Hypochondriac?Help please.?

Question

Could I be a hypochondriac?I will get curious and look up diseases on line and I will start to look for symptoms that I may have and I will start freaking out and think I have it and start believing I have some type of disease,but this doesn`t happen all the time it happens from time to time maybe every few months or almost a year.I really want to know what is wrong with me,sometimes I even feel like I`m insane because I just keep thinking something is wrong with me.Please help!

Answer 1

It sounds like you need to see a doctor. This isn't normal.  

Answer 2

You're not alone. A few years ago I suffered from severe depression and anxiety associated with being a hypochondriac. The mind is a very powerful thing, and after reading about an illness it can produce symptoms similar to those you've heard about, even if you don't actually have them. I learnt that the hard way. I guess the secret is learning how to deal with these thoughts. Try distracting yourself by doing some activities such as going for a walk, listening the music, doing the chores, etc. and you'll find yourself forgetting about these symptoms. Afterwards you'll realise that it was all in your head, because really if you DID have these illnesses, your symptoms would not stop when your mind is distracted. Give it a try, and good luck. :)

Answer 3

On paper you sound like a hypochondriac but on paper so do I. (I am not)

I actually know quite a few people that have gone through stages where they're convinced they have an illness. I, myself, went through a period where I was convinced I had undetected cancer because I had all these weird "symptoms" turns out I just needed to get my tonsils removed! I still think that I'm pregnant and takes tests at least 4 times a year but I put that down to a legitimate concern! Haha

If this is only happening every few months then I would say it's pretty normal. There's some scary diseases out there and it's understandable to be concerned when you read about some of them.

My understanding is that hypochondria means you constantly believe you are sick.

However, as I always say, if you're really concerned speak to a professional. Even if it's just your GP they'll be able to reassure you that you're fine and run relevant tests or refer you on to someone if they believe you actually do have hypochondria.

Answer 4

Yes you are.

Stop looking things up. You know you have a problem.

Ignorance is bliss - there is a reason they say that you know.

Don't worry about germs either.

Answer 5

if you get easily influenced by the information u find on internet, then stop looking for it! you seem to worry alot about health and that's good but don't look for information on internet! apart the fact that internet many times has the wrong information, you can get to think u have many disease and stuff and meanwhile, you are very health! so ignore all of this and don't look for more information on internet! it's better like that! take care

Answer 6

It seems likely. View my website, on hypochondria, in section 54, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris You are looking for things that are wrong with your body, in an attempt to come up with a reason for the way you feel.

Personally, I think it akin to an anxiety condition, and suggest that you view section 6 (page N first) and practice one of the relaxation techniques, instead of looking things up and freaking out.

Answer 7

What’s ‘wrong’ with you is that probably nothing is - except a vivid imagination that gets the better of you! You are exploring, taking in knowledge that interests you. And in attempting to put it into perspective, frightening yourself with horror fantasies.

We can all find various ‘symptoms’ in us if we look for them minutely. But that doesn’t mean we need to be hospitalized at every turn. For example, I might wake up one morning and find a ‘growth’ on my face. It could be cancer – but it’s more likely to be a pimple, unless I have a history of cancer growths.

But it might be an idea to have regular medical check ups just to be sure...

Answer 8

Every one including doctors experience this type of thing while exploring medical information .   No, you are NOT a hypochondriac, and I suggest STRONGLY that you do NOT ask your doctor about this.  Its hard enough as a woman to be TREATED with respect and BELIEVED when we DO go to a doctor... you do NOT want them to dismiss your symptoms, you WANT them to take YOU seriously.

   Only YOU can know if your body is "off" and if something is wrong for real.  Make sure you are drinking enough water, eating properly and getting enough rest and exercise.  IF you take these steps to improve your well being, your body WILL let you know when there is REALLY a problem.  

  Taking these steps also gives YOU something positive you can do regarding your health.  This empowers you and will help you NOT have to keep looking up symptoms on line.  

Answer 9

It sounds like you need to stop looking up diseases online.  That is what is triggering your anxiety.  Whenever you get the urge to look up a disease find something else to do.  Go to yahoo games and play a game or go outside and take a walk or watch tv, listen to music, etc.  I think of hypochondria as working the other way than you have listed.  You look up the disease and then look for symptoms.  My impression of hypochondria is the person has symptoms and starts thinking it's because of a terrible disease.  I could be wrong though.  If redirecting your attention so that you don't look up the diseases doesn't work then you might want to try an anti-depressant or anti-anxiety drug.  I think if you can conquer it yourself it might be better than going on medication.