How to cope with health anxiety

Research has shown that people who have meningitis and sepsis can experience stress and anxiety after their illness. In this blog, we hope to explain a little about health anxiety, some tips that might help, and how our services can support you.

What is health anxiety?

For a long time, health anxiety was an unrecognised condition and something that people would feel embarrassed about, which of course only intensifies feelings of isolation. Previously known as hypochondria, health anxiety is now a recognised condition – one which can be very hard to live with.

What are the symptoms of health anxiety?

You may notice that you constantly worry about your health or the health of others in your family. You may find yourself frequently checking your body for signs of illness, and new lumps and bumps, or new pain. Many people obsessively Google symptoms and this can give inaccurate and often frightening results. People with health anxiety may take the same actions as someone who is poorly, such as not going out or visiting people through worry about infecting others. Sometimes, if there is a local case of illness, people worry excessively that they have caused this illness in the community.

Feeling like this daily and managing these feelings can be hard. Worrying that you or someone close to you could fall ill, even die, is very difficult. Sometimes you might continue feeling this way even if you are reassured by a medical professional. Anxiety in itself can cause symptoms of pain and headaches and this can exacerbate the worry you feel. The world may seem unclean and unsafe, and some people may display symptoms of OCD around cleanliness.

How can someone practice self help?

In times of worry and uncertainty, you may find it helpful to keep a diary. It helps to visually see the worries you have and empty the mind. You could also add how many times daily you check your symptoms or your body for any changes. Adding notes of your fears against your more balanced thoughts may be beneficial to give you something to look at throughout the day.

Give yourself goals daily, but do not put too much pressure on yourself. You may have a goal not to Google symptoms for half a day, or a full day. If you do not manage this today, try again tomorrow.

Relaxation techniques can help. Managing breathing, practising Yoga or holistic remedies can support to manage the feelings of anxiety. Lots of great yoga and relaxation videos are available for you to follow in the home.

It is important that if you cannot manage your feelings, and you feel things are getting worse you should talk with your GP who can support you and discuss therapies such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and talking therapy.

Lastly, and so importantly, talk about your feelings. Don’t feel embarrassed to pick up the phone to someone you can trust such as a friend or family member and if you need us we are here to help and we understand. You can contact us confidentially by phone, live chat or email. We will always help in a kind and understanding way.

Our Support Services team is available to support you throughout your meningitis journey. Available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, we can speak to you on:  

• Phone: 080 8800 3344 (UK) / 1800 41 33 44 (Republic of Ireland).  

• Email: helpline@meningitis.org. 

• Live chat (bottom right corner of your screen).