Dr Gulshan Vazir

Health anxiety can make everyday sensations feel alarming. A headache, a flutter in your chest, or a small change in your body can quickly spiral into worry. While it feels very real, this pattern is often driven by an overactive threat system—not actual danger.

April marks Stress Awareness Month in the UK, highlighting how stress affects mental and physical health. While natural, unmanaged stress can harm wellbeing. Recognising symptoms like fatigue or anxiety is key. Simple steps—exercise, mindfulness, time management, and seeking support—can help. This year’s theme, #LeadWithLove, encourages kindness to ourselves and others as we prioritise balance and wellbeing.