Health Anxiety/ GI Disorders
Do I have Health Anxiety?
It's quite common for people to occasionally look up physical symptoms and worry about potential serious conditions. However, for some individuals, health-related anxiety can significantly disrupt their daily lives. This can manifest as avoiding certain activities or social situations due to fear of developing or worsening symptoms, ultimately impacting their quality of life if not addressed.
You might have clicked on this page if you:
Are hypervigilant about normal body sensations or mild symptoms, always tracking symptoms
Despite receiving reassurance from medical professionals, continue to seek further medical tests and consultations
Have difficulty accepting uncertainty and may seek constant reassurance to reduce your anxiety.
GI Disorders
Many individuals who experience IBS and similar health issues can understandably develop health anxiety. While their intention to track symptoms, triggers, and frequency is valid, this practice can sometimes lead to hypervigilance and, paradoxically, worsen their symptoms. It's worth noting that extensive research over the years indicates that psychological treatment can be beneficial in improving IBS, especially clinical hypnosis.
Health Anxiety on the Rise
Experts suggest that health anxiety is becoming more prevalent, possibly due to the easy access to medical information through smartphones and the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
If you're interested in exploring strategies to manage health anxiety, I invite you to book a free consultation with me by clicking the link below: