How do you have a relationship with a hypochondriac?
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How do you have a relationship with a hypochondriac?
“Encourage [the suffering person] to verbalize fears about their health, but don’t join in. Be supportive, but don’t show too much concern and try to stay neutral in your answers. Express that you understand their struggle, without encouraging their obsessive thoughts,” say experts.
What do I do if my boyfriend is a hypochondriac?
Dealing With a Spouse With Hypochondria
- Check up. First, get your spouse to see a doctor you trust, says Fallon.
- Be caring but firm.
- Don’t dwell on illness.
- Consider couples therapy.
How do you deal with a hypochondriac boyfriend?
If your beloved’s incessant worries are infecting your thinking, talk to someone—a mental health pro or a friend—to get perspective. The same skills you use to help them cope with anxiety—distinguishing feelings from facts, breathing exercises—may work for you, too. Some doctors suggest hypochondriasis is genetic.
How do you know if your spouse is a hypochondriac?
Signs That Your Spouse is a Hypochondriac Your spouse is victim to panic attacks, severe anxiety, and depression, which leads the person to feel more pain than normal. Hypochondriacs have an obsession to learn everything about various illnesses and their symptoms, usually through the Internet.
What causes hypochondria in a relationship?
Hypochondria seems to be a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder, and it might be caused by an imbalance of serotonin, a mood stabilizer, or other chemicals in the brain. There’s no cure, but cognitive behavioral therapy, antidepressant medications, or a combination of the two help some people. Hypochondria can be just as hard on a partner.
Do you have a hypochondriac personality?
People with hypochondria are catastrophizers, says Brian A. Fallon, MD, an associate professor of clinical psychiatry at New York State Psychiatric Institute. The disorder can take many forms. Some people become anxious or depressed, and others become obsessed with learning everything they can about symptoms and illnesses.