Hypochondriac Parents: Characteristics, Risks And How To Prevent

Hypochondriacs feel an abnormal concern for their health in the face of all symptoms, large and small. Hypochondriac parents may have a tendency to project their fears onto their children.
The maternal instinct makes us worry more about our child’s well-being than our own. Many mothers ignore their own symptoms so as not to affect their children’s lives – especially when their children are very young.

But when something is wrong with our child, we can not relax until it is fixed. We can not rest until we are sure that nothing serious is going on.

Unfortunately, this fear can sometimes be distorted and ultimately create a false perception of the child’s condition. It can lead not only to a misdiagnosis, but also to extreme worry and anxiety.

Hypochondriac parents cannot distinguish between what is reasonable and what is unlikely. This can lead to major complications.

Characteristics of hypochondriac parents

The biggest common denominator that unites almost all hypochondriac parents is an extremely pessimistic view. They always believe that the worst will happen.

These thoughts drive them to take desperate action. The first and perhaps worst thing they can do is check the symptoms on the internet. Hypochondriac parents should never do this. It is impossible to get an exact diagnosis by just “googling” some of your child’s symptoms – it takes a doctor to make a diagnosis.

Doctors are trained to take into account many factors in diagnosis, such as the child’s lifestyle, nutritional intake, activities, environment, etc. And of course, the diagnostic process can also involve blood tests, urine tests, x-rays, etc.

At the same time, hypochondriac parents show great anxiety. The only thing they achieve with this is to pass on the anxiety to their own children. They can even turn their children into hypochondriacs if they do not succeed in gaining control of the situation.

It is important to be careful about what you say. Hypochondriac parents need to control themselves with great care.

These parents also tend to be on constant alert for any new situation that arises, for example when their children spend time with other children who could be contagious. Although it is important to take precautions in these circumstances, excessive fear is not helpful.

Other typical behaviors of hypochondriac parents

• Constantly checks the baby’s temperature and takes note of the slightest increase in temperature.
• Repeatedly asks the child how he or she is feeling, something that can eventually irritate the child.
• They can, for example, introduce bans or excessive preventive measures in cold weather. The same behavior can occur when a child is recovering from an illness or injury.

• Feels the need to call the doctor at the slightest change or decrease in symptoms, even if the doctor has asked them not to do so.

How can you overcome your hypochondria as a parent?

The first and most important recommendation is to stay calm. If not, you will not only make your child feel scared and anxious, but you will also be a bad role model for your child.

Remember: your child observes you and learns from your actions. If you do not behave calmly, you will teach your child to lose control in unfavorable situations.

At the same time, be sure to take your child to a pediatrician if symptoms persist or are intense. Once you have done this, you must follow your doctor’s recommendations without any deviations. It is completely pointless to take your child to the doctor if you do not trust or follow his or her advice.

No matter what many people think, the worst thing you can do is try to stop thinking about what worries you. In fact, when you do, you tend to become more fixated on your fears.

You pay even more attention to symptoms. Of course, it is important to be aware of your child’s symptoms, but you should not magnify them.

The best way to treat a disease is to avoid it completely. So be sure to follow your child’s vaccination schedule and encourage good habits such as a healthy diet and physical activity.

Avoid doing research online and self-medicating

Parents who suffer from hypochondria not only affect their children’s mental and physical health, but they can also make serious mistakes. Searching for information on the internet is one of them.

In addition, some parents also choose a treatment that is not prescribed by the child’s doctor. They may not even take their child to the doctor before starting treatment.

Another incredibly dangerous practice is self-medication. This can lead to severe poisoning as well as a future resistance to antibiotics among many other side effects.

Finally, you should also seek treatment for your own intense fear of illness and injury. Psychologists and psychiatrists are trained to deal with these problems, so you never have to be ashamed. Seeking treatment is another way to take care of your children and show your deep love and commitment to them.