Symptom 2: Excessive Health-Related Behaviors
For most of us, health-related behaviors are limited to routine check-ups or occasional internet searches when we encounter a new symptom. For those battling SSD, this boundary blurs, leading to excessive health-related behaviors. They’re not just safeguarding their health; they’re on an obsessive quest.
Checking body temperature multiple times a day, incessantly measuring pulse rate, or conducting a thorough body-check can turn into rituals. What might start as an innocent attempt to ensure well-being can soon spiral into an obsession. Each new or recurring symptom pushes them to seek more information, turning minor health concerns into perceived major threats.
While seeking information is generally considered wise, for these individuals, it’s a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they yearn for a clear diagnosis to align with their sensations. On the other, the fear of finding out something grave might deter them from pursuing certain medical tests or opinions.
This incessant need to know and understand takes an emotional toll. It can result in feelings of frustration, helplessness, and even isolation. They may feel that no one truly understands their plight or that the medical community is dismissing their concerns.(2)
