Hypochondriasis

Hypochondriasis: the sustained conviction, in the absence of medical evidence, that one is ill or about to become ill.

I don't go to the doctor with fake ailments, but when I read a list of side effects on a bottle of Advil, I reconsider whether or not it's worth it. I don't like taking medicine and I avoid doctors and hospitals. Obviously if I were in dire straits I would get medical attention, but the straits would really have to be DIRE!

Sometimes I freak out when I think of all the chemicals in the foods we eat: hot dogs, potato chips, Lean Cuisine...but then I realize that's just life in the Big City and we can't change it.

No, I'm not a defeatist. Dr. Channing has helped me gain perspective about things I have no control over. My "freaking out" episodes have lessened considerably.