Hypochondria sometimes called “health stress” are an unwarranted fear about one’s health to the extreme. Typically someone that suffers from Hypochondria also may have other mental health problems like suffering from depression or anxiety.
This affliction can last months or years, and sometimes cease for months at a time. Full recovery from hypochondria is largely related to successful treatment of depression or anxiety if it is present, socioeconomic class (those that fall into the upper categories of socioeconomic class recover more fully than others in lesser classes).
There is no one specific identified cause of this disease although it seems to be heightened by media reports of illness, pandemics or analyzing statistical information about disease. It can even be brought on by watching too many medical based shows on TV. In most cases of hypochondria the person is self-centered, narcissistic or neurotic to begin with.
When someone suffering with hypochondria has swollen glands they may doctor hop looking for a solid reason why their glands are swollen, even after multiple tests and many different medical opinions that what is wrong with them is not deadly they may still be convinced it is. Anything from a runny nose to a rash can cause panic and fear of dying.
There is some indication that heightened stress or recovery from a serious illness can trigger these feelings. In some cases the disorder develops after the person is exposed to a close friend or relative that is battling a life threatening illness or that has passed away from a serious illness.
For the person suffering from hypochondria there is no such thing as the common cold. Every illness is a sign of something serious or complicated. It can be taxing for both the person that is suffering with the disorder and other people in their life.
If It Is You
Dealing with hypochondria for both the person suffering with the disorder and the people that have to live with the person that has the disorder is difficult at best and froth with frustration. If you believe that you have the disorder than you spend a big chunk of your time visiting doctors for a host of ailments that you truly believe can be something more and if you are the person that lives with someone with the disorder you get to watch it all play out and it is frustrating.
If you have this disorder there are several things you can do to keep it at bay. Find one doctor and stick with that doctor. Do not doctor shop. Choose a doctor that takes a holistic approach to medicine and be honest with them.
Turn the TV off! It is fine to watch TV but stay away from news shows that talk about illness and stay away from television shows that focus on medical matters. These can be triggers for the constant worry about your health.
Keep in mind that while this is a disorder it is one that festers over time and the stimulus you are exposed too can trigger the thoughts that cause you problems. We live in a society where health issues are constantly being discussed. Drug companies are constantly advertising their products on TV. Those familiar commercials that list a litany of symptoms can easily be misconstrued so avoid them.
If It Is Someone You love
First recognize that this is a legitimate disorder and ask yourself if this person was diagnosed with a serious illness would I have compassion for them? If the answer is yes, than tap into that compassion because this is a legitimate disorder like any other illness. It is not that the hypochondriac does not want to control it; it is that they cannot.
The good news is you can help! You can learn to talk your hypochondriac down. It is the fear that promotes the behavior so if you can help them to get their fear under control than you can help avoid the multiple doctor’s office visits. Talk to the person with the hypochondria when they start complaining or insisting that something must be wrong.
Sometimes all they need is someone to listen to them. Most of the time an “episode” is more related to some other stressful event that is going on and if you can get to the core of the problem by simply listening than you can help to alleviate the issue for the moment.
Many times living with a person that is suffering from hypochondria can push all the wrong buttons in you no matter how well adjusted you are so it is important to be aware that you do have your limits and to know when you have to take a walk.
Get support for yourself so you do not become drained by the situation and ask that the person that has hypochondria consider speaking to a therapist or at the very least their primary care physician.