Weekly Prompt #8: What advice would you give to someone who is struggling with health anxiety?
Hello everyone, I hope you are all being easy on yourself this week.
Last week we discussed: How do you handle situations where you feel like you're being put on the spot or forced to speak up? Thank you to all who participated and shared their thoughts for discussion. I enjoyed them. I hope you all did too. If you didn't share yours, please share them here and I look forward to reading and discussing them with you.
This week's prompt: What advice would you give to someone who is struggling with health anxiety
Health anxiety can be debilitating. It's a common issue that many people face, and it can feel overwhelming and all-consuming at times. But please know you are not alone in this. We are all here with you. Let's get started to share your learning and insights to support each other.
Join us in the Anxiety Support Chat every Monday and Tuesday!
@ASilentObserver
Regarding:
- What advice would you give to someone who is struggling with health anxiety
- Health anxiety can be debilitating. It's a common issue that many people face, and it can feel overwhelming and all-consuming at times.
- Let's get started to share your learning and insights to support each other.
Staying within the 7Cups advice rules, I would:
- Point out the option to use online highly reputable resources where they could assess their physical health by completing medical symptom questionnaires
- The results would explain recommended options to follow up with professionals
I would not offer medical advice myself.
Regarding their anxiety about health, I would:
- Point out the option to use online highly reputable resources where they could assess their mental health by completing mental health symptom questionnaires
- The results would explain recommended options to follow up with professionals
@ASilentObserver
Are we talking about hypochondria or people with real medical problems?
@Fradiga any sort of health concerns, Fradiga. Every concern and challenges related to health matters/.
@ASilentObserver
Well, then, in the case of someone going for a dreaded doctor's visit or facing surgery, I would encourage them and remind them that we often fear what we do not know and that nurses know that it's your first time (while you are their 1854th patient) and know how to calm you. Besides, thank goodness you have access to excellent care. A person who is already in the middle of treatment needs support and distraction. A person who is chronically ill is also in need of sympathy and distraction.
I wouldn’t give anyone with health anxiety advise. That’s best left to the professionals not someone who struggles with a completely different type of anxiety. That’s oversimplifying anxiety. Each type is different and manifests differently in different folks.
@ASilentObserver I would assure them that they will be ok first to ease some of their anxiety. Then, I would not refute their claims of health problems but instead ask them about how they are feeling and why they feel so. I would also ask them if they would want to be referred to a licensed medical professional.
@ASilentObserver
If you're struggling with health anxiety, it can be helpful to talk to a therapist or counselor about your fears. They can help you develop coping strategies to manage your anxiety and work on developing a more realistic perspective on your health. It may also be helpful to limit your exposure to health-related news and information, and to practice self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, and spending time with loved ones. Also, talking to a listener on 7cups maybe beneficial in discussing and releasing gathered emotions of anxiety or stress.
@ASilentObserver
If you have health anxiety then don't google symptoms and conditions because it will just make you more worried. Go to the doctor to get checked out and taken care of.
Health anxiety sufferer over here, and I can tell you that it is debilitating. What is currently helping me at the moment is seeing a therapist that specifically deals with health anxiety. Of course, this comes with a hefty price tag, but in the end, I hope it'll give me my life back and the return on investment will be worth it. I'm also in the midst of switching medications to (hopefully) help calm the physical sensations and intrusive thoughts that come along with it. Just know you're not alone, and please feel free to reach out on here if you go through this too!
It will be okay and it's nothing to be ashamed of. Asking for help is strength. Simple skills like grounding and meditation are often the most effective try not to overcomplicate it. This is not easy but you got this.
@AutiBoy Thank you for sharing your perspective, Auti. It sounds like you believe in this person's strength and ability to get through this difficult time. What emotions are you hoping they focus on embracing as they practice self-care?
This is written in the hope for confidence, self worth and believing in themselves. Atho I should probably added a line for happiness something like find what makes you happy as its different for everyone.
