Hypochondria can feel like an endless battle. Once you’ve gotten word that you don’t have one particular ailment, you immediately start worrying about another ailment. You get relief from great test results, only to turn around to worry about your next set of test results. The constant worrying is exhausting, and the hypochondriac loop is really hard to escape. If you want to make your life a little bit easier, here are seven proven hypochondriac treatment ideas you need to be made aware of right now:
Seek professional help.
If you have hypochondria, the first hypochondriac treatment idea is to seek professional help. In this case, we would recommend reaching out to a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist, therapist, or psychiatrist. While different types of mental health professionals differ in their ideologies, they all still possess the same goal: to help you feel much better.
A licensed mental health professional can help hypochondriacs learn how to manage their symptoms. Treatment may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, and relaxation techniques. If you don’t know where to find a mental health professional to help you, we would recommend either reaching out to your primary care physician for a referral, or seeking out a website such as PsychologyToday to find a mental health professional.
Take medication prescribed by a doctor or mental health professional.
As part of your hypochondriac treatment, your doctor or mental health professional may prescribe medication. You may find that mental health professionals would prefer to try other solutions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, as a first-line hypochondriac treatment as opposed to prescribing medication right away.
If you are prescribed medication, however, it will likely be some type of anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication that will make it easier for you to tune out your hypochondriac thoughts. If you are prescribed medication as part of your hypochondriac treatment, make sure to take it exactly as prescribed.
Discuss your concerns and symptoms with a friend or family member.
Sometimes, it helps just to get your concerns out in the world. One proven hypochondriac treatment idea is to have a support system. Your friends and family will be able to help you keep a sense of reality when you feel like your mind is spinning over and over again.
Exercise regularly.
Everybody knows the benefits of exercise. Granted, exercise alone will not treat your hypochondria. However, it will help distract you enough so you can focus on beating your hypochondria once and for all.
In addition to being good for the mind, exercise is good for the body. Hypochondriacs can take solace in the fact that they are actually strengthening their body to be healthier by incorporating exercise as part of their regular routine. So, while exercise alone will not treat your hypochondria, it can go a long way in preventing the diseases and ailments you regularly fear.
Eat a balanced diet.
A balanced diet is important for everyone, but it can go a long way in helping those who struggle with health anxiety. Eating a balanced diet can help improve your health and can also help prevent serious diseases and ailments. Balanced diets can also help reduce inflammation and anxiety, which can help you reduce your hypochondriac obsessive thoughts.
It’s recommended to check with your doctor about what a balanced diet looks like for you specifically, because people’s specific dietary needs can vary drastically. However, the CDC recommends a balanced diet that is made up of the following: lots of vegetables, a moderate amount of healthy fats, lean proteins, and whole grains, and a limited amount of sugar or alcohol.
Get adequate sleep.
Did you know that sleep deprivation can actually cause anxiety? According to the Sleep Foundation, anxiety is frequently connected to sleeping problems. If you struggle with hypochondria, prioritizing sleep could be a worthwhile hypochondriac treatment to try. Some things you could try to prioritize your sleep are:
Going to sleep an hour earlier each night.
Not using screens or bright lights two hours before you attempt to fall asleep.
Don’t drink alcohol, caffeine, or eat large meals before going to bed.
Ensure your bedroom is at a comfortable temperature.
If you prioritize your sleep, you may find that your hypochondriac thoughts start to lessen in intensity over time.
Relax and enjoy life.
It’s completely normal to be worried about whether or not you have a health condition. After all, those are your survival instincts kicking into gear!
But what’s not normal is to constantly be stressed that every little ache and pain is the sign of a major, life threatening disease. It’s important to remember that worrying won’t change the outcome of whatever ailment you may or may not have. In the event that you do have some sort of disease or ailment, modern medicine is very effective.
So, there you have it! Seven proven hypochondriac treatment ideas you can try. Hopefully, one of them helps you relieve some of the stresses associated with recurring hypochondria.
Disclaimer: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.
If you are currently experiencing medical concerns, it’s important to talk to a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. HypochondriacHQ does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen on this website.
