10 Things You Learned In Kindergarden They'll Help You Understand Physical Symptoms Of Health Anxiety
Physical Symptoms of Health Anxiety
Health anxiety can be brought on by a variety of experiences such as witnessing someone you love get sick or die, having an uneasy job in healthcare or becoming a parent. People suffering from this condition typically have a churning stomach and excessive sweating.
They also mistakenly interpret normal bodily sensations like headaches or a cough as a sign of an illness that is more serious. They can spend hours searching the internet for answers, and seek assurance from medical experts.
1. Headache
Everyone worries about their health However, the irrational fears that are associated with anxiety and illness can make life difficult. It is possible to spend hours researching your symptoms online and conclude that even the most benign sensations could be a sign of something serious. A headache, for example can lead you to believe you have a tumor in your brain when it's really a hangover.
Illness anxiety sufferers are hyper-vigilant about any changes to their bodies. They can't manage their anxiety, despite constant reassurance from medical professionals and negative test results. The anxiety associated with illness can cause other issues, such as avoiding work and social activities and having difficulty maintaining close relationships.
If you're experiencing anxiety is affecting your life, it's important to get help. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy is the most common method of treating health anxiety. Sometimes, your doctor might also prescribe medication for anxiety. For a start, consult your GP or contact the Priory for a world-class mental health assessment. Our specialists are able to diagnose anxiety disorders and provide treatment. Our therapists will work with you to understand the causes of your anxiety and teach you strategies to cope.
2. Muscle is twitching
Another physical symptom of anxiety-related health issues is muscle shaking. The involuntary spasms that occur in muscles can manifest anywhere on the body due to of constant stress and nerve stimulation. If someone suffers from significant anxiety about their health, they perceive any unusual or uncomfortable sensations as a sign of serious health issue. They might obsess about their symptoms, search for them, or seek a lot of comfort from friends and family members. They may also avoid places and people because of fear of catching an illness.
The twitching can get worse as the anxiety increases. The twitching occurs because the same fight or flight response is activated when anxiety is present.
It is not enough to ignore your twitching, but you should also speak with an expert in mental health about it. Counseling or cognitive-behavioral therapy can help you manage your anxiety and stop twitching.
3. Sweating
Sweating is among anxiety body symptoms associated with anxiety about health. Whether it's a sheen of sweat on your forehead or patches of sweat under the arms, this symptom can be quite troubling and often leads to more worries about your health.
People suffering from illness anxiety disorder (also known as hypochondriasis) often misinterpret even minor symptoms as a sign of serious illnesses. They may spend countless hours searching for their symptoms online and seeking out constant reassurance from friends or medical professionals. In some instances they may stay away from certain activities or miss important social opportunities because of their fear.
When people are stressed their brains trigger the autonomic nervous system (ANS) which is also referred to as the "fight-or-flight" response. This triggers an increase in stress hormones that cause the body to react in various ways, including sweating.
Instead of trying to focus on anxiety, try shifting your thoughts towards something calm or positive. This will help you realize that, a lot times, your body's reactions do not indicate a sign of danger. This can help you realize that you're usually more concerned about the possibility of contracting a serious illness than strep or a bent ankle.
4. Dizziness
Health anxiety is usually associated with dizziness, feeling lightheaded, and fainting. The anxiety and dizziness can be a vicious cycle, in which they are akin and lead to more frequent and debilitating symptoms.
Illness anxiety disorder, which was previously referred to as hypochondria is characterized by a constant and constant worry about the possibility of developing rare or deadly diseases. This condition can be debilitating and prevents people from living their lives to the fullest.
If someone suffering from anxiety-related illness disorder feels a new sensation, they often assume that it is a sign that there is a serious illness. They can then look on the internet for information that supports their fears, which can cause more anxiety. They may even be convinced that their doctors aren't taking them seriously, which further fuels their fears.
If left untreated, the symptoms may negatively impact your relationships (since family and friends tire of listening to you talk about all your possible illnesses each time you go out) and at work (because you are unable to complete important tasks due to going to the doctor). If you think you might have this condition, talk with your doctor about the treatment options. Cognitive behavioral therapy is among the most effective treatments for this condition. It helps to identify negative thought patterns which can create anxiety or increase the risk of dizziness and then replace them with healthier ones.
5. Swelling
Swollen lymph glands are a common symptom of anxiety about health. This is because of the increased stress caused by a fear of a serious illness. The body can react to the stress in a variety ways, including by increasing production of hormones that cause blood vessels as well as lymph nodes to expand.
It is normal to worry from time to time about your health, but especially in the midst of this epidemic. However, serious health anxiety can cause a lot of damage on the person or their family members, and can even affect their professional career. If you or a loved one suffers from illness anxiety disorder (formerly known as hypochondria) be sure to encourage them to seek an appointment with a mental health professional to learn more about managing their symptoms.
Illness anxiety disorder can also be called hypochondria, generalized anxiety, or health anxiety disorder. It is defined by a constant concern with the belief that you may be at risk of developing a serious illness and an extreme anxiety or fear of your health and well-being frequently coupled with avoidance, body checking or seeking reassurance, or both. It can be caused by misinterpreting normal bodily sensations like an itch or a small color change in your bowel movements as indicators of a fatal disease.
6. Heart palpitations
Heart palpitations are a common indication of health anxiety. It could feel like your heart is skipping or beating out of rhythm. Some people report a fluttering, shaking sensation in the chest. If the palpitations are frequent and interfere with daily activities, your doctor might recommend an ECG or heart monitor to determine if there is a medical issue that may trigger them. If they are caused by anxiety, treatment with medication or psychotherapy (talk therapy) might aid.
Health anxiety sufferers mistakenly interpret benign or normal physical symptoms as a sign of something serious. They may also be more prone to panic attack which is a sever bout of fear, including chest pain, breathing difficulties chills and sweating as well as the feeling that you are losing consciousness.
It's normal to be concerned about your health, especially in the event of a pandemic. When a concern becomes an obsession that can result in a disorder called hypochondria or anxiety about health. Fortunately, it is possible to be treated for this condition, which is much more frequent than most people think. Treatment options include talk therapy, medications such as beta blockers and lifestyle adjustments. You can also practice yoga or meditation to soothe your mind and body. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis.
7. The legs are swelling
People who suffer from health anxiety often have a preoccupation with one or more physical symptoms and are convinced that they are suffering from or about to get a serious illness. This leads to a lot of checking behaviours (like frequent medical check-ups or a distorted interpretation of everyday bodily sensations) and seeking comfort, and other unhealthful behaviors. As a result, people with health anxieties might experience physical symptoms such as numbness or chest pains.
Health anxiety can be caused by many different things, including experiencing the death or serious illness of a loved one or witnessing an accident that is traumatic or working in healthcare or being exposed to traumatic information about diseases and illnesses in the media. However, it would be considered to be health anxiety if the person's anxiety is out of proportion and significantly interfere with their daily functioning and quality of life.
If you or someone you care about suffers from anxiety or health issues an evaluation by a doctor is essential. You might also want to think about psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) and medication when required. This will teach you how to manage your anxiety and lead a healthy lifestyle.