Health-related Fears
Health Anxiety And Recovery
I’ve Been There Too! After my own recovery, I became a Psychotherapist Dedicated to Helping You Overcome the Health Anxiety that May feel Overwhelming.
Once I was caught in an endless loop of fears about my health—worrying that every ache, twinge, or flutter might be something life-threatening.
1. Muscle weakness in arms or legs → “I have MS, ALS, or another neurological disease.”
2. Brain fog → “I’m losing my memory or developing early-onset dementia.”
3. Feelings of sadness → “I’m sliding into a severe depression and will be debilitated.”
4. Heart palpitations → “I’m about to have a heart attack or my heart is failing.”
5. Dizziness or lightheadedness → “I must have a brain tumor or I’m going to faint.”
6. Skin spots or moles → “I have melanoma, and it’s too late to stop it.”
7. Tingling or numbness → “I have a serious nerve disorder or multiple sclerosis.”
8. A lump or swollen lymph nodes → “I have cancer, and it’s spreading.”
9. Shortness of breath → “I have a fatal lung disease or an undiagnosed heart condition.”
10. Eye floaters or visual disturbances → “I’m going blind, or I have a brain tumor.”
11. Random pain (head, chest, stomach, joints) → “This must be a serious disease—what if it’s fatal?”
If you find yourself constantly dreading the worst and feel stuck in distressing health fears, know that you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. But there is a way out. Let me help you find relief, reclaim your normal routine, and restore a sense of peace in your life.
The Therapy Journey will be Structured, Yet You Set the Pace. I Will Guide You Through a Gradual process of Healing and Restoring Peace.
The journey of Health Anxiety might involve a tumultuous cycle of fear, doubt, and overwhelming concern for one’s health. Internally, there’s a constant battle between the fear of illness and the desire for reassurance and normalcy. Over time, through self-observation and personal insight, there may come a pivotal moment of realization that anxiety plays a significant role in your distress. This awareness can lead to a gradual shift in focus, the development of personal healing, and a renewed engagement with life beyond health concerns. The internal stages are deeply personal and can vary widely, but they often involve a movement from intense fear toward a more balanced understanding of one’s health and well-being.
Philip Henein. RP. RCC.
I have been through intense debilitating health and social anxiety. But I recovered. Not only recovered, but committed my life to help others recover from Anxiety Disorders. I am a compassionate and dedicated psychotherapist with a deep commitment to helping individuals navigate the complexities of anxiety, depression, and life’s most daunting challenges. Having personally experienced some of these struggles myself, I bring a unique perspective and understanding to my practice, allowing me to connect with clients on a profoundly empathetic level. With a warm and supportive approach, Guided by evidence-based techniques and his journey of resilience, I am here to support you every step of the way, so that may find renewed strength and hope.
Master of Divinity, Clinical Counselling, Tyndale University
5 Years of Clinical Experience
Still have questions? I’m here to help.
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Stages of Change You Go Through
“I start to feel an unusual ache or sensation in my body. It’s something I haven’t noticed before, and it catches my attention immediately. I wonder what it could be.”
“The more I think about it, the more I notice the sensation. It seems to be getting stronger, or maybe I’m just more aware of it now. I can’t help but focus on it, and it begins to worry me.”
“I decide to look up my symptoms online. As I read through various articles and forums, I come across serious illnesses that match what I’m feeling. My heart sinks as I consider the possibility that I might have a serious condition.”
“Fear starts to take over. I can’t stop thinking about the worst-case scenarios. My mind keeps replaying all the possible diseases I might have. The anxiety is overwhelming, and it affects my ability to concentrate on anything else.”
“I reach out to friends or family members to express my concerns. They try to reassure me that it’s probably nothing serious, but their words don’t alleviate my fears. I decide to make an appointment with a doctor to get a professional opinion.”
“At the doctor’s office, I explain my symptoms in detail. The doctor performs tests and assures me that everything looks normal. For a moment, I feel a sense of relief.”
“Despite the doctor’s reassurances, doubt creeps back in. What if they missed something? What if the tests weren’t thorough enough? The worry resurfaces, and the cycle starts again.”
“I become hyper-aware of every sensation in my body. Even minor twinges or normal bodily functions start to alarm me. I check my pulse, examine my skin, and monitor myself constantly.”
“My constant worry begins to interfere with my daily activities. I find it hard to focus at work or enjoy time with friends. Sleep becomes difficult because my mind won’t stop racing with fearful thoughts.”
“I feel isolated because others don’t seem to understand how real my fears are. Frustration builds as I struggle to explain my concerns without being dismissed or labeled as overly anxious.”
“There comes a point when I start to notice how much my life revolves around these health fears. I begin to wonder if the anxiety itself is part of the problem. .”
“I grapple with conflicting thoughts. Part of me clings to the fear that something is seriously wrong, while another part starts to question whether anxiety is driving these feelings. It’s a confusing and difficult internal battle.”
“I consider trying to manage my worries on my own OR THROUGH THERAPY. I read about stress and anxiety, and how they can affect the body. I attempt relaxation techniques or mindfulness exercises to see if they help.”
“I begin to observe that my symptoms worsen when I’m stressed or focused on them. When I’m distracted or relaxed, they seem to diminish. This realization is both comforting and perplexing.”
“Gradually, I start to accept that anxiety might be contributing to how I feel. This doesn’t immediately erase my fears, but it opens the door to a new way of understanding my experiences.”
“I try to shift my focus away from constant health monitoring. I engage in activities that I enjoy or that keep me occupied. It’s challenging, but I notice that diverting my attention can lessen my worries.”
“I develop personal strategies to cope with anxious thoughts. When fear arises, I remind myself of times when I felt the same way and nothing serious happened. I practice calming techniques to soothe my mind.”
“I remain aware that anxious thoughts may reoccur, but I feel better equipped to handle them. I understand that occasional worry is normal, but it doesn’t have to control my life.”
“I strive to maintain a balanced view of my health. I acknowledge that while it’s important to pay attention to my body, not every sensation signals a serious problem. This balanced approach helps me live more peacefully.”