Perhaps one of the best ways to overcome personal struggles is first accepting you’re not alone in them. For example, if you find that you’re a little bumbling in social interactions, don’t worry, many people feel that way too, and you just have to find the people who don’t make you feel awkward. They will come.
The same is true for health anxiety. We all have it, because none of us wishes to experience ill health. Unfortunately, some people to experience it, and all of us encounter illness or injury at some point or other. That’s not a comforting feeling.
If you have health anxiety which may feel like a problem and impede your daily living, it’s important to talk to your doctor about this. That might sound ironic, but they can help you learn coping measures and perspective shifts with tools like cognitive behavioral therapy, and refer you to people who can help.
However, the reality is that no one has 100% perfect health every day of their lives. So, overcoming this distracting fear is wise. Here’s how to do so:
Understand The Scope Of Specific Issues
It’s very easy for a passing ache or unfamiliar feeling to spiral into a worst-case scenario within your mind. That’s often how health anxiety plays out, as we start filling in blanks that aren’t really there. One way to soften that pattern is to zoom in a little, so rather than letting your thoughts stretch out into a hundred possible outcomes, try to look at what’s actually happening, right now.
A symptom isn’t automatically serious just because it’s new. Looking up vague symptoms online can be tempting, but it rarely brings peace of mind. It’s usually better to sit with what you know, or speak to a professional who can put it in context, such as talking to you about the symptoms and treatments of bladder endometriosis, which puts everything into its parameters instead of torturing you about everything at once.
Have A Gentle Self-Care Regimen That Helps You Exercise Control
The worse thing about health anxiety is that you feel completely out of control. But there are things you can do with your health to gently support yourself, even if you have a strongly diagnosed condition.
That might be keeping your sleep schedule consistent, making meals that feel nourishing, or finding a form of movement that lets you exhale and take some of the physical stress off your shoulders. These things don’t fix health anxiety, but they can bring a sense of steadiness when you feel like your mind’s running wild and also help you pace yourself.
You might also find it helps to limit how often you scan for physical changes or look for reassurance. Not in a strict way, just with a little compassion. Getting into a hobby is great at this because it lets you focus on something else instead. Noticing what soothes you, and what fuels the spiral gives you something to work with instead of feeling at the mercy of it all.
Talk Through Your Feelings & Seek Support Where Available
Some worries just need to be said out loud, because a problem shared is often a problem halved (so they say). They don’t need fixing or shutting down straight away, they just need a little air.
But where? Well, that could be with a therapist, a support group, or a trusted person in your life who understands the terrain of the issue. Health anxiety can be incredibly isolating at times, especially when you feel like you’re stuck in a loop of worry no one else seems to be dealing with. But plenty of people are, and they’ve found ways to cope that you might not have tried yet. A support group might be all you need to feel heard.
With this advice, you’re certain to cope with health anxiety in the best possible way.
The owners and authors of Cinnamon Hollow are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice. We cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research and consult with your personal physician before using.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
