Show Notes
Ever googled a symptom at 2am and spiralled into full-blown catastrophe mode? This week we're unpacking health anxiety; what it actually is, how it overlaps (and doesn't) with OCD, and where somatic symptom disorder fits into the picture.
We get into the key fears driving health anxiety, the sneaky compulsions that keep it going, and why "it's all in your head" is the worst possible thing to say to someone struggling with it. Plus: what happens when you have a genuine health condition on top of the anxiety, why neurodivergent folks are especially prone to health anxiety, and practical tips you can use today.
As always, a Brain Spam, your Listener Question, a Win of the Week, and an Exposure Lab to send you off.
In this episode: Health anxiety vs OCD: the similarities and the differences Somatic symptom disorder and how it shows up Treatment options that actually help Neurodivergence and health anxiety Practical tips and hints for managing it right now
Podcast by: Laura Mole, Adv. Dip, MBACP OCD specialist therapist and Jessica Hayes, Msc PGDip, BABCP Accred OCD and perinatal specialist therapist Edited by Christian Nickson
Time Stamps: 01:00 What today's episode is about 02:30 Brain Spam 04:55 What health anxiety is and how to recognise it 08:55 Health anxiety and OCD differences and overlaps 12:35 Key themes and fears 13:20 Mistrust in medical professionals 15:45 Key fears and meaning of health anxiety 18:00 Common health anxiety compulsions 21:50 hypervigilance to vigilant 24:30 Rules you can make for health anxiety 28:15 Does therapy mean it is all in your head? 32:00 What if you have an actual health condition? 34:10 Stressed about the stress 35:20 What we are looking to reduce 41:15 Neurodivergence and health anxiety 45:20 What helps with health anxiety? 50:30 What are the goals of health anxiety therapy? 51:45 Tips for now 54:40 Listener Question 57:15 Win of the Week 57:48 Exposure Lab 59:55 Goodbyes
Get in Touch: Got intrusive thoughts to share or questions for us: Email us at [email protected] Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok: @justcheckingpod For our individual OCD pages, you can find Laura on Tiktok and Instagram as @ocdtherapylaura and Jess as @jess_helps_your_ocd
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Content Warnings: We do reference some thoughts that people may find distressing so please listen with caution if this is you, and take a break if you need to.
Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational content only and is not a substitute for professional mental health support, please contact a mental health professional for advice and support.
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