As a counsellor working in the UK, I’ve seen a significant rise in clients struggling with health anxiety in the last few years. Health anxiety is when a person becomes preoccupied with the belief that they are seriously ill, despite little or no medical evidence. This worry can take over daily life, relationships and mental wellbeing.
It is normal to be concerned about your health from time to time, but health anxiety becomes a disorder when the fear is persistent, overwhelming and difficult to control. It often leads to intense distress and physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness or nausea. Some people experience panic attacks and frequent bouts of anxiety triggered by thoughts about illness or bodily sensations. Over time, we can even become anxious about the symptoms of anxiety itself, misinterpreting normal responses like increased heartbeat or chest tightness as signs of something seriously wrong. This creates a cycle where fear fuels more fear, making it harder to feel safe in our own bodies.
Many clients describe being caught in a loop. A sensation in the body triggers fear that something is wrong. That fear brings on anxiety or even panic, which produces more intense physical symptoms. These symptoms are then interpreted as proof that something dangerous is happening. For example, a racing heart may lead someone to believe they are having a heart attack. This belief heightens the panic, and the body reacts accordingly. Although the person is physically safe, the experience feels terrifying and very real. This cycle can repeat frequently, leading to a constant state of hypervigilance and distress.
Why is health anxiety increasing
One major factor is the lasting psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, we were constantly exposed to messages about illness, risk and mortality. Many people became hyper-aware of their health, bodily sensations and symptoms. Even as restrictions eased, the fear around illness remained for many. Stories on social media, endless health information online and news coverage continue to amplify these worries, especially for those who already have an anxious or sensitive disposition.
What keeps health anxiety going
Clients often describe a cycle of behaviours that maintain the anxiety. These include constantly checking the body for signs of illness, repeatedly searching symptoms online, seeking reassurance from doctors or loved ones and avoiding situations or information that might trigger health-related thoughts. While these behaviours can offer short-term relief, they tend to reinforce the fear in the long run. The more someone checks or seeks reassurance, the more their brain learns that the feared illness is a real and present threat.
How do I support clients with health anxiety
In my integrative counselling approach, I draw from a range of therapies to suit each individual. This may include psychoeducation to help clients understand what health anxiety is and why it happens. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is often useful to explore the unhelpful thinking patterns behind the fear and to gradually reduce the checking and reassurance behaviours that keep the anxiety alive.
We may also use mindfulness and body-based techniques to help clients feel calmer and more grounded in their bodies. Learning to tolerate uncertainty is an important part of recovery, and acceptance-based approaches can be especially helpful. Some clients also benefit from exploring past experiences or deeper fears that may be contributing to their anxiety. This might include previous illness, grief or trauma that has not yet been fully processed.
We will often look at lifestyle factors too. Things like poor sleep, high caffeine intake, or spending long periods online can increase anxiety and make symptoms feel worse. Small changes in daily habits can support emotional regulation and reduce the intensity of fear.