Illness Anxiety 

Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is a condition in which there is a catastrophic misinterpretation of bodily symptoms (e.g., the fear that a physical symptom indicates the presence of a serious illness). Illness anxiety disorder (IAD) is the fear that one has or could develop or contract a serious illness when no physical symptoms are present. In both SSD and IAD, extreme anxiety can provoke frequent doctor and hospital visits, searching for health information online, and seeking reassurance that you are healthy.  You are thinking the worst about your symptoms and searching for a diagnosis or cure, even though doctors have said nothing is wrong. Health concerns that arise from SSD and IAD can make it hard to function and may lead to disability.
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TREATMENT: Psychotherapy can help ease symptoms and improve your quality of life (minimum 6-10 therapy sessions recommended). Available treatments include:
Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT): Teaches you how to challenge/change problematic thought patterns and unhelpful behaviours that contribute to symptoms.
Exposure therapy: Involves gradually exposing you to what you fear and not using avoidance.
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT): Teaches you how to be in the present moment, on purpose, in a non-judgmental way.
Relaxation training and behavioural activation: Involves regularly practicing breathing exercises, relaxation exercises, and engaging in activities that are relaxing, enjoyable, or useful. 

"I LEARNED THAT COURAGE WAS NOT THE ABSENCE OF FEAR, BUT THE TRIUMPH OVER IT. THE BRAVE MAN IS NOT HE WHO DOES NOT FEEL AFRAID, BUT HE WHO CONQUERS THAT FEAR."

-NELSON MANDELA

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