Hey there, it's me, Laurel. A Portland native, coffee aficionado, and, of course, your friendly neighborhood blogger. I'm going to open the curtains wide today and invite you into a more personal space. I'll share my struggles, stories, and journeys with health anxiety. I feel it’s equally important to deepen the understanding of my own experiences by hearing from others who've navigated these terrains and emerged stronger. So buckle up, because this article isn't just about me – it’s about real stories from real people who live with health anxiety.
At this point, you may be asking what exactly is health anxiety? In simple words, health anxiety is a fear of having a serious, undisclosed illness despite medical tests showing otherwise. People like us are often deemed 'worriers', but it's more than just wincing at the sight of a flu shot or a grimace when handed a prescription. This kind of anxiety can send you into a seemingly never-ending spiral of doctors' appointments, hours wasted on WebMD, sleepless nights, and the perpetual fear of what could be 'wrong' with you.
Let’s peel off another layer to this onion called health anxiety. Symptoms can range from constant self-checks for abnormalities to obsessing over routine medical examinations. You might also spend excessive time researching health information, seeking reassurance from others, or avoiding anything related to illness – which, in the age of Covid-19, becomes a Herculean effort. For those of us experiencing health anxiety, a mole isn't just a mole and a headache is never "just a headache".
Beyond my own story, I've had the privilege to connect with others who've battled and are still battling health anxiety. With their permission, I’ll share some anonymous stories that reflect the unique, yet united, battle we all fight against this aspect of our mental health. I've heard stories about constant ER visits, misunderstood symptoms, and even a break-up resulting from the misunderstandings and misconceptions surrounding health anxiety. Yet despite these hardships, there’s always a glimmer of hope and resilience, painting a picture of strength and survival.
There are various ways to cope with health anxiety. For one, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been a breakthrough for many. With the aid of a professional, you learn to break the cycle of worry and fear. Additionally, meditation and mindfulness techniques can help you ground yourself in the present moment, breaking the chain of catastrophic thoughts. Regular exercise and a healthy diet, which are brilliant for physical health, have also been shown to improve mental well-being, creating a sturdy shield against anxiety symptoms.
One of my own personal tactics for managing health anxiety has been the practice of mindfulness. When those intrusive thoughts sneak up, instead of holding fights in my head, I've learned to acknowledge them for what they are, mere thoughts. Letting them float away like clouds brings a sense of peace that’s far stronger than the initial anxiety.
This journey back from health anxiety is no lone wolf's journey. Getting help from professionals like therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists is vital. There's no shame in seeking help! Even superheroes have sidekicks, right? My personal experience with therapy has been empowering. It's like having your personal GPS system to navigate the convoluted maze of those terrifying thoughts and assumptions.
Honoring these experiences requires an understanding, supportive community. One of the most powerful weapons against health anxiety and other mental health disorders is compassion and understanding. We need to create an open, inclusive conversation about mental health and subsequently health anxiety. Just remember, you might not be able to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes, but you can definitely lace them up together.
In conclusion, though health anxiety can feel like an unending journey with its ups and downs, it's important to remember – we are not alone. Each step we take towards understanding, accepting, and helping each other is a step towards a more inclusive, understanding society. The stories shared here today are proof we can rise above the anxiety and live our lives to the fullest. So, let's send out a message to the world - We're not 'just worriers'. We’re survivors. We are real people living real stories.
Written by Laurel Thompson
View all posts by: Laurel Thompson