Worry and anxiety are natural human responses that help us anticipate and avoid risks. However, there are times when worry can take over and feel difficult to manage. It is common, especially during life changes, to become more concerned about your own health or the health of those you love.
If your body doesn’t feel as it normally does, or if you’re experiencing persistent or intense health anxiety, it’s important to seek medical advice. Worrying about your health is something you can, and should, get support with. There are effective forms of help available to reduce anxiety and develop a calmer, more balanced relationship with your health.
When you seek medical care for symptoms, it’s natural to want clear answers about what’s causing them. Doctors first focus on ruling out serious or treatable conditions. It’s not uncommon for medical investigations to show no underlying disease.
If no cause is found, it does not mean that your symptoms aren’t real. Rather, it usually indicates that a serious medical condition is unlikely. In these cases, you can receive guidance on how to manage and relieve your symptoms. In medical terms, the absence of abnormal findings is often a reassuring sign, even if it may initially feel frustrating or confusing.
Some people are naturally more aware of physical sensations than others. The reasons aren’t fully understood, though there may be a hereditary component. It can sometimes be difficult to find a balanced way of relating to your body and its signals, and many people experience this at some point in life.
Primary care professionals are familiar with these concerns, and effective support is available. Doctors and psychologists often work together in treating health anxiety and psychosomatic symptoms, and treatment typically has good results.
It is also common to worry about loved ones. For example, after having a baby, concerns about both the child’s health and your own may increase. If these worries feel overwhelming, consider speaking with your child health nurse or your GP, support is available.