Health | March 3rd, 2025
Navigating Health Anxiety in College: Practical Strategies for Students
By: Adiyah Thomas | Online Editor
Unlike generalized anxiety, which centers on an overall sense of unease, hypochondriasis (or health anxiety) involves a hyper-focus on how the body responds to anxiety. For someone with health anxiety, these bodily sensations—like a racing heart—are often interpreted as signs of a serious illness. While generalized anxiety might simply bring attention to feeling nervous in a tense situation, someone with health anxiety will fixate on the physical symptoms, believing they are developing a disease or that their anxiety will lead to a life-altering condition.
For individuals with health anxiety, their bodies often begin mimicking the symptoms of the illness they fear. For instance, if they think they have the flu, they might experience fatigue, headaches or chills—symptoms that reinforce their anxiety and fuel their worry.
In college, this feeling can intensify. This physical response can be confusing, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of doom-scrolling: endlessly browsing through symptom videos, keeping multiple tabs open with health concerns or spending sleepless nights reading Reddit threads about illnesses. There are countless opinions telling you that you must follow a particular regimen, or that if you do not do something a certain way, you are doomed. But here is the truth: You are okay. Take these opinions with a grain of salt. There is no one-size-fits-all formula for your health.
Coping Mechanisms for Managing Health Anxiety, Provided by Dr. Alicia Jackson
To support students within the FAMU community who may be struggling with health anxiety, I reached out to Dr. Alicia Jackson, the coordinator of clinical programs at Florida A&M University. She shared four practical strategies that can help students regain control of their emotions and manage their concerns:
- Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Mindfulness is a valuable tool for managing health anxiety. Engaging in practices such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or body scans can help ground anxious thoughts. Mindfulness exercises, such as mindful walking or journaling, help students reconnect with the present moment and reduce the power of intrusive thoughts. - Set Boundaries with Health Information
While the internet provides vast amounts of health information, it can also fuel anxiety. Avoiding excessive research on symptoms or diseases is essential. Constantly searching for answers online can heighten your fears and keep you in a loop of worry. Limit your exposure to health-related content and avoid diving into symptom checkers or forums that could exacerbate your anxiety. - Limit Excessive Doctor Visits
It is important to seek medical advice when needed, but constant reassurance-seeking through frequent doctor visits can feed into the anxiety cycle. Students should avoid going to the doctor unless they have a legitimate concern. This helps break the cycle of continually seeking reassurance and reduces unnecessary stress. - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most effective methods for addressing health anxiety. This evidence-based therapy focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns. CBT helps students challenge irrational fears about their health and provides tools to cope with triggers, allowing them to develop healthier thought processes.
Support Is Available: Campus Resources
Students struggling with health anxiety can benefit from professional support. Many colleges, including Florida A&M University, offer counseling services that provide therapy and psychiatric support. In addition to in-person sessions, virtual counseling options can help students who may find it difficult to attend in person.
At Florida A&M University, the Office of Counseling Services offers both in-person and virtual sessions. Additionally, psychiatric services are available for those exploring medication options. The Florida State University Counseling Center also provides support at (850) 599-3145, and the national crisis helpline at (844) 284-6963 is available 24/7 for immediate help.
How Friends and Family Can Help
The role of friends and family is crucial in supporting someone dealing with health anxiety. Offering empathy, patience and a non-judgmental ear can make all the difference. Understanding that recovery is a process and encouraging your loved one to seek professional help when needed is essential.
“Healing takes time, and it’s possible with help,” Dr. Jackson said.
Campus Resources:
Florida A&M University Counseling Services
Phone: (850) 599-3145
Offers both in-person and virtual counseling services.
National Crisis Helpline
Phone: (844) 284-6963
Available 24/7 for immediate support.
