Health Anxiety Can Kill

By Suparna Chakaraborthy

Friday, February 18, 2011, 17:52

On the death anniversary of my aunt, I remember how she kept complaining about her health without any reason. She was the most beautiful woman I have even seen. After her husband's death due to Cancer, she developed a fear of being ill. She always had healthy complains but when taken to the doctor, the reports did not show signs of any illness. We ignored it as oldage, until the time when things became worse and psychiatrist was the only solution. It was then we discovered that she was suffering from health anxiety but it was too late. One day she died in her sleep, solely of the fear of death.

Health anxiety is said to be the second most popular disease in the world and falls under the category of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The most common anxieties are that of cancer, HIV and weak heart. Patients suffering it needs psychological support and care. They deny to accept good health.

Ways to handle Health Anxiety -

1.Doctor Reports – The first step to handle health anxiety is to stop visiting doctors. Taking her to the doctor will not lessen the anxiety but add on as the no diagnosis will get them thinking more about the imaginary disease. The solution lies in explaining why there are no symptoms. Explain to them that the reports are the mirror to their health and if this is clean then they are not ill. Stick to your views and your confidence may help them regain their confidence back. Stop the practice of visiting the doctor completely.

2.Control Your Frustration – These patients do not care how well known the doctor is. If the doctor says they are healthy, then he is a bad doctor. This can be frustrating but you need to be determined and caring. Make sure that you stick to your words and cross check the report along with the patient with other doctors. The constant rejection of her being ill might get her the realisation that she is not sick.

3.Communicate – Communication is the most important aspect. You need to know what she is thinking. This will help you understand her thinking process and her fears, Once you understand her fears, you need to help her deny them one by one. For example if she denies eating something for the fear of falling sick convince her to do so. If she does not fall sick, it will be proved to her that she was wrong.

4.Take Care Of Their Health – Mental health and physical health are closely related. Health anxiety tend to make a person thin and frail. The tension they suffer, also affects their anxiety and suffering from anorexia is a common symptom. The sole solution for any mental disorder is mental peace. In the process of helping her understand, one need not be harsh. One just needs to be there for her.

5.Engage In Activity – Ideal mind the house of devils and in the case of one suffering this disease, the problem is more. Thus, it is best to keep them engaged. Meditation, exercise, light work and brain tasking works are few example to keep her busy.

Follow these five steps to handle a health anxiety patient and help them come out of it. Suffering it for a long time may actually lead to become the cause of death.