Health Anxiety

Health anxiety can feel exhausting. A small ache, a headache, or a moment of dizziness

can quickly spiral into fear and “what if” thinking. Many people living with health anxiety

spend hours checking symptoms online, monitoring their body, or seeking reassurance

from others. While these behaviours may bring short-term relief, they often keep the

cycle of anxiety going. CBT With Nicole helps by gently exploring the connection

between thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and behaviours. When we become

anxious, our body naturally reacts — the heart races, muscles tense, and our attention

becomes hyper-focused on possible danger. This can make normal bodily sensations

feel alarming and convincing.

An important step in managing health anxiety is learning to respond with curiosity rather

than fear. Instead of immediately assuming the worst, we can pause and ask: “Is there

another explanation for what I’m feeling right now?” Over time, reducing checking

behaviours and challenging catastrophic thoughts can help rebuild trust in your body. If

you struggle with health anxiety, you are not alone, and support is available. Change

does not happen overnight, but with patience, understanding, and the right tools, it is

possible to feel calmer, more grounded, and more in control.