Health Anxiety

[JFishing2]

Does anyone deal with health anxiety/hypochondria? Do you find it’s worse these days with all the home time and less of the usual distractions?

[EleanorRose]

Yes! Definitely.

I have had health anxiety for about 15 years, I am a school teacher and my health anxiety is always worse during the summer break.

[L1994]

I'm not at home much but do find that getting back to work after the lockdown and being furloughed I felt better. I feel horrible on my days off work. When I'm in work I feel OK most of the time. I do think that the more time I have to think about things the more symptoms I get and the worse I feel.

[JFishing2]

Thanks for the replies! I’ve had HA on/off for years, and hit a low point 3 years ago, but have been ok since. But lately it’s been flaring again, and I started realizing maybe work from home is catching up to me. When I’m recreating on weekends it’s much more manageable.

[LP100]

I’m beginning to have some health anxiety and am really worried about how doctors are going to perceive me. How do you navigate talking with your doctors about symptoms you are experiencing?

[JFishing2 in reply to LP100]

I’ve found it best to be honest about the anxiety. It doesn’t mean they won’t take you seriously, just that they provide a more holistic approach. I went through a revolving door of doctors previously trying to get a diagnosis that never existed.