I'm just wondering how many of us try and avoid all mention of anything medical, whether it be on TV, radio, internet, family or friends etc. I suppose it's the opposite of what I tend to do when I believe something's wrong with me (when I then google everything I can).
When I was a kid (I'm almost 26 now), my favourite show was Casualty, and I wanted to be a paramedic when I was older. I ended up in science & did a master's degree in chemistry, and until recently I found it fascinating to watch programmes on TV about all things medical/science.
However, since I've noticed I've been suffering from health anxiety over the last few months, I've also noticed that I've been avoiding anything medical. I think part of it is a conscious decision, and part is done subconsciously. I no longer want to read news articles online about health (especially those type of ones that list foods that cause cancer, for example), or watch documentaries about new treatments. I've even found myself somewhat shutting off when I hear my family talk about one of their friends who's currently ill, and I found it difficult, even, to watch Doctors the other day. I suppose I'm terrified it might spark some more anxiety for me?
A few weeks ago I was watching The Secret Millionaire and someone mentioned how their relative suffered a brain hemorrhage in their 30's. It was probably talked about for 2 minutes, at most, on the show, but I was worried (for at least the next 24 hours) that the same thing would happen to me. I never used to be like that.
I suppose it makes sense that we want to avoid triggers to our anxiety, but I also miss the enjoyment & interest I got from learning from the documentaries etc. I'm hoping to find counselling for my recent anxiety, fear & paranoia anyway. Do you think this anxiety/general avoidance is something that counselling might help?