Health anxiety, sometimes called illness anxiety disorder, is a persistent fear of illness that can significantly impact daily life. People experiencing health anxiety often misinterpret normal bodily sensations as signs of a severe condition, leading to distress, repeated reassurance-seeking, and avoidance behaviours. Over time, these patterns can make anxiety worse, creating a cycle that feels difficult to break.
At Cova Psychology, our Melbourne-based psychologists provide professional support to help individuals manage excessive health-related worries and regain confidence in their well-being. Using evidence-based approaches, we work collaboratively with clients to reduce anxiety, develop effective coping strategies, and improve their overall quality of life. If you’re looking for a broader understanding of anxiety and how it presents, you may find our guide on anxiety treatment in Melbourne helpful.
Health anxiety can present in various ways. Some common signs include:
Frequently checking the body for signs of illness (e.g., lumps, skin changes, unusual sensations)
Persistent worry about developing a serious medical condition
Difficulty accepting reassurance from doctors or loved ones
Repeatedly seeking medical tests or, conversely, avoiding medical appointments due to fear of bad news
Spending excessive time researching health conditions online (often referred to as “cyberchondria”)
Feeling distressed after reading about illnesses or hearing about someone else’s health condition
Avoiding certain places or activities for fear of exposure to illness
Experiencing physical symptoms of anxiety, such as headaches, nausea, muscle tension, or a racing heart
While it’s natural to be concerned about health, anxiety becomes problematic when it leads to excessive fear and interferes with daily functioning.
Health anxiety can develop for a range of reasons, including:
Past experiences with illness – A history of personal or family health issues can increase sensitivity to physical symptoms.
Personality traits – People who tend to be anxious or perfectionistic may be more prone to health-related worries.
Exposure to medical information – Excessive consumption of health-related news or frequent online symptom-checking can heighten anxiety.
Childhood experiences – Growing up in an environment where illness was a major concern can shape future fears about health.
Underlying anxiety or trauma – Generalised anxiety, panic disorder, or past traumatic events can contribute to health-related fears. If your health anxiety is linked to past trauma, you may find EMDR therapy a beneficial approach to processing and managing anxiety.
For some, health anxiety is linked to deeper concerns, such as control, uncertainty, or past emotional wounds. Therapy provides a space to explore these factors and work towards lasting emotional well-being. If you often feel stuck in recurring worries, schema therapy may also help address unhelpful thought patterns.
Psychological therapy is an effective way to break the cycle of health anxiety. At Cova Psychology, we use evidence-based approaches to help clients shift unhelpful thinking patterns, reduce avoidance behaviours, and build confidence in managing uncertainty.
CBT is one of the most effective treatments for health anxiety and includes:
Identifying and challenging irrational health-related thoughts
Reducing reassurance-seeking and body-checking behaviours
Learning to interpret bodily sensations in a more balanced way
Developing practical strategies to manage anxious thoughts and responses
ERP is a technique that gradually helps individuals face their fears while learning to tolerate uncertainty. This can involve:
Reducing excessive body-checking behaviours
Setting limits on online symptom research
Building confidence in managing anxiety without avoidance
Mindfulness helps individuals develop a non-judgmental awareness of their thoughts and emotions. Techniques such as mindfulness meditation and breathing exercises can improve emotional regulation and reduce the intensity of anxious thoughts.
Emily, a 34-year-old marketing professional, started experiencing occasional heart palpitations during stressful periods at work. After reading online about heart conditions, she became convinced she had an undiagnosed illness. Despite multiple medical tests confirming she was healthy, she couldn’t shake the worry that something had been missed. She found herself checking her pulse constantly, avoiding exercise for fear of triggering a heart attack, and spending hours researching symptoms online.
When Emily began therapy at Cova Psychology, she learned how anxiety was fuelling her physical symptoms and driving her fear. Through cognitive-behavioural techniques, she gradually challenged unhelpful thought patterns, reduced her reliance on reassurance, and re-engaged with activities she had been avoiding. Over time, Emily regained trust in her body and learned to manage uncertainty in a healthier way.
“If I have health anxiety, my symptoms must be imaginary.” Health anxiety doesn’t mean symptoms aren’t real. Anxiety itself can cause physical sensations such as dizziness, muscle tension, and digestive discomfort. The issue lies in how these sensations are interpreted.
“If a doctor says I’m fine, I shouldn’t feel anxious anymore.” For those with health anxiety, reassurance from doctors often provides only temporary relief. The real challenge is learning to tolerate uncertainty about health rather than constantly seeking certainty.
“Avoiding medical information will make my anxiety go away.” While limiting excessive symptom-checking is important, completely avoiding medical information can actually reinforce anxiety over time. Therapy helps individuals find a balanced approach to staying informed without becoming overwhelmed. If you struggle with social situations alongside health concerns, you may also benefit from learning about therapy for social anxiety.
At Cova Psychology, we recognize that health anxiety can feel overwhelming, but support is available. Our experienced psychologists offer compassionate, evidence-based therapy to help you break free from excessive worry and regain confidence in your health.
Experienced psychologists – Our team has extensive experience treating anxiety-related concerns, including health anxiety.
Personalised therapy – We tailor treatment to suit each individual’s needs and goals.
Convenient Melbourne CBD location and online therapy – Choose between in-person sessions at our centrally located clinic or secure online appointments.
Commitment to evidence-based practice – We use scientifically supported therapies to help clients achieve lasting improvements in their mental health.
If health anxiety is affecting your quality of life, you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Cova Psychology, we provide professional, compassionate therapy to help you manage excessive health worries and regain peace of mind.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced psychologists in Melbourne. Whether in-person or online, we’re here to help you take meaningful steps toward better mental health.
Call us today to discuss your needs and connect with a psychologist from our Melbourne team.
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Acknowledgement of Country
Cova Psychology acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where our Melbourne CBD practice is located—the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong/Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. We pay respect to their Elders, past and present, as well as the Elders of other Aboriginal communities in Melbourne and beyond.
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We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which the practice is located. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and the Aboriginal Elders of other communities who may be here today.
