 31 years old)
My husband was deployed while I was alone caring for a newborn. (Brandy, 34 years old)
Having depression and anxiety. (Veronica, 36 years old)
Yes. (Claire, 40 years old)
My Mother dying of Lung cancer when I was 13. (Julia, 57 years old)
My mother was diagnosed with cancer when I was 12. We weren’t told what was wrong with her. It created my phobia. (Janet, 61 years old)
I was frequently ill as a child. My mother looked after me. She was always anxious when I became ill. I evidently picked up on that, and became anxious myself. (Christine, 62 years old)

Health Anxiety Facts

What are some interesting facts about health anxiety?

It’s the most counter-intuitive form of anxiety that exists, so at some points you know your thoughts are false, but you still believe them. (Miles, 16 years old)
People know that they are hypochondriacs, but, still they think they have a mortal disease despite of the mental condition. (Helena, 18 years old)
How real and scary it all seems. (Cheryl, 23 years old)
You can manifest your symptoms. You can get literally almost anything. (Eva, 24 years old)
It can mimic symptoms of illnesses. (Emma, 31 years old)
The test results almost always negate your feelings. (Sid, 31 years old)
It can happen at any time. (Veronica, 36 years old)
None, it’s a nightmare. (Claire, 40 years old)
You become quite knowledgeable scrolling around the net trying to self diagnose yourself. Also you can bring on the exact same symptoms of the disease you think you may have just by constantly stressing about it. (Julia, 57 years old)
You can know other people are fine, but you are going to die. (Janet, 61 years old)
If parents are anxious about health then children often are too. (Christine, 62 years old)

Health Anxiety Pain Management

What’s been your experience with pain and pain relief?

I attended CBT for 4-5 months and when returning to my PCP, I was told that I should start taking medicine for depression. I did not accept this due to my mother’s experience with pharmaceutical drugs and depression. (Miles, 16 years old)
Well, since most of my symptoms are kind of imaginary or made by my mind, focusing on other things helps me. (Helena, 18 years old)
Tingling and odd feelings in limbs. Warm baths help with some epsom salt. Heating pad for back pains and ice packs for ankle and feet pain. (Cheryl, 23 years old)
I don’t mind pain or pain relief if absolutely necessary. (Tina, 24 years old)
Pain comes and goes, if my mind is busy no pains. (Eva, 24 years old)
I rarely experience pain. (Tara, 29 years old)
Trips to the hospital, I’m now on setraline. (Emma, 31 years old)
Upset stomach and tension headaches. (Veronica, 36 years old)
I don’t suffer pain with anxiety. (Claire, 40 years old)
Doctors do not take you seriously. Support groups are better. (Julia, 57 years old)
Tranquilizers, Xanax, Valium. (Janet, 61 years old)
A bit hit and miss at times. (Christine, 62 years old)

Health Anxiety Difficulties

What are the hardest aspects of living with health anxiety?

Staying focused is extremely difficult. Some days I have such a lack of motivation that I don’t even want to eat. I am constantly checking my body for bumps or blisters or anything that wasn’t there before and when I find something I freak, even though I know I’m okay. (Miles, 16 years old)
As I said, I have suicidal thoughts, I think I would prefer to be dead than living with this daily anxiety. (Helena, 18 years old)
Knowing nothing’s seriously wrong, but always thinking what if… (Cheryl, 23 years old)
No one else being able to understand what goes through your head. (Tina, 24 years old)
It ruins everything. It gives you no motivation and you start to say what’s the point I’m gonna die if this… if that. (Eva, 24 years old)
Constant battle with your own mind. (Leisa, 27 years old)
It’s hard to live with the depression that accompanies health anxiety. I feel like I can’t look forward to the future when I think I’m dying. (Tara, 29 years old)
It’s not a life always fearing that I’m going to drop down dead and my daughter- it’s scary thinking this all the time. (Emma, 31 years old)
Constant fear, problems maintaining relationships, it affects your quality of life and work. (Sid, 31 years old)
Always wondering if it’s just all your head. Spouse not understanding. (Brandy, 34 years old)
Constant fearful thoughts, being afraid of leaving the house for more then a few hours and insomnia. (Veronica, 36 years old)
Hell on earth. (Claire, 40 years old)
People get sick of you asking them all the time. The mental stress it puts you through. (Julia, 57 years old)
It’s 24/7, there are few moments when I’m not thinking about it. (Janet, 61 years old)
I worry constantly about becoming ill, especially when there is a flu bug or some other illnesses doing the rounds. (Christine, 62 years old)

Health Anxiety Advice

What encouragement/advice can you give to people who have health anxiety?

