The Complete Guide to Overcoming Health Anxiety: How to Live Life to the Fullest...Because You're Not Dead

by Dr Josh Spitalnick, Michael Stier, Dr Patrick McGrath (foreword)

Are you terrified of getting cancer or having a stroke? Do you or a loved one worry about experiencing a catastrophic medical event? Do you find yourself trapped in a never-ending cycle of researching medical symptoms online, monitoring your oxygen levels, or seeking reassurance about your symptoms from anyone who will listen? If these questions hit close to home, you might be one of the 4% to 10% of the population grappling with a condition known as health anxiety.

The Complete Guide to Overcoming Health Anxiety is an educational, humorous, and skills-driven self-help book (that can easily be used as a therapist guide). Leveraging our 30+ years of combined clinical experiences and the latest scientific research in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for treating anxiety disorders, this guide delivers a step-by-step approach to learning and practicing new skills all while embracing the mindset of an anxiety specialist, just like the authors. Beyond the science and skills, each chapter was crafted intentionally with narrative storytelling, alarming health statistics, curious metaphors, and pop culture references to maximize engagement and interactivity in the learning process. Instead of spending the rest of your days living IN fear of your health concerns, this book will help you embrace living WITH fear while building more mastery, joy, and purpose in the life you want and deserve.

With practice, you will no longer:

-lose hours in the day worrying about death, disease, or illness
-waste energy doctor shopping or using online resources as your crystal ball
-feel constant dread being a medical or financial burden to your loved ones
-fixate on the belief that you will never get better

With practice, you will:
-learn to trust yourself, your body, your senses, and your healthcare providers
-disengage from your health anxiety and shift your focus on facts and the here and now
-choose new actions in the face uncertainty that align with what brings you joy in life
-dedicate more of your emotional and mental resources to the people, places, and things that matter most to you

182 pages, Paperback

Published December 15, 2023

Reviews

[Michelle Massi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book that has been missing from my shelf when working with patients with Health Anxiety. Authors Josh Spitalnick and Michael Stier speak to the reader as though they have been long time friends. There aren’t huge psych words that the average reader won’t connect with and they don’t pussyfoot around hard topics. The book is easily digestible filled with psychoeducation, tips and tricks for readers to fight their anxiety. The information in the book easily translates to dealing with any anxiety disorder. I especially love the actionable items at the end of every chapter that readers can either do on their own, or while working with their clinician. My absolute favorite part of this book is in Appendix 1 - the authors brilliantly included a case example and then walked readers through all ten chapter exercises so that individuals would have a model to work from. This is a must read for anyone who suffers from Health Anxiety. I cannot wait to share this with my patients.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, I am truly enjoying this. I have been battling with 'Health Anxiety' for the past 3 years. It started with one panic attack and spiralled into the idea that somehow, I'm sick and dying. This book is triggering, yes, but it is definitely worth the read. I have not finished it yet, but it has given me more understanding of things I already knew, some things to help me with it and most importantly: some hope. It gave me the hope I can pass this battle against health anxiety and learn to live with fear, not in fear.

Definitely recommend this book!

I finished it and it honestly gave me such a good insight on where to start to tackle this problem and I cannot wait for my mind and body to finally get rid of the fear (and exhaustion that comes with it). Will definitely bring this book to my exposure therapy session as well

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious and inspiring! Such a welcome addition to the field of health anxiety treatment.