Overcoming Health Anxiety

03/10/2026

For those of you following this page, WELCOME… but please kniw this is a nothing more than a cloned account of an Instagram account we own by the same name (IG HANDLE: ).

HOWEVER, you’re here because you’re probably wanting to learn a lot about managing how anxiety, or you found our book, or our YouTube channel, or our other platforms that we are on, >>SO, if you want to learn a ton about overcoming health anxiety, and you want to meet an amazing group of humans who are just like you trying to live their best life, but living in fear of medical issues (real or possible), there is actually an AMAZING private overcoming health anxiety Facebook group that is compassionate, engaging, full of tips and resources by me (Dr. Josh Spitalnick) and Michael Stier, the authors and creators of https://www.overcominghealthanxiety.com WHERE YOU can access all of our resources, support groups, videos, links, and downloads, head to this website, register to join the resource center, which is completely FREE, and you unlock all the Facebook groups and downloads you could imagine, as well as gaining access to the twice a month community support group.

By doing so, you start the pathway of learning how to, “live with fear, not in fear!” JUST HEAD OVER TO OUR WEBSITE AND you’re fine what you’re looking for >> https://www.overcominghealthanxiety.com

Evidence-based health anxiety recovery led by Dr. Josh Spitalnick, PhD, ABPP & Michael Stier, LCPC. Access our Symptom Checker, online CBT/ERP modules, and the 'Complete Guide to Overcoming Health Anxiety' book. Join our OHA virtual support community and start breaking the cycle of worry today.

02/27/2026

For those of you following this page, this is a cloned account of an Instagram account by the same name (IG HANDLE: ), where all the real action is happening,

IF you want to learn a ton about overcoming health anxiety, and you want to meet an amazing group of humans who are just like you trying to live their best life, but living in fear of medical issues, there is actually a private overcoming health anxiety Facebook group that is compassionate, engaging, full of tips and resources by Dr. Josh Spitalnick and Michael Stier , the authors and creators of https://www.overcominghealthanxiety.com access all of our resources, support groups, videos, links, and downloads, head to this website, register to join the resource center, which is completely free, and you unlock all the Facebook groups and downloads you could imagine, as well as gaining access to the twice a month community support group.

By doing so, you start the pathway of learning how to, “live with fear, not in fear!”

Evidence-based health anxiety recovery led by Dr. Josh Spitalnick, PhD, ABPP & Michael Stier, LCPC. Access our Symptom Checker, online CBT/ERP modules, and the 'Complete Guide to Overcoming Health Anxiety' book. Join our OHA virtual support community and start breaking the cycle of worry today.

02/25/2026

The second you feel one tiny twitch and your brain immediately goes into full speed mode.

Not a normal muscle thing. Not dehydration. Not stress. No, obviously it must be something dramatic and life altering. Cue the internal rapid fire narration that will not slow down.

It’s wild how fast anxiety can turn a harmless sensation into a full storyline. One twitch, and suddenly your mind is auditioning for a medical drama.

02/18/2026

“I’m just going to Google one thing real quick.”
Famous last words.

One search turns into twenty tabs, it’s suddenly 2 a.m., and you’re wide awake staring at your phone like a sleep deprived zombie. 🧟‍♀️

Health anxiety loves a late night research spiral, but all it really gives you is more fear and less sleep.

02/09/2026

Some activities that seem simple or routine to others can feel incredibly challenging when you’re dealing with health anxiety.

Things like exercising, traveling, eating certain foods, going to the doctor, or even being alone with your thoughts can trigger fear, doubt, and constant body monitoring.

Avoidance often makes sense in the moment, but it can quietly shrink your world over time. Recognizing which activities feel hard is not a weakness. It is an important step toward understanding your anxiety and learning how to respond to it differently.

You are not broken for struggling with these things. They are common challenges with health anxiety, and they can be worked through with the right support and tools. OHA is here to support you. Check out the link in our bio for more info❤️

02/06/2026

ERP in a nutshell: you willingly step into discomfort and let your fears show up instead of running from them. It feels hard on purpose. You allow the anxiety, the uncertainty, and the urge to fix it without giving in.

That part can feel like suffering, not going to lie. But it is the kind of discomfort that teaches your brain something new. Over time, the fear loses its grip, your confidence grows, and your world gets bigger again.

ERP is uncomfortable by design, but it is worth it. You are not choosing pain for no reason. You are choosing freedom over fear.

02/05/2026

Mental compulsions count too.
Just because no one can see them does not mean they are not happening or that they are harmless.

Repeating phrases in your head, reviewing memories, mentally checking how you feel, or trying to “figure it out” over and over are still compulsions. They may feel less obvious than physical behaviors, but they keep the same anxiety cycle alive.

Learning to notice mental compulsions is an important step in recovery. What happens in your mind matters just as much as what happens on the outside.

02/04/2026

Reminder: having intrusive thoughts does not make you a bad person.

They are thoughts you did not choose, thoughts that often go directly against your values, and thoughts your brain throws out without your consent.

What matters is not what pops into your mind, but how you respond to it. Intrusive thoughts are a symptom, not a reflection of your character or intentions.

You are not defined by your thoughts.

02/03/2026

It’s easy to focus on what you think you should be doing better and miss how much effort you’re actually putting in. When anxiety is involved, progress often shows up quietly and doesn’t always feel impressive in the moment.

This is a reminder of 7 things you deserve credit for, especially on the days that feel heavy, frustrating, or discouraging. The small choices, the attempts, and the moments you kept going all count, even if no one else sees them.

Progress is often slower and subtler than you expect, but that does not make it any less real.

01/29/2026

When your health anxiety is triggered, it is rarely just a passing worry.
Your thoughts speed up, your body goes on high alert, and suddenly every sensation feels important. Things you normally brush off can start to feel urgent and hard to ignore.

You might feel frustrated by how intense it gets or worn down by how quickly your mind jumps to worst-case scenarios. It can be exhausting to live in that constant state of scanning and second-guessing.

This is what it can feel like when health anxiety takes over.

01/23/2026

People with health anxiety are not trying to be dramatic or difficult. They are trying to feel safe.

This post covers 9 things people with health anxiety want you to know, like how real the fear feels, how exhausting the mental spirals are, and how reassurance can help for a moment but keep the cycle going long-term.

What helps most is patience, compassion, and support that doesn’t turn into endless checking or “proof.” Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is listen, stay steady, and remind them they can get through the discomfort.

Which one do you wish more people understood?

01/21/2026

Ever notice how looking for answers online feels helpful for about five minutes… and then suddenly you are more anxious than when you started?

That is the reassurance loop. Searching symptoms, reading forums, or looking for “one more explanation” can bring brief relief, but it trains your anxiety to keep asking for certainty. Each search teaches your brain that doubt is dangerous and must be solved right now.

Breaking the loop is not about finding better answers. It is about tolerating the discomfort of not knowing and choosing not to click, even when the urge is loud.