You’re NEVER alone, that’s why humans are awesome. Whatever you’re experiencing has been experienced by someone else, and it’s never a problem to reach out for help. Also, there will be moments when you want to give up and feel like health anxiety is going to live with you forever, but don’t. It will get better, that’s not just a cliche, it will always get better. (Miles, 16 years old)
Everything is going to be okay, it’s just a panic attack, not the end of the world, it looks like it is, but I swear, it’s not. Remember that 90% of the bad things we think don’t happen. (Helena, 18 years old)
Try and stop self-diagnosing and trust doctors (who listen and take time to fully check you out). So many people are also suffering, you are not alone! (Cheryl, 23 years old)
Even though it feels like it, you are not alone. (Tina, 24 years old)
Go to the doctor if you have concerns and trust them! And stay away from Google. (Eva, 24 years old)
It can get better with time, medication and help. (Leisa, 27 years old)
Don’t Google symptoms. (Tara, 29 years old)
Go and see a doctor for help, and don’t Google symptoms. (Emma, 31 years old)
Have faith, lead a healthy life, and exercise. That’s pretty much what you can do. (Sid, 31 years old)
Don’t google! Find someone to talk to who won’t judge you. (Brandy, 34 years old)
Take it one day at a time, and talk to your doctor. (Veronica, 36 years old)
It will pass. It’s not real. Try and face your fears. (Claire, 40 years old)
Find a good support group. Get a full check out from the doctor. (Julia, 57 years old)
See a psychiatrist. (Janet, 61 years old)
I’m afraid I have no advice to give anyone at the moment. (Christine, 62 years old)

Health Anxiety Diet and Exercise

What’s been your experience with diet and exercise?

Occasionally I will be concerned that I am inactive and not meeting daily requirements of certain thins, so I will run and drink lots of water, etc. This just leading to more anxiety and poor rituals. (Miles, 16 years old)
I don’t do any special diet or exercise, but going on a walk or eating something you like could make you feel happy. (Helena, 18 years old)
Can have a poor diet at times. Soda, coffee, snacks and sweets. Could eat better. Daily dog walks, could exercise more. (Cheryl, 23 years old)
Don’t do either. (Eva, 24 years old)
It’s hard to get yourself to exercise, but once you do, it helps. (Tara, 29 years old)
I feel much better when I hit the gym, but my social anxiety stops me going, and when I diet, it boosts my mood, but doesn’t make health anxiety go. (Emma, 31 years old)
Tremendously beneficial. Probably the biggest help. Even more than anticipated anxiety pills. (Sid, 31 years old)
Mine could be a lot better. (Brandy, 34 years old)
Going to the gym, working out at home and yoga. (Veronica, 36 years old)
None. (Claire, 40 years old)
I definitely need to do it. (Julia, 57 years old)
I feel better. (Janet, 61 years old)
Hit and miss. Can vary. (Christine, 62 years old)

Health Anxiety Treatments

What’s been your experience with treatments (medication, etc.)?

I have attended psychotherapy for hypochondriasis and OCD. I have never taken antidepressants or any pharmaceutical drug to help with my anxiety. (Miles, 16 years old)
None… I want professional help, and currently, I’m seeking for it. (Helena, 18 years old)
Just started diazepam (Valium) it helps, but like everything, the more you take it, the more your tolerance builds up. Also can make you very drowsy. Breathing techniques (breath from the belly). (Cheryl, 23 years old)
I was offered medication by a doctor for my health anxiety but I have never taken it in fear that the medication will make me sick. (Tina, 24 years old)
Don’t do any. (Eva, 24 years old)
Medication made a huge positive difference. (Leisa, 27 years old)
Celexa is great. (Tara, 29 years old)
Sertraline made my symptoms worse when first starting, then helped for a bit. Now it doesn’t work at all. (Emma, 31 years old)
Does not work. The underlying cause still exists. (Sid, 31 years old)
I’m taking fluoxetine now. It helps sometimes. (Brandy, 34 years old)
Zoloft. (Veronica, 36 years old)
Helpful. (Claire, 40 years old)
Not a lot of good. I’m on anti depressants. (Julia, 57 years old)
Some relief. (Janet, 61 years old)
Not always effective. (Christine, 62 years old)

Health Anxiety Recommendations

Anything you’d recommend for someone with health anxiety?

