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How the Coronavirus Affects People with Health Anxiety

March 19, 2020

Dr. Srikanth Reddy

#Best Psychiatrist in Indore

#Best Psychologist and De-Addiction Specialist in Indore

While countries are dealing with mass breakouts of Coronavirus, there are many people with health anxiety going into crisis with their mental health. It is hard to get away from the conversations on the news that talk about how many more new cases there are daily, or social media posts that share videos of people being stuck in their homes for weeks at a time. You can’t escape the grocery store conversations about the shortage of toilet paper or not see the signs posted everywhere, warning people to take precautions.

For someone with health anxiety, these situations can trigger anxiety symptoms to the point that it interferes with daily life. Living with health anxiety can be exhausting for someone who constantly worries about germs, getting sick, and non-specific symptoms they fear may be terminal.

So how does someone with health anxiety cope during this raging fear of Coronavirus? It is not as easy as reminding people to wash their hands, take precautions, report symptoms and limit contact in public. For many with health anxiety, every precaution suggested can be followed and they will still have sleepless nights, worrying they will contract the illness.

An anxious mind can overestimate the threat and underestimate the capability to cope. Medical resources that are posting information to minimize the concerns are saying the flu kills more people than Coronavirus. This is not helpful for someone with health anxiety. A person with health anxiety will worry about the flu AND Coronavirus with that kind of information.

Health anxiety is a real concern for people. It is not just someone over-exaggerating and being dramatic. Often there is an underlying traumatic health-related experience that manifests into a generalized daily health fear. Other times, health anxiety is branched off from another anxiety disorder like Generalized Anxiety Disorder, social phobias, or OCD.

We require to be cautious of Coronavirus but not anxiety-ridden to the point that it is interfering with the enjoyment of living. If you are struggling to find your balance with your health anxiety, reach out for support to help you come up with an empowering plan to combat your fears. Empowering yourself during stressful times is a great way to quiet the anxious mind a little.

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