HEALTH ANXIETY EXPOSED - Living With Risk

[Fourteen14]

This is my thread to attempt to assist those with health anxiety.

I will post as regularly as time allows to try and address some of the issues, myths and misconceptions about both health in general, but also how we tackle living with risk in our lives.

We all take risks daily whether it's driving a car, plugging in a kettle or diving off a cliff edge tied to a bungee rope.

Many of us do not consciously associate day to day tasks with risk, mainly because the risks are low and the benefits of taking them are high.

This thread will explore the same principle in relation to health, and question why we have a tendency to not apply the same "low risk/high benefit" thought process.

There will be soft exposure to the main illnesses commonly worried about (so anyone who is excessively triggered perhaps may want to view tentatively

Please feel free to join in.

The first post coming up in a few moments focuses on Cancer (for those trigger happy folk)

[Fourteen14]

CANCER. The big C?



In terms of health anxiety, Cancer is up there right near the top of list of the most worried about illnesses.

Ok, so there are SO many types of it, most people will of heard of/know someone who has suffered with it, and of course it is a horrendous illness!


Is there any wonder that SO many people worry relentlessly about potentially having it?


Like any major cause of death, there is always going to be an element of anxiety about it in most people (even those mentally well).

One of the major differences between the average Joe and those with health anxiety is not simply the doubting (WHAT IF) thinking, but a firmly anchored subconscious choice in perspective.

YES I said "choice", I am not insinuating that someone consciously chooses to live in constant fear of disease and illness, but somewhere back there in your deepest thoughts lies the decision to either say YES to the positive or YES to the negative.


To give an example, let's take a look at some of the media, drip fed to the public on a regular basis.......before anyone starts reaching for the Benzo's keep reading first!





" 1 in 4 Americans will experience CANCER at some point in their life".

- American Cancer Society (2013)




Ok....ok.....ok....ok calm down.....c'mon......breath.....whoo...whoo...whoo. ..whoo..whoo........aaaaannnndddd relaaaaxxxxxx!

NOW! This sounds HUGE ....Terrible.....Seriously worrying......OR IS IT?


If we look at those two choices we addressed earlier, (positive or negative) and observe these figures with a little perspective.

How do the SAME statistics appear if we flip the data?



"3 in 4 Americans will NEVER experience CANCER at ANY point in their life".



The same information? Different message? Not really!

The only real difference is that the information is subconsciously interpreted more positively.



I know...I know, those saying YES to the NEGATIVE are now screaming "what if I am in the 25%"?

Ask yourself the following questions

What if you are? - What will worrying do about it other than ruin the time you are healthy?

2. What if you are not? - what will worrying do about it other than ruin the time you are healthy?

3. What if I am at higher risk of developing it.

WHAT WILL WORRYING DO ABOUT IT OTHER THAN RUIN THE TIME YOU ARE HEALTHY!!!!

[jjh333]

perspective is everything! I have been teaching about negative and positive connotations this week... this fits right into that!

[Kixxi]

Very close to home for me. I am a major hypochondriac, but I found a way to deal with my hypochondria The what if thought is a big factor in anxiety. Changing that thinking is an absolute must.

[Dahila]

I like the thread very much. Cancer is a trigger for many people, I just accept my benign, so far, what can I do? Nothing..
Cancer runs in my family I probably will get more than the one I have...... but ....I will deal with it when it comes. I am not going to summon it) I am as scared as everyone else...

[Fourteen14]

Great idea , i have moved you up the mountain .

Many thanks Forwells!

[Enduronman]

Yes!!!! Thank you 14!!!!! many many thanks.......

Enduronman...

[needtogetwell]

14

Outstanding thread! Brilliant, genius perspective!!!

Thanks for starting it!
~Pam

[AliasEQ]

Great thread 14

This is how everyone should look at their problems. You choose whether you want to look at it from a positive perspective or from a negative perspectiv, this is very true. This will help lots of people, including me. Thanks!

Elias

[Dahila]

Please, 14 keep posting )