Health Anxiety

With it almost being a year since the pandemic let's talk about something you may not often hear about, health anxiety.

Health anxiety is defined as being overly concerned that there may be a threat to your health, this concern triggers the stress response in your body.

So what causes health anxiety? There isn't a set answer but it's been shown that individuals that have experienced negative health experiences in his or her past may have developed unhelpful rules and assumptions surrounding his or her health as a way to protect themselves.

You may find yourself saying things like “I should.., ” or “I must..” when it comes to your health. These thoughts become an issue when they are inaccurate and inflexible.

Please note not everyone that has had a negative health experience develop health anxiety. Before you go and self diagnose yourself note that health anxiety becomes an issue when it starts negatively impacting areas of your life (work, social, personal).

Note: This post is meant to provide some awareness and education surrounding health anxiety. If you need professional assistance please contact either your medical provider or health insurance for guidance on how to obtain professional health