Help, I’m Dying Again: Overcoming Health Anxiety With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

by Britney Chesworth

Has a new and unexplained lump, rash, or pain ever sent you into a tailspin? Have you spent hours online researching symptoms of serious illnesses or nagging your friends for confirmation that you weren't dying?

Written by a therapist who has been there herself with her own health anxiety, Help! I'm Dying Again walks you through what health anxiety is, how it disrupts your life, and how to overcome it with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Living in constant fear of your health is exhausting, but you can retrain your brain to not jump into overdrive at every new body sensation. You can live more comfortably without knowing all the answers, and, as scary as it seems right now, you can even be a little less afraid of death.

Each chapter gives you CBT strategies for developing healthier thoughts, beliefs and behaviors to help you begin to see health and disease from a more grounded, less dire perspective.

You aren't alone. It can get better, and it involves making small but intentional and consistent changes in your thoughts and behaviors each day.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Health

256 pages, Paperback

Published August 19, 2025

Reviews

[Grace Btrs · Rating 5 out of 5]

"In this book, you will learn a variety of CBT strategies to help you feel less anxious about your health and improve your overall quality of life."

Off the top, Dr Britney's credentials speak for her and the authenticity of this resource.

Dr Chesworth simplifies the concepts and tools explained and makes them easy to capture and understand.
She gives the necessary background without overwhelming the reader.

The wording is down to earth and encouraging for the reader. It challenges them and pushes them to reconsider their thought patterns by pulling from the experiences of other people who lived through similar fears and anxieties and they overcame them steadily and healthily.

I appreciate Dr Chesworth's vulnerability in the book and sharing things were definitely hard to write for the entire world to read.

I recommended this book to my partner who suffers from Health Anxiety, and by only reading a couple of sentences from the intro and chapter 1, he was sold on the book telling me "I should definitely read this book".

The book gives tools but also encites the reader who is practicing these tools on themself to be accountable for their own healing process.

The book is comprehensive and a great tool for anyone who wants to understand Health anxiety, understand its treatment, and/or start on the healing journey, and/or maintain the healing journey.
It is not an alternative to proper therapy and follow up with medical professionals especially in advanced cases.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Help! I'm Dying Again, by Britney Chesworth, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book helps you to deal with your health anxiety. This book has tools and resources for people to cope with their health anxiety.

[✨ tweety ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a person with GAD and various anxiety disorders including health anxiety, this book caught my attention. Health anxiety, especially after the pandemics, has proved a tough challenge to live with day after day. I'm familiar with CBT because I already try use these techniques to help myself, in the impossibility to go to a specialist at the moment.

I liked how this book was divided. It starts from what health anxiety is to get to the biggest fear someone with health anxiety has, which is actually being diagnosed with illness and the possibility of dying.

Each chapter provides a similar organization. The author illustrates the topic in an informal way that is accessible to anyone. It felt like I was in her study and she was talking directly to me, giving real examples of clients she had and illustrating different ways to tackle a thinking error and the reshaping of our core beliefs.

I already do some of those exercises to reframe my thoughts about other stuff, and they are useful but like the author said, healing isn't linear, so you have to persevere and be consistent to see changes and have it bother you less.

There is more than one exercise in every chapter. I think that it would be ever more effective if who reads this book dedicated one week or more on each topic and did the exercise proposed every day. This way, you could see how your thoughts may have changed when you try to reframe your mind.

I will surely make treasure and put to use what this book has taught me.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, John Murray Press and Sheldon Press, for letting me read an ARC copy of this book.

[Hayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley and Sheldon Press for a free e-ARC of 'Help, I'm Dying Again: Overcoming Health Anxiety with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)' by Brittney Chesworth.

This is a really informative and useful book for people who suffer from health anxiety.

I'd like to preface this review by stating that I don't believe I have the condition of 'health anxiety' and some parts of this book were not applicable for me. However, I have general anxiety alongside many long-term health conditions, as well as negative experiences of the medical system that have definitely resulted in me feeling anxiety around my health and believing/trusting medical providers. This is what drew me to the book, as well as being intrigued by the application of CBT to this area.

