Counselling services

Health Issues/Health Anxiety Counselling

If you’re struggling with health anxiety, otherwise known as illness anxiety disorder, reach out and get the support you deserve. Although health anxiety is a serious form of anxiety, it is treatable.

Reach out to us to book a session today.

What is Health Anxiety Counselling?

Health anxiety is a form of anxiety in which one believes they have an illness even when a doctor confirms they don’t.

Health anxiety counselling will support those suffering from this form of anxiety and help them understand where their fear stems from, how it is triggered, and how to cope. After a few counselling sessions, patients will realize their false beliefs and begin to recognize what is truly happening in their bodies.

Common Symptoms and Signs of Health Anxiety

Health anxiety can be shown in several physical or mental ways. The following are signs that you or your loved one may be struggling with a health anxiety disorder:

Physical Symptoms

Avoiding situations that may put your health at risk
Constantly checking your body for any scratches or markups that may result in a serious illness
Having non-stop conversations about health and wellness
Frequently visiting the doctor to seek reassurance
Have a habit of researching health conditions and convincing yourself you have the illness

Mental Symptoms

Constantly thinking about having or getting a mental or physical illness
Obsessive over genetic medical conditions and how you may be at risk for developing said illness
Lack of trust in doctors when they provide negative test results
Easily stressed about the topic of health
Becoming overwhelmed by any minor feeling in the body

Different Causes of Health Anxiety

There is no tell-tale place where anxiety stems from, but if you have a history of the following situations, you may be more prone to developing health anxiety:

Currently dealing with other anxiety disorders (social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, PTSD, and more)
Severe childhood illness in yourself or a family member
Struggling with depression
Physical or emotional abuse
Childhood post-traumatic stress disorder

The Difference Between Health Anxiety & Somatic Symptom Disorder

Health anxiety and somatic symptom disorder both result in one being obsessed with their health and wellness. However, health anxiety directly relates to someone who has little-to-no physical symptoms of any illness. In contrast, somatic symptom disorder is when one does have mild symptoms and they feel as if they are taking over their life, even if they aren’t.

Why You Should Seek Help with Health Anxiety

When you or your loved one seeks support with health anxiety, it can help calm your body while rewiring your brain to acknowledge the truth about your health. You will discover what is triggering your anxiety and how to tell your brain that you are okay.

If you’re struggling with anxiety, please do not hesitate to reach out. We want to get you the support you deserve.

Our Approach to Anxiety Counselling

After you book a session with an experienced therapist, they will determine which form of health counselling is most beneficial for you. All behavioural health therapists at Can’t We Just Get Along Counselling have years of experience providing counselling support to those struggling with anxiety. Some of our anxiety treatments include:

If you’d like to seek professional medical advice, we can help you consult with your doctor to discuss anxiety-reducing medications.

Get the Help You Need to Manage Your Health Anxiety

If you experience health anxiety, you’re not alone. Our highly-trained registered psychologists in Calgary, Alberta, are here to support you throughout your entire health and wellness journey.

When you’re ready to get the help you deserve, book a session with Can’t We Just Get Along Counselling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you recover from health anxiety?

Absolutely. Like any form of anxiety, once you recognize your triggers and understand how to control your anxious thoughts, you can begin to recover. The recovery process may look different for everyone based on personal experiences and depth of anxiety, but counselling services can help you face your disorder head-on.

Can you live a normal life with health anxiety?

Living with anxiety can feel very difficult and stressful, but with effective treatment from a mental health professional and surrounding yourself with positive influences, you can live a normal life with health anxiety.

Is health anxiety a form of OCD?

Although health anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) seem similar, health anxiety is not a form of OCD. When someone is struggling with health anxiety, they are focused on having a specific disease at that moment in time. Whereas one with OCD typically has compulsive behaviours with things that may happen to their own health in the future.

Can health anxiety cause physical symptoms?

Yes. Any form of anxiety can cause physical symptoms within the body, including rapid heartbeat, pressure in the chest, stomach aches, tingling sensations, panic attacks and more.

Can Cognitive Behavioural Therapy help with health anxiety?

There are a variety of anxiety therapy options, but we believe Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective ways of treating health anxiety. CBT will help you break down your thoughts and emotions and help break your anxious cycle by reducing unhelpful thoughts.