Before I turned 19, I never knew I was already a hypochondriac, I just found out today… I was asked some questions:
1.) Do you often worry about the possibility that you have serious illness? - YES
2.) Do you worry a lot about your health? YES
3.) Do you often have the symptoms of serious illness? YES
4.) Is it hard for you to believe doctors when they tell you there’s nothing to worry about? YES
5.) Are you bothered by many aches and pains? YES
6.) Are you frequently aware of various things happening in your body? YES
7.) Do you find you’re bothered by many symptoms? YES
8.) If a disease is brought to your attention through radio, television, newspapers or someone you know, do you worry about getting it yourself? YES
9.) Do you think you worry about your health more than most people? YES
10.) Are you afraid of illness? YES
11.) Is it easy for you to forget yourself and think about all sorts of other things? NO
12.) If you’re ill and someone tells you you’re looking better, are you annoyed? YES
13.) Do you get the feeling that people aren’t taking your illness serious enough? YES
14.) Do you think there’s something seriously wrong with your body? YES
Hypochondria are a type of psychosomatic disorder, which means it's a psychological disorder with physical symptoms. Signs and symptoms revolve around bodily symptoms, functions or sensations. These bodily symptoms are often perfectly real, such as a cough, a sore on your skin or stomach pain. But people with hypochondria misinterpret these symptoms and attribute them to an imagined disease, such as cancer, heart disease or stroke, even when medical evidence proves otherwise
Common symptoms of hypochondria include:
Excessive fear or anxiety about having a particular disease or condition – I am until I got diabetes! I dreaded this disease!
Worry that minor symptoms mean you have a serious illness - Yes
Seeking repeated medical exams or consultations – When I still have work and money, yes I do
"Doctor shopping," or frequently switching doctors – I have 4 OB Gyne, 3 Cardiologist, 2 G.P and 1 Endo
Frustration with doctors or medical care – Yes, when my heart exam came out ok, I can’t believe it because I can feel something is wrong, always beating fast
Strained social relationships – yeah, I don’t go out often with friends, because, I am afraid of crowds now
Obsessive health research – as in!
Emotional distress – everyday, almost 24/7
Frequent checking of your body for problems, such as lumps or sores - yes
Frequent checking of vital signs, such as pulse or blood pressure – yes, I am just lucky my husband is very understanding, though sometimes he would complain but still he would check my BP
Inability to be reassured by good medical exams – hmmm… sometimes I do
Thinking you have a disease after reading or hearing about it – yes….
Avoidance of situations that make you feel anxious, such as being in a hospital – yes, when I am at the peak of my nervousness, I am always thinking my family might bring me to the hospital which I don’t wanna happen!
And it's hard to handle...