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Overthinking is a common symptom of health anxiety, and it can make the condition worse. When people overthink, they tend to dwell on their worries and fears, which can lead to increased anxiety and stress. Overthinking can also make it difficult to focus on positive aspects of life, which can further contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Here are some of the ways that overthinking can impact health anxiety:
Increased worry and fear: Overthinking can lead to increased worry and fear about one's health. When people overthink, they tend to focus on the worst possible outcomes, even when there is no evidence to suggest that those outcomes are likely. This can lead to a vicious cycle of anxiety, in which people's worries and fears feed into each other.
Difficulty making decisions: Overthinking can also make it difficult to make decisions, especially decisions related to health care. People with health anxiety may be afraid to make decisions because they worry about making the wrong choice or about the consequences of their decision. This can lead to delays in seeking medical care or in making important health decisions.
Avoidance of activities and situations: Overthinking can also lead to avoidance of activities and situations that people with health anxiety associate with illness or disease. For example, someone with health anxiety may avoid going to the doctor because they are afraid of hearing bad news, or they may avoid going to public places because they are afraid of getting sick. Avoidance can make it difficult to live a normal life and can further contribute to feelings of anxiety and isolation.
Misinterpretation of bodily sensations: People with health anxiety may also misinterpret normal bodily sensations as signs of a serious illness. For example, someone with health anxiety may mistake a headache for a sign of a brain tumor, or they may mistake a stomachache for a sign of cancer. This can lead to increased worry and anxiety, and it can also lead to unnecessary medical tests and procedures.
If you have health anxiety and you find that you are overthinking your health, there are a few things you can do to manage your overthinking and reduce your anxiety:
Challenge your negative thoughts: When you have a negative thought about your health, ask yourself if there is any evidence to support that thought. If there is no evidence, try to challenge the thought and replace it with a more realistic and positive thought.
Focus on the present moment: Overthinking often involves dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Try to focus on the present moment and enjoy your life as it is happening.
Practice relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation can help to reduce anxiety and stress.
Seek help: If you are struggling to manage your overthinking and anxiety on your own, speak to people. confide in a friend or relation, or if you think that they wouldn't understand then seek help from someone who has been through health anxiety and understands what you are going through.
Remember, you are not alone. Health anxiety is very common, it's just often tricky to diagnose.
As always, be kind to yourself
Amy x