Now that we’re more than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, it's unsurprising that many people are excessively stressing over their health.
This can be referred to as hypochondria, a.k.a. obsessively and irrationally worrying about your health in a way that’s detrimental to your daily life.
Here are 11 signs the COVID-19 pandemic has caused you to struggle with health anxiety.
1. You have difficulty engaging in everyday functions because you’re always thinking about the pandemic.
2. You excessively talk about your health or COVID-19 with others.
3. You constantly search for news and health information about COVID-19.
4. You’re having pandemic-related nightmares and experiencing trouble sleeping.
5. You make an effort to avoid stress-relieving, outdoor activities.
6. You don’t feel reassured when you receive negative test results.
7. You panic over every symptom and convince yourself it’s COVID-19.
8. You’re terrified that you’re going to get COVID-19 from everyone you interact with.
9. You’re overusing disinfectants and hand sanitizer.
10. You’re convinced that everyone you care about will die from COVID-19.
11. You’re intentionally avoiding medical care because you’re scared of receiving a serious diagnosis.