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Health Anxiety

What is health anxiety?

Health anxiety is when you spend so much time worrying that you are ill, or about to become ill, that it starts to take over your life. It is sometimes called hypochondria or illness anxiety.

People with health anxiety may mistake normal body sensations, such as a headache or a fast heartbeat, for signs of a serious illness. Reassurance from doctors or tests usually only helps for a short time before the worry returns. Health anxiety can be triggered by a stressful life event, a past illness, or the illness or death of someone close.

What are the signs of health anxiety?

1. Thoughts:

  • Constantly worrying about your health.
  • Assuming the worst, such as thinking a headache is a brain tumour.
  • Not being reassured by doctors or normal test results.

2. Behaviour:

  • Frequently checking your body for lumps, pain or other changes.
  • Regularly searching symptoms online.
  • Asking others for reassurance.
  • Repeatedly visiting the GP, or avoiding doctors altogether out of fear.
  • Avoiding anything linked to illness, such as TV programmes or hospitals.

3. Physical effects:

  • The anxiety itself can cause real symptoms, like a racing heart, headaches, chest tightness or stomach problems, which then feed the worry.

What are the statistics for health anxiety in the UK?

Prevalence: Estimates vary, but studies suggest health anxiety affects a small but significant proportion of the population, and it is especially common among people attending hospital clinics.

Impact: Health anxiety can lead to repeated, unnecessary appointments and tests, which cost people time and money.

Treatment: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective for health anxiety and is available through NHS Talking Therapies.

Where to get help with health anxiety UK?

Always call 999 if you are in need of urgent help, and always get new or worrying symptoms checked by a doctor.

Anxiety UK:
Website: https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/
Helpline: 03444 775 774

Mind:
Website: https://www.mind.org.uk/
Infoline: 0300 123 3393

NHS Talking Therapies: In England you can refer yourself for free CBT. Search "NHS Talking Therapies" on the NHS website.

Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity:
Helpline: 0345 605 1956 (24/7)

Samaritans:
Helpline: 116 123 (24/7, free to call)

Worrying about your health is understandable. Getting help for the worry itself can give you your life back.

Conditions and diagnoses

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