Fear of Sickness Is Taking Over Your Life? Illness Anxiety Disorder Can Be Treated
Fear of Sickness Is Taking Over Your Life? Illness Anxiety Disorder Can Be Treated
It starts with a thought: “What if this headache is something serious?” For adults living with Illness Anxiety Disorder, that thought doesn’t go away. It snowballs—into panic, endless internet searches, doctors’ visits, and hours of worry. Even when tests come back normal, the fear lingers. You may feel like you’re losing control of your mind, your body, and your life.
But there’s hope. At Honey Lake Clinic, we help adults overcome Illness Anxiety Disorder with a personalized, faith-based treatment plan. Here, on our peaceful, hundreds-of-acres campus in Florida, 98% of patients report meaningful progress during their time with us. If you’re ready to break free from the fear, we’re here to help.
Your healing journey can begin today.
What Is Illness Anxiety Disorder?
Illness Anxiety Disorder, previously known as hypochondriasis, is a type of anxiety disorder centered around persistent, excessive worry about having or developing a serious illness—even when no medical diagnosis supports that belief. This condition can severely impact your relationships, faith life, and ability to function day-to-day.
Common Illness Anxiety Disorder symptoms include:
- Constant fear of having a serious illness despite medical reassurance
- Excessive focus on bodily sensations and normal physical changes
- Avoiding medical care—or, conversely, seeking frequent doctor visits and tests
- Health-related behaviors like body checking, researching symptoms, or asking for repeated reassurance
- Difficulty accepting negative test results as conclusive
This anxiety is not about faking illness—it’s about overwhelming fear and fixation that feel impossible to control without help.
Getting help is really brave, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
I had reached a point where I saw no hope—no reason to live. I didn’t believe healing was possible for me. But at Honey Lake Clinic, I found a place where people truly understood both faith and mental health. The peaceful environment, the support, and the care I received made all the difference. I was wrong to think nothing could help me. Honey Lake Clinic did.
— AMANDA N.
Illness Anxiety Disorder vs.
Somatic Symptom Disorder
Illness Anxiety Disorder vs. Somatic Symptom Disorder
Though they can appear similar, Illness Anxiety Disorder and Somatic Symptom Disorder are two distinct diagnoses. Understanding the difference is essential for proper treatment.
- In Illness Anxiety Disorder, the physical symptoms are minimal or nonexistent—but the fear of illness is intense.
- In Somatic Symptom Disorder, there are genuine physical symptoms (such as pain or fatigue), along with anxiety about their meaning or cause.
Our clinical team will help you understand your experience and tailor your treatment accordingly.
How We Treat Illness Anxiety Disorder at Honey Lake Clinic
Our approach addresses both the mental and spiritual roots of health anxiety. We treat the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—using evidence-based clinical methods grounded in the truth of Jesus Christ.
Your individualized treatment plan may include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to restructure harmful thought patterns around health and illness
- Exposure therapy and response prevention (ERP) to gradually reduce compulsive checking and reassurance-seeking
- Faith-integrated counseling led by licensed Christian therapists and pastoral staff
- Psychiatric evaluation and medication management when appropriate
- Spiritual development, including daily Bible study, worship, and prayer
- Trauma-informed care, including EMDR or Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT), for patients with past trauma linked to their anxiety
- Group therapy and peer community, helping you know you’re not alone in your fears
All of this happens in a tranquil, resort-style setting designed to restore both your nervous system and your spirit.
Why Choose Honey Lake Clinic?
Why Choose Honey Lake Clinic?
If you’ve been told, “You’re fine, it’s just anxiety,” you know how invalidating that can feel.
At Honey Lake Clinic, we see you—and we believe you. Illness Anxiety Disorder is real,
and our treatment is designed to help you walk in freedom and faith again.
If you’ve been told, “You’re fine, it’s just anxiety,” you know how invalidating that can feel. At Honey Lake Clinic, we see you—and we believe you. Illness Anxiety Disorder is real, and our treatment is designed to help you walk in freedom and faith again.
Why families and individuals trust us:
98% of patients report meaningful progress
98% of patients report meaningful progress
We are a fully licensed
and accredited Christian
mental health center
We are a fully licensed and accredited Christian mental health center
Care is led by board-certified psychiatrists who specialize in anxiety disorders and faith-integrated treatment
Care is led by board-certified psychiatrists who specialize in anxiety disorders and faith-integrated treatment
Our entire campus is built
around rest, reflection, and
healing—on every level
Our entire campus is built around rest, reflection, and healing—on every level
You’re not making this up. And you don’t have to keep fighting this battle alone.
You’re not making this up. And you don’t have to keep fighting this battle alone.
Call Now—Let’s Walk Toward Healing Together
Call Now—Let’s Walk Toward Healing Together
If you’re ready to quiet the fear, get out of the constant loop of worry, and find lasting
peace—call Honey Lake Clinic today at 888.445.0535. Our admissions team is here
to listen, answer your questions, and help you take the first step.
If you’re ready to quiet the fear, get out of the constant loop of worry, and find lasting peace—call Honey Lake Clinic today at 888.445.0535. Our admissions team is here to listen, answer your questions, and help you take the first step.
Scientifically Validated Healing in a Faith-Based Environment
At Honey Lake Clinic, we believe true healing happens when the mind, body, and spirit are nurtured together. Our integrated approach is both scientifically validated and deeply rooted in Christian faith.
Honey Lake Clinic’s Proven Results:
98%
Feel better now than when admitted
98%
Of patients would recommend Honey Lake Clinic
95%
Reported reduced anxiety
93%
Experienced decreased depression
