How health-monitoring wearables can trigger anxiety — and strategies to manage it
By
Anna Gragert
Summary
A personal exploration of how health-monitoring wearables like smartwatches can trigger health anxiety (hypochondria/illness anxiety disorder), even in someone who professionally tests these devices. The article examines the psychological impact of constant health data tracking and offers expert-backed advice on how to use wearables without exacerbating anxiety.
Source
Key quotes
· 3 pulledWhenever I wear a smartwatch, I find that my anxiety increases -- specifically, my health anxiety.
What's ironic is that part of my job involves testing health-monitoring wearables, including fitness trackers and smart rings.
Healthy adults and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions...
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