If you’ve ever found yourself Googling a random twinge or headache, you’ll know how easy it is to get caught in a spiral of “what ifs.” Now imagine having that fear on turbocharge. That’s what health anxiety can feel like for a child or young person—constantly worrying about health and causing anxiety about their health or the health of those they love, even when there’s no real reason to believe something is wrong. It’s exhausting for them (and for you), but there are ways to help.

Let’s explore what’s going on in their brains, why it happens, and—most importantly—how to treat health anxiety at home, along with help and advice for parents to help them navigate this better.

What is Health Anxiety?

Health anxiety isn’t just an occasional worry about getting ill—it’s a persistent and overwhelming fear. For children and teens, this might show up as:

  • Constantly asking if they’re poor.
  • Obsessively checking their body for signs of illness (or asking you to do it for them).
  • Avoiding certain activities for fear of “getting sick.”
  • Fixating on health-related news.

At its core, health anxiety is their brain’s way of trying to keep them safe. But instead of helping, it becomes a bully, making them hyper-vigilant and stuck in a cycle of worry.

What’s Going on in Their Brain?

Health anxiety is linked to the amygdala—a tiny almond-shaped part of the brain that’s our internal alarm system. Its job is to look out for threats and shout “Danger!” if it spots one.

For kids with health anxiety, the amygdala is on high alert, scanning for danger even when everything is fine. This makes their prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain that does all the logical thinking) less effective. So, while you’re reassuring them, “You’re fine, sweetheart,” their brain is screaming, “But what if I’m not?!”

It’s not their fault, and it’s not yours either—it’s just how the anxious brain works. But here’s some helpful advice parents might benefit from: with the right tools, we can help quiet that overactive amygdala and give their rational brain the upper hand.

Six Solution-Focused Tips, Help & Advice for Parents

1. Reassure Without Over-Reassuring

It’s natural to want to say, “You’re fine” every time they ask. But too much reassurance can accidentally reinforce their worries. Instead, acknowledge their feelings (“I can see you’re feeling worried about this”), and then gently steer them towards a positive action (“What could we do to help you feel calmer?”).

2. Teach Them About Their Brain

Understanding why they feel the way they do can be a huge relief. Explain how the amygdala works and how it sometimes gets things wrong—like a fire alarm going off when there’s no smoke. Knowing it’s their brain playing tricks can help them start to challenge their fears.

3. Focus on the Positives

An anxious brain loves to fixate on negatives, so encourage them to practise noticing the good stuff. If you’re wondering how to treat health anxiety at home, one of the things you could do is, ask them to list three things they enjoyed or are grateful for before bed. This simple habit helps to shift their focus away from worries and towards positive thoughts.

4. Limit Health-Related Triggers

If your kids are constantly worrying about health, which is causing them anxiety, and you often find them glued to health-related news or YouTube videos about illnesses, gently redirect their attention. Help them find positive distractions—reading, art, baking, or anything else that makes them feel good.

5. Model Calmness

Children are like emotional sponges, soaking up your reactions. If they see you visibly worrying about their health, which causes anxiety in you, it can feed into their own fears. Try to stay calm and confident (even if you’re 

inwardly worrying) and show them that you trust their body to be resilient and strong.

6. Empower Them with Calming Techniques

If you’re looking for more ways to treat anxiety at home, here’s another helpful tip. When your child is stuck in an anxious spiral, simple tools like deep belly breathing can help. Encourage them to breathe in slowly for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for six. This helps to calm the amygdala and activates their body’s relaxation response.

When to Seek Extra Support

If your child’s worrying about their health is causing them anxiety and is starting to affect their daily life—like refusing to go to school or avoiding social situations—it might be time to seek additional help. Therapies like solution-focused hypnotherapy can be incredibly effective in helping children feel more in control of their thoughts and emotions.

Remember, they’re not alone—and neither are you. With the right support, children can learn to manage their health anxiety and feel calmer, more confident, and ready to embrace life without fear.

If you’re extra-concerned about your child and wondering how to stop their worrying about health anxiety, there is help available. Connect with us at The Youth Fairy. 

With a solution-focused approach, our fairies can help children devise strategies to cope with their health anxiety. Connect with a fairy near you today for a consultation. 

At the end of the day, your love and understanding are the most powerful tools in their recovery toolkit. By supporting them to reframe their worries and focus on the positives, you’re helping them to build a healthier, happier mindset—one step at a time.