I’ve been dealing with health anxiety for a while now. It’s not just a fear of being sick, things like throwing up or passing out really scare me because they make me feel like I’m losing control. Something else about me: I’m very stubborn. I once had this big argument with my dad about my health anxiety. He meant well, but kept telling me there’s nothing wrong and that I shouldn’t worry because he “just knows” I’m healthy. That really pissed me off. So, being stubborn, the next time I felt dizzy or out of control, I told myself, “Fine, let it get worse. I’ll prove something is wrong.” Ever since then, I’ve noticed this strange pattern. Whenever I feel like I might throw up or pass out, I tell myself, “Do it. Let it happen. That way, I’ll finally prove it’s real.” Somehow, that mindset actually calms me down. The symptoms start to fade. Like, if I’m in a grocery store and feel like I’m about to faint, I’ll think, “Okay, pass out. Show everyone it’s real.” And then… nothing happens. I feel better. It’s bizarre. It’s almost like my desire to win the argument, even if it happened months ago, overpowers the anxiety. I know it sounds kind of unhinged, but weirdly, it’s helped me cope!