Write down your thoughts. This helps a lot. Later you will have the same thought and you can look back and see what happened when you thought it last. When you see that your previous thought was wrong, you can reinforce that your current thought is also incorrect. Breath. Run. Jog. Do yoga. Listen to music. Read. Do something you love, anything. Don’t let health anxiety stop you from doing that special hobby that brings you joy. Reach out for help. Your thoughts may seem silly and stupid but they are serious and there are psychologists who can help you mentor them. (Miles, 16 years old)
Everything is in your mind, remember that, don’t let that consume your life, please, it has already consumed 1 year of mine. (Helena, 18 years old)
Talk to someone. A psychologist, or anyone who knows what your going through and understands. It’s hard talking to someone who has never experienced anxiety because they just don’t understand. (Cheryl, 23 years old)
Rescue Remedy. (Tina, 24 years old)
Keep busy, busy, busy, too much free time is really bad if you have health anxiety. (Eva, 24 years old)
Talk to your doctor. (Leisa, 27 years old)
Celexa. (Tara, 29 years old)
I’m looking for that answer myself. (Emma, 31 years old)
Exercise, healthy diet and an optimistic view. (Sid, 31 years old)
Don’t suffer alone. Find someone to listen. (Brandy, 34 years old)
Talk to someone. (Veronica, 36 years old)
Counseling and meds. (Claire, 40 years old)
Yes, get a full physical and then join a good support group. (Julia, 57 years old)
I haven’t got any recommendations at present, I’m still trying to learn how best to deal with it. (Christine, 62 years old)

Health Anxiety Resources

What specific resources have you found most helpful?

Books/Informational videos. The Anxiety Guy (YouTube). Thought journal. Therapist. (Miles, 16 years old)
Talking about it helps me a lot! (Helena, 18 years old)
YouTube videos of others who are going through the same thing. Easy going mind games on phone to distract you. Health/anxiety blogs. (Cheryl, 23 years old)
A facebook group for hypochondriacs. (Tina, 24 years old)
Support groups. (Eva, 24 years old)
Websites that help deal with anxiety. (Tara, 29 years old)
Facebook groups. (Emma, 31 years old)
Health anxiety groups. (Sid, 31 years old)
I’m still looking. (Brandy, 34 years old)
Talking to your doctor, friends, family and therapists. (Veronica, 36 years old)
Talking to other people who suffer. (Claire, 40 years old)
Support groups. (Julia, 57 years old)
Nothing in particular. I tend not to read or research illness any longer. (Christine, 62 years old)

Health Anxiety Stories

Share your health anxiety story.

I constantly am worrying that every twinge and pain is something sinister and serious. Worrying over the smallest thing. Obsessed with googling symptoms and scared of MS or other paralyzing disease.. negative thinking is a big problem. (Cheryl, 23 years old)
Started about 2 months after having my baby. It was just one thing after another and another. Being a stay at home mom I would re-think things more and more, I was afraid of being home because I KNEW I’d run to my phone to self-diagnose. My attitude changed and my husband can’t stand me sometimes and my anxiety grew worse and worse so I began to feel more and more real symptoms. (Eva, 24 years old)
Ever since giving birth to my son five years ago, I have been terrified of dying young and leaving him without a mother. I’m particularly afraid of developing cancer. (Tara, 29 years old)
It’s a horrible nightmare which stops me enjoying life, and I don’t think it will ever go. (Emma, 31 years old)
I have had severe health anxiety with imagined high blood pressure and fear of kidney failure. I have done tests, visited cardiologists, and psychiatrists. (Sid, 31 years old)
It’s too long to write on here. (Claire, 40 years old)
I have bronchiectasis, asthma and arthritis. I’m always wary of being around someone who has a cold or a cough, in case I catch it as well. I don’t like being around ill people. I worry constantly. (Christine, 62 years old)