A hypochondriac is someone who worries excessively that they are or may become seriously ill. Hypochondria may increase with age, severity, or during times of stress. But psychological counseling (psychotherapy) and sometimes medication can help ease worries. Hypochondria might be easy to dismiss but the disorder is actually a mental health condition which causes worry to the point where the anxiety is debilitating. Find a healthy perspective and ask yourself this question: “Do I want to keep worrying about the possibility of becoming ill or do I want to get on and live my life?” Below are some signs that you might have hypochondria:
1. Being
preoccupied or perhaps becoming obsessed about being physically ill or that you
might become ill.
2. Worrying about your health is negatively affecting
various aspects of life: work, social interactions, family life, and
relationships.
3. Using Google search a little too much, trying to
self-diagnose illnesses or physically examining you.
4. Not believing your doctor’s reassurances that you are
actually fine, healthy, and well.
5. Constantly talking about your health and seeking
reassurance from family and friends that you are OK.
6. Sometimes the anxiety can cause physical symptoms such as
chest pains/flutters, feeling dizzy, dry mouth, swerving, trembling, or a
feeling of numbness. Panic attacks can be a physical outlet for your worry.
7. Interpreting any bodily sensations as a serious illness
even the smallest ache can create a very real fear.
8. Avoidance of anything associated with illness such as
medical TV programs.
9. Feeling isolated and becoming withdrawn and preoccupied.
10. Avoiding activities or particular places for fear of
becoming ill. Perhaps no longer doing things you used to enjoy.
“Let me tell you something about hypochondria:
It's a pernicious, undermining little demon. It won't kill you, but it will sap
the color from your life so that in the loveliest moments, the moments of
grace, you are hit with that whisper in your ear that takes it all away. I'm
sick, I'm dying. I just don't know it yet.” (Dani Shapiro) [i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“Hypochondria: Top 10 warning signs that you might
be a Hypochondriac” By Anna
Williamson
·
“Illness anxiety disorder” by Mayo Clinic
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