Thank you so much for writing this! I don't have any health anxiety, but my sister-in-law and niece do, and this has given me some greater understanding as to what they go thru. My sister-in-law does have some very serious medical issues, so any new 'little thing' turns into huge anxiety for her, and I think that's the memory trauma for my niece who reacts the same way when something little crops up for her. I remember when she was about seven and was diagnosed as lactose intolerant. I remember her asking her mom if she was going to die from that. I think a lot of my niece's health anxiety is related to growing up with a mom who was (and still is) very sick. I'm looking forward to reading more and gaining more insight. I'm always praying for their health - but now I feel like I can add a deeper dimension to those prayers.
Thanks Betsy! I wonder what those without it will think. My hope is that it explains some things that are hard to understand if they know someone who suffers with health anxiety!
When you started Substack and mentioned that you would write on this topic, I have been looking forward to this series as a fellow struggler. Thank you for being willing to share. ❤️
Ah! I'm so glad! Honestly, I think sharing that I was doing it was the best thing for it to happen. The content has been sitting on my computer for 2 years now!
I am certain you just healed all of my health anxieties. So grateful for this posting 😊. I have gone through everything you described and felt so normal about believing all of it.
The first four of your points - I had thought the same. The multiple sclerosis - due to the leg spasms - I have believed this lie, your article sheds a different light on the way I have allowed myself to think.
Thank you so much for writing this! I don't have any health anxiety, but my sister-in-law and niece do, and this has given me some greater understanding as to what they go thru. My sister-in-law does have some very serious medical issues, so any new 'little thing' turns into huge anxiety for her, and I think that's the memory trauma for my niece who reacts the same way when something little crops up for her. I remember when she was about seven and was diagnosed as lactose intolerant. I remember her asking her mom if she was going to die from that. I think a lot of my niece's health anxiety is related to growing up with a mom who was (and still is) very sick. I'm looking forward to reading more and gaining more insight. I'm always praying for their health - but now I feel like I can add a deeper dimension to those prayers.
Thanks so much for sharing! I know this will help so many readers. Looking forward to reading more ❤️
Thanks Betsy! I wonder what those without it will think. My hope is that it explains some things that are hard to understand if they know someone who suffers with health anxiety!
When you started Substack and mentioned that you would write on this topic, I have been looking forward to this series as a fellow struggler. Thank you for being willing to share. ❤️
Ah! I'm so glad! Honestly, I think sharing that I was doing it was the best thing for it to happen. The content has been sitting on my computer for 2 years now!
I am certain you just healed all of my health anxieties. So grateful for this posting 😊. I have gone through everything you described and felt so normal about believing all of it.
What? Tell me more! I'm so glad it was helpful!
The first four of your points - I had thought the same. The multiple sclerosis - due to the leg spasms - I have believed this lie, your article sheds a different light on the way I have allowed myself to think.
I’ve been looking forward to this series since you first hinted at it. Thank you for the work you’re putting into writing it! ❤️
Thanks Savannah! It means so much to know that it's something y'all have been looking forward to.