How to Deal With a Hypochrondriac
Living with, being related to or caring for someone who suffers from hypochondria can be challenging. You need to deal with the person in a manner which is both supportive and rational. Understanding that a hypochondriac truly believes that medical conditions and symptoms are almost always present takes patience and an understanding of how the person perceives the reality of living in such a manner.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Learn about hypochondria. Talk to your personal family physician or seek the advice of a mental health professional. Know that you must understand the condition in order to deal with someone in your life suffering from this type of disorder. Know that a person who is a hypochondriac truly believes that something is wrong with his health, and you will need to understand the thought process itself is a medical concern.
-
2
Talk openly to the person about how he is feeling. Listen intently and do not dismiss claims or complaints about health issues. Be supportive and offer your time and attention to the person. Limit your interaction with the person by scheduling a set time to sit and dicuss medical conditions and concerns currently impacting the person. For example, schedule a weekly visit for one hour to talk, and limit yourself to just that amount of time for discussing medical complaints. Be honest with the person and let the person know you will only be able to talk about medical issues as scheduled.
-
-
3
Offer to go to the doctor with the person once every month or every few months. Ask to go in and meet with doctors or offer to drive the person to and from one appointment per month. Use this as a way to show support for the person.
-
4
Send or hand deliver fresh flowers, cards, letters, gift baskets or small token gifts once per month. Know that someone dealing with hypochondria will have a complaint on a regular basis. Know that the hypochondriac believes something is physically wrong and the mental and emotional strain associated with always feeling unwell does take a toll on the person. Be supportive by making yourself available to talk when the person needs to discuss concerns and fears.
-
5
Take time away from the situation and the person as much as possible. Keep yourself healthy, happy and busy. Know that you must make time to do things for yourself so you do not become emotionally drained dealing with a hypochondriac.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Keep or maintain a journal about your relationship with the hypochondriac and share your thoughts and feelings with your own physician or health care professional. Understand that over time you may begin to show or exhibit symptoms of depression as a result of being involved with a hypochondriac.
Step away from any relationship which begins to take an emotional or physical toll on your own well being.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
