Can You Really Worry Yourself Sick?

It starts with waking up one day and noticing something different with your body. It could be a bump on your foot, or maybe your head feels heavier than usual. Next thing you know, you’re googling different symptoms for hours and diagnosing yourself with rare, life-threatening diseases.

Don’t worry; we’ve all done it before. However, it’s when we start obsessing over every minor change or pain that more serious problems can develop.

This fear of having a serious medical illness is commonly known as hypochondriasis. Unlike a phobia of snakes or heights, our body’s aches and pains are always with us, making the fear of illness omnipresent. And in a country like the U.S. where health is constantly in the spotlight, the likelihood of experiencing this condition increases. In fact, it’s said to affect anywhere from 9-14 percent of the U.S. population.

Technically speaking, hypochondriasis is a diagnosis from the past. In 2013, it was removed from the standard encyclopedia that classifies mental health disorders and replaced with two disorders: Somatic Symptom Disorder, which is the diagnosis given to people who have excessive somatic (bodily) symptoms, and Illness Anxiety Disorder, which is the diagnosis given to people who are excessively anxious about illness.

There’s been an influx in using the term “health anxiety,” which refers to anxiety centered on one’s health, often with the connotation of an abnormal level of anxiety.

One might think that someone with health anxiety is able to diagnose their symptoms quickly and, therefore, get sick less often. But the irony is that people who have health anxiety are also more likely to develop serious illnesses. People with health anxiety often become their symptoms; convincing yourself you’re sick can be a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Many of the symptoms people feel are the physical sensations caused by stress or depression that go along with health anxiety. For example, cortisol, the stress hormone, is healthy and energizing in small doses. However, when consistently released from abundant anxiety, it can become debilitating and take a drastic toll on one’s health.

Additionally, health anxiety doesn’t always prompt people to make more doctor appointments. Richard Morris, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Nottingham, remarks, “What the medical profession does not understand is that people with health anxiety often both seek reassurance for some conditions but also avoid help when others would seek it.” There are a few theories for this, one being that some with health anxiety don’t actually want to be sick, and receiving a diagnosis would heighten their anxiety.

Another ironic aspect of health anxiety is that no, you don’t have cancer, but you likely do still need treatment for your anxiety. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, don’t be afraid to seek help.

Some actions you can take to ease your anxiety include:

Stop doctor shopping. Find a doctor you trust, be honest about your health anxiety, and work together.
Notice that WebMD and other sources of info without a proper diagnosis can lead some people to believe that coughing = lung cancer.
Join a support group for a space to talk openly with people coping with the same or similar diagnoses.
Limit alcohol and drug consumption, because they can increase and amplify anxiety.
Find a friend or mentor who supports you unconditionally.
Try these apps for immediate gratification.

^{Please note: Content on IBX Insights is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have, or suspect that you have, a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.}