Health anxiety involves excessive worry about having a serious illness, even when there is no medical evidence to support the concern. People with health anxiety often misinterpret normal bodily sensations or minor symptoms as signs of a life-threatening condition. This constant fear and preoccupation with health can significantly impact daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.

Common Symptoms of Health Anxiety:

• Constant worry about having a serious illness
• Frequent checking of the body for signs of disease (e.g., lumps, pain, etc.)
• Frequent doctor visits or seeking unnecessary medical tests
• Over-researching health conditions online (cyberchondria)
• Difficulty relaxing or feeling reassured after medical tests
• Excessive focus on bodily sensations or normal physical changes
• Fear of receiving bad news during medical appointments
• Avoidance of certain activities or situations due to health concerns

How Health Anxiety Makes You Feel:

Living with health anxiety can be exhausting and overwhelming. The fear of being ill often leads to heightened stress, which in turn can cause physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or stomach discomfort. Despite receiving reassurance from doctors or medical tests, individuals with health anxiety often feel trapped in a cycle of worry. This ongoing fear can limit your ability to enjoy life or engage in everyday activities, as every sensation or symptom is perceived as a potential sign of illness.

How CBT Can Help:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a proven and effective treatment for health anxiety. CBT helps you recognize and challenge the distorted thoughts and beliefs that contribute to your health-related fears. Instead of focusing on worst-case scenarios or jumping to conclusions about your health, CBT teaches you to examine the evidence behind your thoughts and consider alternative, more balanced interpretations.

Through CBT, you’ll learn how to break the cycle of constant checking and reassurance-seeking, as well as how to manage the physical symptoms of anxiety that often accompany health anxiety. CBT also incorporates practical strategies like relaxation techniques,

mindfulness practices, and grounding exercises to help you stay calm and focused when you start to feel anxious.

Benefits of CBT for Health Anxiety:

• Identifying and challenging irrational health-related fears
• Reducing the need for excessive checking, doctor visits, and reassurance
• Developing healthier thought patterns around bodily sensations and health
• Learning relaxation techniques to manage physical symptoms of anxiety
• Building confidence in your ability to cope with health-related concerns
• Gaining control over worry and regaining peace of mind

CBT provides a structured and effective approach to overcoming health anxiety. By teaching you to shift your thinking and change your responses to health-related fears, CBT empowers you to regain control over your thoughts and reduce anxiety. If you are ready to take control of your health anxiety and live a more balanced life, book a free consultation today to learn how CBT can support you.