Health Anxiety Myths Debunked by the Largest Independent Senior Living Community Operator

With age, it’s normal to worry about health. However, when one constantly worries about becoming seriously ill, it’s a form of anxiety called health anxiety. It is a serious condition, whereby people develop an obsessional preoccupation with the idea that they are currently, or will eventually be, seriously ill. Though health anxiety is a common condition, it can be difficult for seniors to find the right support to cope with it. The medical condition is often not taken seriously and is joked around as hypochondria. As one of the leading independent senior living communities, we debunk some common health anxiety myths:

• Myth 1 – It’s not an illness: People often wrongly believe that health anxiety is just someone overreacting about their health. But this is not the case. Health anxiety is an anxiety disorder that needs medical treatment. People with health anxiety obsess over their health to the extent that every little symptom seems dangerous to them.
• Myth 2 – It’s all in the head: A person with health anxiety may experience symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, excessive sweating and blurred vision. These symptoms are caused by anxiety. Healthy anxiety can also trigger panic attacks that may trigger several severe physical reactions such as shortness of breath, racing heart and weakness. It can be difficult to calm down a person who is having a panic attack.
• Myth 3 – It affects just the mind: Health anxiety can affect the overall quality of life. The condition may prevent people from enjoying things that they once used to love. A person with health anxiety may find it difficult to read a book or watch a film that has a reference to physical illness. News about health issues can cause anxiety.
• Myth 4 – Health anxiety cannot be treated: Just like other anxiety disorders, health anxiety can also be brought under control with effective treatment that includes medications and therapy.
• Myth 5 – The condition affects just the sufferer: Often people think that those with health anxiety only worry about themselves. Well, this isn’t the case. Some people have anxiety over other people especially family members like children and spouse. People with health anxiety may find yoga helpful. Yoga and breathing exercises help in reducing stress and increasing mindfulness. We urge people to not dismiss the fears of those who are suffering from health anxiety and encourage them to seek medical help.