![The paranoia PANDEMIC](https://cdn.magzter.com/1389340925/1659595718/articles/LHsan90mE1660022346765/THE-PARANOIA-PANDEMIC.jpg)
Back in spring 2020, COVID-19 was an unknown, potentially fatal virus, and the idea we could pass it on to our loved ones was terrifying. 'The pandemic provided a stark and daily reminder that our health is fragile,' says clinical psychologist Dr Julie Smith, author of Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? (£16.99, Michael Joseph). 'While for many that anxiety reduced as we learnt more about the virus and people were vaccinated, for a significant number the fear continues.'
For a third of us, this fear has grown beyond the virus, becoming an increased concern for general health. In some cases, this has culminated in health anxiety. People with this type of anxiety regularly worry about getting ill, and are preoccupied about having one or several serious health issues, such as cancer. 'While consideration for your health can help to enhance your life and longevity, living in fear of what hasn't happened can start to destroy it,' says Dr Smith. Here's what to look out for.
SPOT THE SIGNS
If any of the following behaviours have lasted at least six months or are having a negative impact on your life, it's likely you are affected by health anxiety and should reach out to your GP for support.
1 Obsessively scanning your body for symptoms
You may find you become hypervigilant and worried about normal bodily sensations. This can lead to panic attacks and trouble sleeping.
2 Constantly seeking reassurance
Denne historien er fra September 2022-utgaven av Woman & Home UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 2022-utgaven av Woman & Home UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
![How healthy IS YOUR GUT?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5364/1814859/JciNDIr561725443792484/HOW-HEALTHY-IS-YOUR-GUT.jpg)
How healthy IS YOUR GUT?
This month, our fitness expert Annie Deadman on discovering what's really going on inside your body and how to keep it in the peak of condition
!['DON'T CALL ME A HERO'](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5364/1814859/w8FTQUymH1725443412740/DONT-CALL-ME-A-HERO.jpg)
'DON'T CALL ME A HERO'
Seeing the plight of innocent children in Gaza, Dr Ana Jeelani knew her medical skills could save lives – here’s what she experienced
![CANCER WAS JUST A JOB until it happened to me](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5364/1814859/sHxc6DCyl1725443193554/CANCER-WAS-JUST-A-JOB-UNTIL-IT-HAPPENED-TO-ME.jpg)
CANCER WAS JUST A JOB until it happened to me
Author, speaker and health content creator Dr Liz O'Riordan shares her journey from consultant breast surgeon to cancer patient
![Freewheeling in TUSCANY](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5364/1814859/8zrehmFuM1725442652222/FREEWHEELING-IN-TUSCANY.jpg)
Freewheeling in TUSCANY
A cycling holiday through medieval cities and lush scenery is a great way to absorb culture and get off the beaten track
![Nostalgic BAKES](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5364/1814859/49HjfTeFP1725442360316/NOSTALGIC-BAKES.jpg)
Nostalgic BAKES
Unlock childhood memories with these fun sweet treats
![A NEW NORMAL](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5364/1814859/Oh6CsQZpm1725442072266/A-NEW-NORMAL.jpg)
A NEW NORMAL
The Princess of Wales is looking to the future, putting family first and ditching her to-do list
![I look forward to being a very elderly, ECCENTRIC WOMAN'](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5364/1814859/idlUtNKFq1725441891357/I-LOOK-FORWARD-TO-BEING-A-VERY-ELDERLY-ECCENTRIC-WOMAN.jpg)
I look forward to being a very elderly, ECCENTRIC WOMAN'
Comedian and podcaster Katherine Ryan, 41, lives in London with her three children and partner Bobby Kootstra
![Lighter DINNERS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5364/1814859/RNEVkJXxx1725441385285/LIGHTER-DINNERS.jpg)
Lighter DINNERS
Big on flavour and easy on the calories
![Behind CLOSED DOORS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5364/1814859/fzOc5Dl8W1725441105744/BEHIND-CLOSED-DOORS.jpg)
Behind CLOSED DOORS
What really goes on at your local surgery, and how are decisions made? GP and practice partner Dr Helen Wall reveals all
![15 ways to IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5364/1814859/cyCcZpmSy1725440532388/15-WAYS-TO-IMPROVE-YOUR-MEMORY.jpg)
15 ways to IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY
Make yours fault-proof with these easy lifestyle tricks