Trypophobia is a condition characterized by fear or discomfort with patterns or clusters of small holes, per the Cleveland Clinic. Although the condition isn’t classified as a mental disorder, it can cause significant distress for those who experience it, says Psych…
No one wants to get sick, and it’s only natural to have a fear of disease when you’re experiencing symptoms of an illness. However, there are some individuals who fear illness to an extreme degree, believing wholeheartedly they are sick…
Have you ever experienced a headache or chest pain when you’re under a lot of stress? Or suddenly developed heartburn or an upset stomach when you’re anxiously waiting for a test result or after having a heated discussion with a…
Picky eating is common among kids (and even adults), with most people eventually growing out of it. But when this doesn’t happen — and you go as far as to refuse to eat an entire food group to the point…
In the wake of COVID-19 — during which misinformation ran rampant and health-related fear-mongering relegated people to their homes, derailing everyday life across the globe — it’s no surprise that the idea of getting sick became a source of anxiety…
Although we don’t always realize it, scrolling through social media can take up a large chunk of our day if we let it. Consistently opening Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter to check levels of engagement with our content can be an…
Experts predict cancer cases in the U.S. will continue to rise in the coming decades. According to research published in 2021 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cancer prevalence rates are estimated to increase by nearly…
Hypochondriasis, also known as health anxiety or illness anxiety disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by excessive worry about having a serious illness (via the Cleveland Clinic). People with hypochondriasis (or hypochondria) may have a preoccupation with their health…
Also known by the generic name Lorazepam, Ativan is a benzodiazepine designed to treat anxiety (via WebMD). The drug enhances the effects of the neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA and helps to calm both the brain and the…
If you have ever had excessive worrisome thoughts, a pounding chest, sweating, shaking, rapid breathing, or feelings of tension or nervousness then you may have experienced anxiety (per Mayo Clinic). Anxiety is part of the normal human condition, but it…