It felt very reassuring that 'Help, I'm Dying Again!' is written by an author who is not only a mental health professional, but who also has health anxiety herself. This provided a holistic viewpoint to the book, as well as comfort that she was writing from her own lived experience.

As someone with very real long-term health conditions, I appreciated that this was noted throughout the book to be a cause of complexity for those with health anxiety, especially in relation to balancing experiencing very real symptoms and needing to advocate for yourself whilst also struggling with anxious thoughts about your health that may not be 'real'.

'If you suffer from health anxiety while living with a medical condition, symptoms can be particularly distressing. It can be easy to develop a habit of assuming that all bodily sensations and symptoms indicate your medical condition is worsening'

Although there were many times where Chesworth notes the difficulties this can cause in terms of managing health anxiety, it felt like some statements and exercises in the book were made difficult for me in relation to this. For example, it is very hard not to over-generalise about 'all doctors' competency and effectiveness based on one situation' when most of your experiences are negative and you very regularly have to advocate for yourself in order to be heard for the most basic of diagnostic tests etc. I also found it a bit challenging in terms of emphasising 'diseases are a lot more rare than you are thinking and so it is much less likely than you think for you to get X Y Z disease' - when you have multiple 'rare' health conditions already! However, I appreciate that this book is for health anxiety generally and that not every aspect of the book can be inclusive of both issues. There was a chapter later in the book focusing on this difficulty in more detail, which I really appreciated and found very useful.

Towards the beginning of the book, Chesworth outlines that the most important thing to focus on, in terms of making changes to your health anxiety, is how you are maintaining it. She explores the various beliefs or coping practices that may contribute to your health anxiety and that although they may help you feel like you are coping, they often can only worsen it in the long-term.

There are lots of valuable exercises throughout the book which were accessible and would be useful to come back to whenever you want to.

Unfortunately, some of the tables and diagrams don't show well on an e-reader at this stage, but I appreciate this will be resolved on publication.

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review: Help! I’m Dying Again: Overcoming Health Anxiety with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) by Britney Chesworth

Overview
Britney Chesworth’s Help! I’m Dying Again is a lifeline for anyone trapped in the exhausting cycle of health anxiety. Blending clinical expertise with raw personal experience, Chesworth demystifies Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into actionable steps to dismantle catastrophic thinking. While the book’s conversational tone feels like therapy in paperback form, its narrow focus on CBT may leave readers seeking complementary approaches wanting more.

Key Strengths
-CBT Made Accessible: Chesworth translates complex therapy concepts into relatable metaphors and worksheets, like “fact-checking” catastrophic thoughts or “rewriting the worry script.”
-Personal Vulnerability: The author’s candid anecdotes about her own health anxiety lend credibility and comfort—readers feel seen, not shamed.
-Immediate Tools: From “anxiety timers” to body-scan exercises, the book offers quick, evidence-based interventions for panic moments.

Critical Considerations
-CBT-Exclusive Lens: While CBT is effective, the book rarely acknowledges other therapies that might complement it.
-Repetitive Structure: Some exercises recur with slight variations, which may frustrate readers craving progressive complexity.
-Niche Audience: Those with generalized anxiety may find the hyper-focus on health-specific worries less applicable.

Score Breakdown (0–5 Stars)
-Originality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – A fresh voice in the crowded anxiety-help genre, though CBT frameworks are well-trodden.
-Practicality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – Every chapter delivers usable tools, not just theory.
-Empathy: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – Chesworth’s warmth turns clinical advice into a compassionate dialogue.
-Depth: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) – Light on neurobiological explanations or long-term case studies.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – A flashlight for the darkest health-anxiety spirals—packed with both science and soul.

Who Should Read This?
-Health anxiety sufferers tired of vague “just relax” advice.
-CBT newcomers seeking a beginner-friendly guide.
-Therapists recommending a relatable resource to clients.

Final Thoughts
Chesworth’s book is a triumph of practicality and heart, though its specificity may limit its reach. For the right reader, it’s a game-changer.

Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Britney Chesworth for the advance review copy. This review reflects an honest engagement with the book’s mission to arm readers against health anxiety with CBT’s sharpest tools.

[Ina Dang · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a medical doctor, I find Chesworth's work systematically captures the reality of health anxiety.
"I'm dying" captures how normal sensations spiral into catastrophe through cognitive distortions. We don't react to what happens - we react to our interpretations. A racing heart becomes "I'm having a heart attack," triggering genuine panic. Core beliefs like "my body is fragile" and "any symptom could be serious" fuel this misinterpretation, with each episode reinforcing the pattern.
The desperate "Help!" embodies the safety-seeking behaviors that trap patients in the cycle: Body checking (constant pulse monitoring, self-examination), Reassurance seeking (repeated doctor visits, asking others), Compulsive Googling and avoidance etc. These behaviors feel protective but paradoxically maintain anxiety. They prevent learning that symptoms resolve naturally, while the temporary relief they provide reinforces the false belief that vigilance equals safety..
The weary "again" conveys something only lived experience can capture - the exhaustion of simultaneously knowing you've survived this before while remaining utterly convinced that this time is different..
CBT remains first-line treatment because it systematically dismantles maintaining factor: Thought awareness and cognitive restructuring, Identifying and eliminating safety behaviors, Behavioral experiments to test catastrophic predictions, Core belief modification: from "I'm fragile" to "I'm resilient". “Importantly, CBT isn't about positive thinking - it's about logical, evidence-based thinking.”
What sets this book apart for healthcare providers, patients, and their supporters is Chesworth's rare dual perspective. Her clinical knowledge provides the framework, but her personal journey through health anxiety breathes life into the science. She doesn't just describe the condition - she knows how it feels, making this far more engaging than typical medical texts.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely one the most comprehensive and encouraging books on health anxiety that I've read! Dr. Chesworth's writing style was open and friendly, and she freely shared her own personal experiences navigating her own anxiety related to her health. It was clear she was very knowledgeable about her topic and her research was very well presented. Sharing some of her patient's experiences was also extremely helpful. So many times, through the course of the book I was like "Oh that exactly how I perceive and struggle with a wide variety of bodily symptoms and many potential medical situations that I'm afraid of". Each chapter contained very thorough explanations for each dimension of health anxiety. It also includes detailed information on how CBT techniques can help with the often-flawed thinking that HA creates, and many exercises to put healthier thought processes into practice. It's definitely not a book you can rush through if you want to receive the full benefits of CBT. Nor would it replace one on one visits with a qualified therapist if your anxiety is severe. But I can see that working through the exercises would definitely be an excellent start to rewiring our often 'stuck' brains. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to going back to the beginning and working through all of the concepts and exercises at a slower pace! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!

[jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for granting me access to this book.

First. Wow. I needed this book. And that could not be any further from hyperbole. The first chapter alone (which recommends you work through the rest of the book slowl) is eye opening. I think for people who pick up this book because of the title, you’ll get a shock when chapter one describes your whole life. The title “Im dying again” is what caught MY eye to request this book because that’s exactly how health anxiety feels. Wow I feel sick today I think Im dying.

Chesworth first introduces health anxiety (the aforementioned introduction) and offers a list of benefits and causes of the anxiety. The one that got me was “it makes it difficult to enjoy anything.” Bingo. Then she proceeds to offer methods throughout

If you dont know what cognitive behavioral therapy is, it’s an effort to acknowledge thoughts and the behaviors they cause. The author focuses each chapter on an aspect of CBT: reducing errors, recognizing your own abilities to cope with diseases, how to live more comfortably, stop avoidance and so on. All very very useful information and doesn’t feel like something you’re going to drag your feet to get through because self help is sometimes a chore. This is a guide for exploring your health and the mindsets affecting it, and I think it is executed beautifully.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
📚 Book Title: Help! I’m Dying Again
✍🏻Author: Britney Chesworth, PhD

📕 Format: 📱

⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🕑 Quick Take:

Dr. Britney Chesworth provides a pragmatic guide to address health anxiety from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework.

