340 — How to Calm Health Anxiety and Stop Googling Your Symptoms

Do you ever feel really anxious about a potential health issue? Maybe you Google your symptoms frequently. Or maybe you ask for constant reassurance or just keep checking on the same spot that hurts to see if it feels better.
 
Health anxiety is a common problem but sometimes people are embarrassed to talk about. But, there are some strategies that can help you regain control over your time and mental energy so you stop worrying about your health.
 
Some of the things I talk about are:
 

• The four ways health anxiety shows up
• “Cyberchondria,” and the research showing how quickly an everyday symptom turns into something rare and terrifying in your search results.
• Why the relief you get from reassurance backfires
• Why you shouldn’t suppress your anxiety and what you should do instead

Key Takeaways:

• Health anxiety can look like excessive body checking, reassurance seeking, symptom researching, and avoiding medical appointments.
• Searching for health information online can exacerbate anxiety.
• Scheduling a specific time to address health worries can reduce anxiety.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a proven, effective treatment for persistent health anxiety.