Why Am I So Worried About My Health?

Do you repeatedly check your body for signs of disease?

Are you worried about having or getting a serious disease?

Do you experience so much distress about possible illnesses that it's almost impossible for you to function normally?

Do you frequently make medical appointments for reassurance — or do you avoid medical care for fear of being diagnosed with a serious disease?

Do you frequently search the internet for causes of symptoms?

Do you find little reassurance from doctor visits or negative test results?

Do you constantly talk about your health and possible illnesses?

Do you worry excessively about a specific medical condition or your risk of developing a medical condition because it runs in your family?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you excessively worry about your health. When your body is showing signs that you are ill, it is normal to be worried. However, people who suffer from health anxiety experience a continuous belief that they are having symptoms of a severe disease. The concern disrupts daily functioning. If you are worried about your health, it’s normal to see a doctor. But people who suffer from health anxiety often seek medical help and can’t get reassured with negative test results.

You may be displaying one or more signs related to worrying about your health. However, the worry is unlikely to be abnormal. If you think it’s useful, you could talk with your doctor about your symptoms, especially if they are affecting your daily activities. Health anxiety is a condition in which you excessively worry that you are or become seriously ill. You may not even experience symptoms or you think that normal body sensations are caused by a severe disease. This problem goes beyond having normal concerns for health and it can completely disrupt your life. Reach out to your doctor to understand the underlying cause of your symptoms and to make sure you are not dealing with anxiety disorder.

Unfortunately, you are displaying various symptoms typically seen among individuals who have an abnormal concern for their health. If the symptoms disrupt your daily life, you may be dealing with illness anxiety. It may be important to seek medical attention. Getting a diagnosis will help determine what kind of help you need to improve symptoms and to start function normally again. Cognitive behavioral therapy is effective because it will teach you how to deal with your disorder. Besides, you will learn to respond differently to your body sensations. Medication is sometimes added to therapy.