Hypochondria and the coronavirus: everything you need to know

The anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is a challenge for everyone. Hypochondria and coronavirus is a combination that requires constant understanding and guidance from a psychotherapist.

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One of the phenomena that has become more visible in recent weeks is that of hypochondria and coronavirus . This manifests itself on various levels. In milder cases, there is a suspicion of contracting the virus and an over-interpretation of any compatible symptoms, such as a simple sneeze.

In the most severe cases of hypochondria and coronavirus, the affected person is certain to be a carrier of the disease and may even develop several of its symptoms , but is actually healthy. These people suffer a lot, since they really come to believe that they are sick and are not cared for accordingly.

It must be borne in mind that the current pandemic has brought consequences of various kinds, including the mental and emotional. The bombardment of information, as well as the general state of alarm, contribute to increasing a more or less continuous stress . This, in turn, easily leads to the phenomenon of hypochondria.

Hypochondria and coronavirus

Hypochondria is defined as a mental disorder whose main characteristic is the fear  of getting sick . This fear leads to these people are continuously analyzing all their physiological symptoms and that they repeatedly interpret them as symptoms of some pathology.

There are many cases in which hypochondria leads to the development of physical symptoms as such , mainly specific pain and some types of paralysis, among others. The goal of a person affected by this problem is not to deceive others; in fact, they are certain that they are sick.

The COVID-19 pandemic is an additional fear factor that is talked about at all times. Under these conditions, it is logical that there is an increase in the binomial formed by the hypochondria and the coronavirus. In other words, the current situation is a factor that increases symptoms in most hypochondriacs.

Pandemic increases anxiety

Anxiety  is a phenomenon that is expressed in many ways and leads to various types of disorders. Most common in all of them is a disproportionate fear of the future or, in other words, the expectation that there is a threat and great harm will ensue.

Under normal conditions, an anxious person fears what might happen, even if there is no indication of danger or risk. However, in the current situation, there is a risk that can indeed lead to serious damage .

Added to this is the uncertainty  widespread , then, the least for the moment, no concrete output is seen for the situation. This leads us all to develop some level of anxiety and that anxious people, including hypochondriacs, increase it markedly.

Somatization and hypochondria

A psychologically stable person experiences reasonable concern about what happens . She does not feel comfortable listening to the information about infections and victims, but later she can return to her normal state of mind and occupy her mind with other things.

A person who already has some anxiety germ, even if it is not pathological as such, could have difficulties in situations like this. For example, obsessive interest in the subject and care or somatization of the disease; that is, to suspect that you have symptoms of it without real foundation.

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In that second case, the confirmation is most likely to be done using a thermometer, for example, or by examining in detail any coughing or cold symptoms. After doing so, it is frequent that the person realizes his error of appreciation, although he could make it again repeatedly.

The case of hypochondriacs is the most severe . This possibility of evaluating the situation and reaching a reasonable conclusion is greatly weakened in them. Rather they will feel that they are indeed sick and that they are also victims of the negligence of others, by not confirming and treating the infection.

What to do about hypochondria and coronavirus ?

To the care measures that have been promoted the most, such as isolation, social distance and hand washing, we must add another: that of taking care of the mind. Times like today put the balance of reason and emotions to the test .

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So this is an aspect that must be protected, mainly by not being absorbed by catastrophic information. Of course, you cannot turn your back on it and pretend that nothing is happening, but it is important to define the times to get informed and the moments to focus your mind on other things. Breathing, exercising and meditating help a lot.

In the case of hypochondriacs it is very important not to contradict their ideas , since this only increases their feeling of being unprotected. The important thing is to maintain the medication and the contact with a psychotherapist so that he guides what should be done.

by Abdullah Sam
I’m a teacher, researcher and writer. I write about study subjects to improve the learning of college and university students. I write top Quality study notes Mostly, Tech, Games, Education, And Solutions/Tips and Tricks. I am a person who helps students to acquire knowledge, competence or virtue.

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