Your brain automatically goes to the worst-case scenario. It’s just in your nature to plan for every single scenario. Or, perhaps you’re the opposite. You try so hard not to think about what could happen that you almost believe there’s nothing to worry about. Except that the fear is still there, simmering just below the surface. And when you do think about what could happen? Then you get anxious. Your breathing gets faster, your heart rate increases, your body starts preparing for that awful worst-case scenario. Is that a panic attack coming on? And that, of course, convinces you that the worst IS happening.
Let’s get real here…your health anxiety is not just about COVID.
Here’s the deal, everyone would like to think this began with COVID-19. But, if you’re being really honest with yourself you know that this was something you worried about far before 2020 ever started. Sure, a global pandemic certainly made it worse (what DIDN’T get worse with COVID?) But again, health anxiety is really nothing new to you. In fact, in a weird way, you might actually feel a little more sane or reasonable than you have in years because everyone around you is finally feeling the way you have always felt. Is that horrible to say?
What is Health Anxiety? Do I have it? Is it Serious?
Health anxiety isn’t a new concept, but it is relatively new to talk about it in those terms. It’s been called hypochondriasis and illness anxiety disorder before, too. More recently, health anxiety has become a more inclusive, less stigmatized way of talking about this feeling of stress, worry, and overwhelm that so many people have around medical and health issues.
Like any issue or concern, health anxiety is going to be uniquely tailored to each person. Basically, everyone might experience health anxiety a little differently. The level of “severity” is really going to depend on how disruptive these thoughts and fears become in a person’s everyday life. I realize the idea of evaluating how disruptive something might be to your life right now is actually laughable. (Buh bye, 2020…) But, Of course, if you have more questions about what all of this means, I’m so happy to talk with you more.
Common signs and “symptoms” of health anxiety women in Florida (and beyond) might experience:
Constantly worrying about your health- Obsessively looking for explanations for your symptoms online
- Constantly checking your body and questioning if something is wrong
- Can’t stop worrying about your health even if medical tests are negative
- Asking for medical tests to be done again because you feel the results are wrong
- Catastrophizing symptoms/expecting the worse
- Worrying about friends’ illnesses and telling yourself you have the same symptoms
There is Help for Health Anxiety in Miramar, FL and Beyond
Things don’t have to be this hard. You don’t have to suffer from this, and neither do the people around you. In counseling for health anxiety, we will talk through all of this honestly and build coping skills to move forward. You deserve to live a life that is more fulfilled and present. Let’s talk about how to get you there.
Begin Online Therapy for Health Anxiety in Florida
Health anxiety doesn’t have to hold you back from living your life and finding fulfillment. I am here to support you in your mental health journey. I want to help you feel peaceful and confident in your life. To begin online therapy in Florida, follow these three steps:
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Contact Counseling Solutions of Boward to schedule your free 20-minute consultation on a video platform,
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Meet with Enid and get to know her!
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Begin online therapy in Florida and find peace from the things that are bothering you!
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