"Health Awareness Campaigns" and anxiety sufferers

[rob3231]

I'm a new member so I'm going into overdrive...

What are people's thoughts on awareness campaigns for health issues? They are obviously important in saving people's lives, but for those who suffer health anxiety then, selfishly speaking, they are a nightmare.

They are hardhitting and give the impression that you are going to die if you have such-and-such symptoms and don't do anything about it. What they don't tell you is that such-and-such symptoms in the vast majority of cases lead to nothing serious at all.

Personally, it introduces me to a whole new area of illness I can convince myself I am suffering from. :blush:

[Amanda3266]

Good post. Yep - know exactly what you mean. I know that it's a good idea to raise awareness of illnesses. Bowel cancer signs, for example, are well described but it does mean that a large number of people who DON'T have bowel cancer but share similar symptoms are going to be worried.

[anxious]

Oh i dwell too much on health campaigns. Just been reading an article on skin cancer and it always sets me off on an obsessive check, even though i'm too aware at the best of times.
My doc once told me that some people choose to ignore symptoms or just dont even realise they could be serious, thats who they are trying to get too.
But definately doesnt do me any favours,
anx xx

ps welcome to the site:)