Health anxiety flare up

[ZuSu]

Hi all

imhave been having treatment for health anxiety of a specific nature over the last year. Have improved greatly. Now with this Covid 19 stuff happening I am feeling increasingly anxious. I have managed to be ok about it but I can feel it getting worse. I have had a dry nose and sore throat for a few days so I am panicking. I have been checking my temperature often. That’s the OCD part, I know I need to find a balance. I probably should check my temperature but not constantly, o probably should stop checking symptoms online. I am concerned because I work with international students. A few of them arrived about 6 weeks ago, had 14 days isolation and 4 weeks of class. 2 of them were coughing a lot. I asked them to see a doctor and stay home. Now I get this sore throat. I do get allergies but how would one know? What I’m doing here. Is I’m seeking reassurance which is what you do when you have health anxiety, this isn’t really going to help me! I need to get off this cycle. But I can’t stop wondering about the symptoms. I’m not coughing, I’m not feverish so I just need to be firm with my brain.
this is like a bad dream and I’m struggling. Yesterday I was fine....but today I’ve been thinking a lot more and going online.

[wannabe_alpha]

Dear ZuSu,

You need not worry at all. Most of the cases heal naturally taking the basic precautions.

First of all, go to some GP, and get assured. Also get a referral for COVID19 testing. I personally believe rather than worrying about things, its better to get expert advice.

The same has happened to me. My mother is coming from India tomorrow. And I wanted to get sure that I dont have COVID19. Although I had sore throat, I went to 2 GPs and both denied any serious problems. I have got better now. The sore throat has been better, although its still there somewhat. In my case, as per the doc., it was just viral infection due to changing season.

Thus, do consult a GP. And take all precautions with your students. Whatever the outcome may, you need not worry. Life has its own ups and downs. And you will get better for sure.

[ELLELEE]

Hey ZuSu!

You're not alone!
I have Generalised Anxiety Disorder but mostly struggle with health anxiety. With everything going on in the world at the moment I'm feeling overwhelmed and fearful of the future.

I feel like I have a compulsion to read every post and article that appears on social media about COVID-19 so I don't miss anything and know all the stats. I'm worried I'll miss something important and life-saving.

And I know I shouldn't be reading them as it only feeds my anxiety but I don't think I can stop. Anyway, you're not alone. I too need constant reassurance with symptoms and my health and do way too much Googling! Just. Can't. Stop.