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So, I looked up the exact meaning of the word, “hypochondriac.” It’s defined as a person who is abnormally anxious about their health.
That’s me. I’m a hypochondriac.
In the last few weeks, every cough, minor headache, aching calf or bout of low energy has me fairly convinced that I contracted COVID-19. And once I convince myself that I’ve got it, I start to envision how this insidious disease will rapidly ravage my body.
I picture the virus—you know, the image you see on television every 15 seconds that depicts spherical shape with mushroom-like projections that will eventually travel into your lungs, find a home, and multiply until you can’t breathe. And then you die.
And know that there is probably a nanosecond between the time I cough and when I envision myself dying alone in a hospital bed waving goodbye to my family on Facetime on an iPad loaned to me by some compassionate nurse at my bedside.
And the irony of this is that I am one of those people who never gets sick. I can be around really ill people and I always leave unscathed.
So why this over-the-top worry?
It’s simple. This time it feels different. The ease with which this virus spreads seems unprecedented. Plus, I’m a Boomer: In other words, I’m in the high-risk category.
So, every little physical anomaly gets put under a microscope and is cause for concern.
But the good news is that when I share my health obsession with other people—on the phone, of course—I hear, “I’m so glad you’re saying this, I’m always convinced I’m getting sick too.” I hear this confession every day. Apparently, it’s not just me.
We are a nation of hypochondriacs.
And once I realized that everyone was nervous about getting sick, I figured out that my excessive worry is normal and not reflective of the fact that I am truly sick. In fact, I’m probably okay.
So, here’s my message for you: If you have been concerned about a minor cough, remember it’s spring. There are allergens in the air. If a headache or fatigue has been worrying you, don’t forget we’re stressed. Stress has a funny way of wearing you out, or even giving you a headache.
Of course don’t overlook symptoms that are prolonged or worsening over time, but try not to sweat the small stuff. Anxiety about our health during this coronavirus period is completely normal.
It’s the new abnormal.
Now, if I could just take my own advice.
