14/06/2025
When we struggle with health anxiety, we worry that minor symptoms or normal body sensations may mean that we have a serious illness. This belief can persist even when we have had reassurance from a medical professional or test results to the contrary.
It can often begin with a minor symptom which leads to a search to understand and to find answers. The worrying is relentless and we fear the worst. What we are really looking for is reassurance but even when we get this, it never feels enough. We may continue to worry or, alternatively, find a new symptom to worry about. This anxiety, in itself, can cause further symptoms which intensify our negative thinking.
Health anxiety can be a sign of a nervous system that is stuck in survival mode. The perception of physical symptoms can trigger a fight or flight response, which makes us feel that we are under threat and in danger. We try to find safety by seeking information that will provide reassurance.
When we do this we are training our brain to believe that checking = safety and so the cycles continues. Instead, we need to learn to feel safe in our bodies again and so be able to notice symptoms without spiralling.
If you struggle with health anxiety, I am here to support you. You are not being dramatic, you are doing your best with a brain that needs some help in feeling safe.
Please feel free to get in touch via my website ⚓️: www.anchor-counselling.co.uk
Or email me at ⚓️: jeni@anchor-counselling.co.uk
