Managing Medical Anxiety or Scanxiety and WRECK by Catherine Newman

Rocky developed a persistent rash. Her dermatologist couldn’t identify it, so he ordered tests. When the results came back inconclusive, she was referred to specialists for additional testing. Bloodwork, imaging, and new medications, all without clear answers.

Each new result appeared on her online chart before her doctors had time to explain it. Late at night, unable to sleep, Rocky turned to “Dr. Google,” and her anxiety intensified. She found it hard to focus at work, moving an deadline again and again. Instead of resting, she spent hours researching her medical situation, feeling increasingly frustrated and fearful.

Rocky was experiencing medical anxiety (sometime called scanxiety), the distress that often arises while waiting for test results or trying to understand unexplained symptoms. The uncertainty can be harder to manage than the diagnosis itself. Many people experience relief once they know what they are facing. During the waiting period anxiety can spiral, leading to over-researching or trying unproven remedies that may worsen the situation.

Feeling nervous about unexplained symptoms is normal, but unmanaged anxiety can heighten both physical and emotional strain. You may not be able to control the outcome, but you can strengthen how you respond while waiting for answers.

Here are some tools for managing medical anxiety or scanxiety:

Ground Yourself: When your thoughts race, anchor yourself in the present. Name 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you taste. Or, give your mind a task like spelling words backward or naming items in a category.

Ask Your Doctor: Not Dr. Google. The real person. Write down your questions and bring them to appointments. Your doctor can give you accurate, personalized answers.

Reframe the Narrative: Remind yourself that uncertainty is temporary and that you’ve managed challenges before. Replace catastrophic thinking with affirmations of capability.

Find Your Flow: Engage in activities that fully absorb your attention. Try cooking, exercising, creating art, reading, or playing music.

Connect With Support: Talk with trusted friends, family, or a therapist. Sharing your feelings and focusing on others can pause rumination and restore perspective.

Wreck by Catherine Newman

Love Catherine Newman? Me too. Check out my post on Facing Empty Nest Syndrome and SANDWICH by Catherine Newman.