💕What I Loved:

I appreciated Dr. Chesworth for providing examples from both her personal life and clinical practice. She offered a clear and understandable introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), covering concepts such as unhelpful thinking styles, core beliefs, thought reframing, and interoceptive exposure practices. Dr. Chesworth addressed various topics, including increasing tolerance for bodily sensations, reducing the fear of death, and managing health anxiety in the context of an actual medical diagnosis.

💭Final Thoughts:

I found this read very beneficial and will recommend it to clients and students.

#HelpI’mDyingAgain #ARCReview #Bookstagram #SelfHelpReads #HealthMindBodyReads

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hi, my name is Jenny and I have health anxiety. I follow the author on Instagram and get her emails, so when I saw she wrote a book I had to read it. Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read the ARC.

I found the book very helpful in places; some sections didn't really apply to me so I skipped those. I would definitely recommend owning the book so that you can write in it and do the exercises she suggests.

I do think she left out a big part of health anxiety and of course that is that is the one I have - family/genetic disposition to cancer. I was still able to do some of the exercises and the book did help me learn to reframe some of my concerns. Definitely something to revisit and practice time and time again. Four stars.

[Dr. B · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Insightful and Practical Guide.

This book offers a fascinating and well-structured approach to understanding and managing health anxiety. The book provides clear, CBT-based techniques to help readers break free from the cycle of excessive worry and compulsive symptom-checking.

What I really appreciated was Chesworth’s engaging writing style; she makes a complex topic feel approachable and easy to digest. The real-life anecdotes add a personal touch, making the advice feel practical rather than clinical.

A worthwhile read, whether you struggle with health anxiety yourself or simply want to better understand it!

[Andreea-Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a person who suffers from health anxiety I wanted to read this book for any insights and tips it might offer to manage it.

Health anxiety can feel quite isolating because I do not personally know of anyone who suffers from it quite like I do. Therefore this book made me feel understood.

The book is easily readable and I found that I related to many of the situations portrayed.
Now I must do the exercises as recommended and give myself time throughout the week to complete the exercises in each chapter.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be chockfull of high value. It’s loaded with explanations and exercises that allow your brain and body to reinterpret health and physical sensations.
CBT is backed by numerous studies, and well respected by the medical community for good reason. I feel that this book would be useful to do on your own, as supplemental “homework” to therapy, or as guidance for therapists.

[Maaham Lateefi · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a clinician, I approached this book with a fair bit of caution and personal history. I’ve experienced anxiety before, and health anxiety in particular is not something I revisit lightly. So reading Help! I’m Dying Again wasn’t just an intellectual exercise for me; it was emotional work. And honestly, it was worth it.

This book is refreshingly human. Chesworth’s dual perspective, both as a therapist and someone who has lived through health anxiety, makes the material not only accessible but incredibly validating. It doesn’t read like a clinical handbook. It reads like someone sitting across from you saying, “I’ve been there too. Let’s figure this out together.”

What really struck me was how she leans into CBT as a first-line approach without overly medicalising the experience. As a pharmaceutical doctor, I’m so used to seeing CBT discussed alongside (or buried under) medication protocols. It almost always feels like the meds come first, and the behavioural therapy is an afterthought. But this book centres CBT and makes it feel hopeful, not secondary. That shift felt refreshing and important.

The strategies are practical, the language is compassionate, and while the exercises are rooted in clinical research, they’re easy to follow and implement. This book doesn’t promise quick fixes, but it offers clarity, structure, and a sense of companionship through something that often feels isolating.

I’ll admit there were moments when reading this was emotionally intense. It’s hard to confront those old fears, especially when they echo parts of your own experience. But by the end, I wasn’t overwhelmed, I felt "curable". And that’s a powerful thing for me to walk away with.

Highly recommended for both patients and professionals — especially those who’ve found themselves caught in the loop of “What if something’s wrong with me?” and are ready to try a different way forward.

Thankful to Netgalley & Sheldon Press for the ARC!