Health anxiety can be all-consuming. Accepting uncertainty is an important step | Gill Straker and Jacqui Winship

The overwhelming fear of contracting an illness or an excessive focus on symptoms are debilitating conditions, exacerbated by Dr GoogleThe modern mind is a column where experts discuss mental health issues they are seeing in their workIn an era where a world of information is just a few clicks away, health anxiety has taken on a new dimension. Many of us have experienced moments of worry when seemingly innocuous symptoms trigger thoughts of dire health conditions. Could that persistent headache be a sign of a brain tumour rather than just a consequence of too many late nights? Is that peculiar skin lump a harbinger of melanoma? A quick Google search often exacerbates these worries, leaving us awash in a sea of potential ailments. Fortunately, for most, these fears dissipate once the headache subsides or a reassuring word from a trusted GP alleviates concerns.In the wake of a devastating global pandemic, there is naturally a greater concern for the health of ourselves and those around us. But for those grappling with health anxiety, this concern is not so easily overcome by rationalising or reassurance. Their fears persist and intensify, and their worry about health is frequent, severe and resistant to the soothing words of medical professionals. Temporary relief is short-lived, as fears and doubts quickly resurface or latch on to a new symptom. Their ceaseless preoccupation with health obstructs their ability to relax and savour life, compelling them to seek perpetual and exp...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Psychology Mental health Australia news Source Type: news