Don't worry, DARLING

Living with a partner who is a hypochondriac can be quite stressful. Instead of feeling sick and tired ofit, here’s how to understand and manage things better and be more supportive

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At some point in our lives, we’ve all overreacted to a strange spot on our skin or a simple symptom (for many, it’s usually headaches or tummy aches that are most alarming). However, these thoughts don’t impede us from carrying on with life. If they do, it could be a sign of hypochondria.

WHAT IS HYPOCHONDRIA?

Hypochondria is abnormal chronic anxiety about one’s health. According to the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), there are several aspects to health anxiety, including fear of succumbing to illness, pain or death; seeking constant medical reassurance; and functional impairment due to constant worry. When these aspects become severe or prolonged, the person is likely to meet the criteria for being a hypochondriac.