Health Anxiety: Coping with Fear of Illness

Health anxiety is very severe?

Hello, doctor.
I don't know when it started, but it seems that during my time waiting to enter university, I became more anxious than usual.
I have always been prone to overthinking, and now it's worse.

1.
Sometimes, when I see news reports about certain cancers, I start to doubt whether I have the same cancer.
I even think that perhaps this report is a reminder from fate.
After reading about the symptoms, I feel like my body starts to exhibit them, which makes me even more anxious.
It's not just about myself; I also worry about my family.
Even minor symptoms in them lead me to think about cancer.
2.
I have developed lymph nodes, and after seeing a doctor, I was told they were caused by facial inflammation.
However, I can't help but wonder if the doctor misdiagnosed me and that it could actually be lymphoma! Recently, I have developed another lymph node about the size of a green bean.
Deep down, I know it's caused by the same issue, but I still feel very anxious.
3.
Recently, I've been very troubled by stomach pain (sometimes accompanied by back pain).
When I heard that a friend's classmate was diagnosed with stomach cancer, I was shocked that someone so young could have this disease.
I started researching stomach cancer symptoms, and gradually, I began to experience stomach pain myself.
I noticed the same symptoms appearing, and I often press on my epigastric area, which causes pain.
The more I press, the more it hurts! I even press the same spot on my friends to see if they feel pain, and if they say "no," I become anxious about why I am in pain.
However, I realize that if I concentrate on chatting with others or focus on something else, the pain disappears.

Doctor, is this a case of psychological factors affecting my physiology? It seems that if I keep thinking about it, I feel pain, but if I don't think about it, the pain goes away.

CC, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/29

Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry

Dear CC,
First of all, based on your age and the symptoms you've described, the risk of cancer is quite low, so there's no need to worry too much.
However, the key issue is that anxiety symptoms sometimes cannot be alleviated by rational thinking alone; you may find yourself worrying unconsciously and thinking about the possibility of "bad" outcomes, which can lead you to search for any abnormal symptoms in your body.
I wonder if there have been any significant stressors in your life? Many clinical conditions initially stem from life stress (psychological), but gradually affect physiological conditions (such as the low serotonin levels I mentioned earlier), which in turn can make one more susceptible to anxiety and impact the autonomic nervous system.
Your anxiety symptoms are quite typical, and I recommend that you seek evaluation from a mental health professional to receive appropriate medication and psychological therapy for improvement.
Wishing you all the best!

Reply Date: 2020/08/29

More Info

Health anxiety, often referred to as illness anxiety disorder, is a condition where individuals experience excessive worry about having a serious illness, despite medical evaluations indicating otherwise. This anxiety can manifest in various ways, including a heightened sensitivity to bodily sensations, misinterpretation of normal bodily functions as signs of serious illness, and an overwhelming fear of potential health issues. Your experience resonates with many who struggle with similar thoughts and feelings, and it’s important to understand both the psychological and physiological aspects of this condition.

From your description, it seems that your anxiety has been exacerbated by external stimuli, such as news reports about cancer, which can trigger a cascade of fears about your own health. This is a common reaction; many people find that exposure to health-related information can lead to increased anxiety, especially if they are predisposed to worry about their health. The mind has a powerful influence over the body, and when you focus on a symptom or a fear, it can often amplify those sensations. This phenomenon is known as somatic amplification, where anxiety leads to an increased perception of bodily sensations, making them feel more intense or alarming.

Your concerns about lymph nodes and gastrointestinal symptoms are also indicative of health anxiety. It’s not uncommon for individuals with this disorder to fixate on specific symptoms, leading to a cycle of worry and physical discomfort. The fact that you notice your symptoms diminish when you are engaged in conversation or focused on other activities suggests that your anxiety is indeed influencing your physical sensations. This is a classic example of how psychological factors can manifest as physical symptoms, a concept known as psychosomatic illness.

To cope with health anxiety, it’s essential to adopt strategies that can help manage your thoughts and reduce your fears. Here are some approaches that may be beneficial:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This therapeutic approach is effective for health anxiety. It involves identifying and challenging irrational thoughts and beliefs about health and illness. A therapist can help you reframe your thinking patterns, making them more realistic and less fear-driven.

2. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce anxiety levels. These techniques encourage you to focus on the present moment and can help alleviate the physical symptoms associated with anxiety.

3. Limit Information Intake: Be mindful of the amount of health-related information you consume, especially from unreliable sources. Consider setting boundaries on how much time you spend researching symptoms or illnesses online, as this can often lead to increased anxiety.

4. Engage in Physical Activity: Regular exercise can significantly reduce anxiety levels. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, and can help distract you from anxious thoughts.

5. Seek Professional Help: If your anxiety continues to interfere with your daily life, consider consulting a mental health professional. They can provide tailored strategies and support to help you manage your anxiety effectively.

6. Focus on Self-Care: Ensure you are taking care of your overall well-being. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

7. Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you process your anxiety. It can also serve as a tool to track your symptoms and identify triggers, which can be useful in discussions with a healthcare provider.

In conclusion, health anxiety is a challenging condition that can significantly impact your quality of life. However, with the right strategies and support, it is possible to manage your anxiety and reduce its influence on your physical health. Remember, you are not alone in this struggle, and seeking help is a courageous and important step toward finding peace and balance in your life.

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