We don’t have to have snow to know it’s the winter season–the days are getting shorter, the snowbirds are back, and the holiday decorations are already popping up. Some of us can’t wait for the cooler season, but for others, it’s the worst.
Maybe we always feel like we have a tingle in our throat, or our nose is always a little stuffy. We’re convinced if a kid walks by us we’re going to catch the flu and we just know that persistent pain in our head has to be more than just a headache. Instead of doom-scrolling Instagram or TikTok, we doom-scroll Google results for different symptoms, and instead of relaxing once we get medical results that show no issues, we spiral into thoughts of what if something was missed?
Does this sound a little too familiar? If so, you might be dealing with health anxiety.
What is Health Anxiety?
Health anxiety, also known as illness anxiety disorder, is a condition that causes healthy people to excessively worry about having a serious medical condition. Those who struggle with health anxiety often think normal bodily sensations (something like a tickle in the throat, a sore muscle, or red cheeks) are signs of a serious illness, which often leads to excessive anxiety. Some people may even seek constant reassurance from healthcare professionals, scheduling upteen doctor appointments, phone calls, or procedures.
Other symptoms of health anxiety include:
- You have no sickness symptoms, but you’re persistently convinced something is seriously wrong
- When you hear about something being sick or read about a disease on the news, you’re convinced you have it too
- As mentioned before, you make doom-scrolling about your symptoms a hobby
- Your health anxieties interfere with any hobbies you do or want to have
- Even when reassured by a medical professional, you’re still afraid something is “wrong” with you
If you struggle with health anxiety, you know it can wreak havoc on you mentally and physically. Your fear and anxiety for your health can disrupt your daily activities, social interactions (think COVID-level isolation,) and overall well-being.
What is Health Anxiety?
Health anxiety, also known as illness anxiety disorder, is a condition that causes healthy people to excessively worry about having a serious medical condition. Those who struggle with health anxiety often think normal bodily sensations (something like a tickle in the throat, a sore muscle, or red cheeks) are signs of a serious illness, which often leads to excessive anxiety. Some people may even seek constant reassurance from healthcare professionals, scheduling upteen doctor appointments, phone calls, or procedures.
Other symptoms of health anxiety include:
- You have no sickness symptoms, but you’re persistently convinced something is seriously wrong
- When you hear about something being sick or read about a disease on the news, you’re convinced you have it too
- As mentioned before, you make doom-scrolling about your symptoms a hobby
- Your health anxieties interfere with any hobbies you do or want to have
- Even when reassured by a medical professional, you’re still afraid something is “wrong” with you
If you struggle with health anxiety, you know it can wreak havoc on you mentally and physically. Your fear and anxiety for your health can disrupt your daily activities, social interactions (think COVID-level isolation,) and overall well-being.
Why Might Health Anxiety Be Worse During the Winter?
When the weather gets colder and flu season rears its ugly head, it’s no wonder a person’s health anxiety can skyrocket. But let’s look at a few specific reasons health anxiety might affect people more during the winter season.
1. Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs during the winter months, can also lead to increased health anxiety. When we’re exposed to less sunlight throughout the day, the serotonin levels in our brain drop, affecting our mood and contributing to our feelings of anxiety. If you’re particularly affected by this and find yourself stuck, isolated and sad, your health anxieties may get the better of you.
2. The Holidays
The winter season often coincides with the holiday season, which can bring its own set of stressors (IYKYK.) If we’re caught up worrying about get-togethers, holiday parties, religious services, gift exchanges, vacations and so much more, we’re liable to take less care of ourselves (read: little to no self-care time) which can make our bodies send us signals that try to tell us to take a break. When we have health anxiety, we might misinterpret these signals for dire physical complications.
3. The “Sick Season”
The flu and other infectious diseases are more prevalent during the winter months. If you deal with health anxiety, this can lead to you stressing more about getting sick. When you stress about getting sick, your anxiety increases your cortisol levels, which in turn can hamper your immune system, which then can result in you, (you guessed it,) getting sick!
So what can I do about my health anxiety? you ask.
Well…
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Health Anxiety in Fort Lauderdale, FL
If you’ve read some of my previous blogs, or already know a little about me (click here if you don’t) you know I’m a big fan of CBT. And for good reason too!
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a proven and highly effective treatment for health anxiety, helping individuals better manage their fears and concerns. CBT is an evidence-based therapy, which aims to change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with health anxiety. Together through CBT, I help individuals learn to identify and challenge their irrational thoughts and beliefs about their health.
For example, you may have a thought like “I feel a lump in my throat–I must be going into anaphylactic shock.” Instead of immediatly turning to dire situations, we redirect thoughts like these into calmer, more balanced thoughts like “I did not consume or touch anything I’m allergic too. I will practice some breath work and wait 5 minutes, then see how I feel.”
During CBT, we also develop healthier coping strategies, such as relaxation techniques and stress management skills, to reduce anxiety symptoms. CBT empowers you to take control of your health anxiety and regain a sense of calm and well-being.
If you’re struggling with anxieties about your health and feel like it has consumed your life, and live in Florida, please reach out for a free 20-minute consultation. I would love to help you rediscover the joys of the winter months and help you feel more comfortable and confident in your health overall!
You Know That Nagging, Voice of Self-Doubt in Your Head? Tell It to Shut Up.
With therapy for anxiety, self esteem, or migraines, I can help you build an arsenal of tools you can use to achieve the life you deserve. Believe me. You got this!
Therapy & Coaching at Essence of Healing Counseling Services
Roberta Alves is a Therapist and Development Coach at Essence of Healing Counseling, in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. She is also a Certified Anxiety Specialist who uses solution-focused and evidence-based therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy. Research has shown that cognitive behavioral therapy is proven to be extremely effective in treating anxiety, improving self-esteem, and managing chronic illnesses. Roberta provides counseling services to her clients who live in Ft. Lauderdale and the surrounding South Florida areas via online therapy. If you want to learn proven techniques to overcome stress, improve your self-esteem, manage your chronic illness symptoms, and achieve your goals, call # to schedule an appointment today.
