Introduction
Thank you so much for joining us on your healing journey. Visit AnxietyExit.com to start the program today. Now, here’s your host, The Anxiety Guide. Warriors, welcome to Episode 49 of the Health Anxiety Podcast Show.
Table of Contents
Embracing the Healing Journey
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The Audiobook Experience
And today, Warriors, in this podcast, I wanted to present to you an audiobook. An audiobook that has everything to do with health anxiety. I wanted to inspire you. I wanted to clarify a few things related to the health of anxiety. So, I hope you enjoy this audiobook. Please sit back and take it all in. If you get a chance, take some notes and look to clarify how things may be going in your life based on the teachings in this audiobook. Enjoy.
The Morning Struggle
Have you ever had that moment when you wake up in the morning with new vigor and zest for life only to realize how temporary that feeling really is?
Unraveling the Confusion
Quickly, your memory kicks in. As you make your way from the bed to your closet and by the time you get in the shower, fear has again taken over. The confusion, the agony, and the frustration all kick in almost simultaneously as you look at the day ahead.
Recognizing Health Anxiety
Many people go through life not recognizing what it is they are actually dealing with. Is this just a normal cycle of fear that everyone else goes through? Is this mild stress or maybe generalized anxiety disorder? Is this health anxiety? Does this kind of feeling lead to panic attacks? What is a panic attack?
Health Anxiety Test
Preliminary Questions
Welcome to the incredibly confusing world of mental health and health anxiety. Before we delve deeper into this audiobook, let’s take a moment to answer these preliminary questions in the health anxiety test.
- Have you experienced any excessive level of worry about various aspects of your life lately?
- Do you find yourself feeling overly restless or edgy?
- Lately, do you find yourself much more easily angered or even irritated by different events that would normally be very minimally annoying?
- Even during the day, even during times you realize the worry is needless, do you still experience anxiousness?
- Lately, do you find that concentrating is much more difficult due to your health anxiety?
Taking Action Against Health Anxiety
Now, if you have health anxiety, it’s important to take action against living with this kind of feeling today, not tomorrow. The longer you wait, the longer your patterns get embedded within you. But don’t let anyone tell you old patterns can’t be changed, even subconscious ones.
Why Health Anxiety Sufferers Don’t Get Help
Stigma Surrounding Mental Health
Studies show that as much as 14,000, 18% of the population has experienced some form of health anxiety. So why is it that less than half of those actually get help?
Breaking the Stigma
Society will always have people who look down on people that suffer from health anxiety. This stigma surrounding mental health is a major reason why health anxiety sufferers don’t get the help they need.
The Power of Awareness
Mental health needs awareness spread. Without people knowing how to deal with it, without thinking about mental health and health anxiety, they will never feel comfortable with talking about it and getting help.
Understanding Health Anxiety
The Role of Therapy
Having gone through therapy for my anxiety during my professional tennis playing days, I’ve seen it all. I’ve been through the whole group therapy thing as well as the one-on-one anxiety and panic counseling for many years.
The Danger of Anxiety Therapy
It was recently brought to my attention that making a living for many anxiety therapists keeps them from telling you a very important truth: You can actually learn the secrets to curing your anxiety in 10 to 15 minutes.
Empowering Yourself
Change happens when you start thinking progress over perfection. Don’t let the search for a magic pill or technique divert you from taking responsibility for your anxiety.
The Importance of Acceptance
Many people deny and don’t accept their imperfections. Acceptance is crucial for overcoming anxiety. You are not strange or inferior. The moment you learn to accept who and what you are is the moment you begin to understand that you are not set apart from everybody else.
Good Distraction versus Bad Distraction
The Pitfalls of Safety Behaviors
Many CBT coaches use distraction techniques, but safety behaviors don’t lead to long-term anxiety control. It’s essential to distinguish between good distraction methods and those that reinforce dependence on safety behaviors.
Finding Healthy Distractions
Photography, or any hobby that genuinely engages you, can be a healthy distraction. It contributes to growing confidence against health anxiety in the long term.
Why Most Anxiety Groups and Forums Suck
Limitations of Online Communities
Most anxiety forums and groups may provide temporary relief, but they often fail to offer real solutions. They don’t address the root causes of health anxiety.
Recognizing the Need for Change
It’s crucial to distinguish between good and bad advice. Most people in online forums may not fully understand what it’s like living with severe health anxiety. Take the time to separate genuine advice from well-intentioned but ineffective suggestions.
10 Secrets from Health Anxiety Recoverers
Avoiding Negative Influences
Health anxiety recoverers don’t surround themselves with negative people. Negativity is toxic and hinders progress. Weeding out negative influences is essential for creating a shift within oneself.
Seeking Real Solutions
They don’t constantly look up new symptoms of anxiety online. The internet can be a source of anxiety rather than a solution. It’s time to stop turning to Google for answers and focus on real solutions.
Patience and Progress
They don’t look for instant results. Patience is crucial in overcoming health anxiety. Progress should be prioritized over perfection, with no expectations of immediate recovery.
Focusing on the Positive
They stop scanning for the bad and begin focusing on the good. Successful recoverers shift their focus from negative to positive aspects of life. Expressing gratitude for accomplishments contributes to this positive mindset.
Avoiding Overreliance on Doctors
They don’t turn to a doctor for every answer. Doctors may not always understand mental health issues fully. Overreliance on doctors may lead to the prescription of medications rather than addressing the root causes.
Breaking the Victim Mentality
They stop playing the victim card when speaking to others. Overcoming health anxiety requires a shift in mindset. Playing the victim hinders progress and perpetuates the anxiety cycle.
Slowing Down in Life
They don’t speed through life. Recoverers recognize the importance of slowing down in various aspects of life. Speeding through life can contribute to heightened anxiety levels.
Distinguishing Good Advice
They know the difference between good and bad advice. Recognizing the source of advice is crucial. Those who have experienced severe health anxiety can provide valuable insights.
Facing Fears Gradually
They stop avoiding everything that they fear. Taking brave steps, even if they induce anxiety, is essential for overcoming health anxiety.
Gradual exposure to fears contributes to long-term recovery.
Letting Go of Mind Reading
They fully understand that they cannot read other people’s minds. Overcoming the fear of judgment and social acceptance involves realizing that others have their worries and are not constantly judging.
Conclusion
Grasping the Wisdom
I am so happy to be able to share these findings with you here today, warriors. This type of knowledge truly can be difficult to find through today’s first line of treatments for severe health anxiety. I suggest that you revisit this audiobook a few times to get the reality of health anxiety and GAD. Remember, warriors, you are more than anxiety. See you in the next episode!
