What are the symptoms of health anxiety?
Symptoms of health anxiety can vary but often include:
- Constantly thinking about health issues
- Feeling anxious about visiting the doctor
- Seeking reassurance from doctors frequently
- Feeling physical symptoms or discomfort without a medical cause
- Checking the body for signs of illness regularly
- Avoiding situations that might trigger health worries
What causes health anxiety?
The exact cause of health anxiety isn’t known, but several factors can contribute, including:
- A family history of anxiety or health problems
- Previous personal experiences with illness
- High levels of stress or trauma
- Experiencing health-related news or stories that raise fears
How common is health anxiety?
Health anxiety is a common issue. Many people of all ages experience it at some point, but it might be more noticeable in certain groups, such as those who have had serious health issues before.
Who is more likely to have health anxiety?
Some factors may make someone more likely to experience health anxiety:
- Having a family member with anxiety
- Being a perfectionist or having a high need for control
- Having chronic health conditions or previous health problems
- Being exposed to negative health information
How can I treat my health anxiety?
There are several ways to treat health anxiety, including:
- Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Medication prescribed by a healthcare professional
- Practising relaxation techniques, like mindfulness or meditation
- Keeping a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and balanced meals
Powered by pharmacies
With over 1,700 pharmacy partners across the UK, you can get the help you need, wherever you are based.
Our website and mobile app make it easy and convenient to manage your health needs and book services at a pharmacy nearby.
How to live with health anxiety?
If you have health anxiety, it’s important to find ways to handle your worries. Here are some tips:
- Talk to a trusted friend or family member about your feelings
- Set limits on how much time you spend thinking about health
- Avoid searching for health information online
- Focus on activities that make you happy and distracted
What support is available for people with health anxiety?
If health anxiety is affecting daily life, support is available:
- Talking to a mental health professional
- Joining support groups with others facing similar challenges
- Seeking advice from trusted healthcare providers
Final thoughts
Health anxiety can be challenging, but help is available. If you are concerned about your health or feel overwhelmed, speaking to your GP or healthcare provider can be a good step.
