How do you cope with a Hypochondriac?

Question

Also, do hypochondriacs usually have a personality disorder? As in the don't listen to you, they have a conversation AT you (not WITH you), they insist on being the center of attention, wear smelly oils that stink up the office.

I am referring to a co-worker.

Answer 1

I believe they are insecure and probably don't have social skills that are appropriate to gains friends/ loyalty / trust, so they talk about illness and pain to gain attention, and think that's the way to get it. I once just confronted a co-worker with something like this " I know you have things wrong in your life, but it drives people away to hear so much negativity." Feelings were a little hurt, but it did help. Mostly you deal with it by ignoring it, change the subject to something cheerful.

Answer 2

People that are hypochondriacs usually have a problem about being sick all of the time. She doesn't sound like a hypochondriac she sounds like a person that has to be in control all of the time. Hyprochondriacs usually have every illness known to man.

Answer 3

I know a hypochondriac and yes she does need to be the center of attention, infact whenever she is sick it is obvious she is making it sound worse than it really is. I have sat at her house talking to her with her sounding rather normal and when the phone rings she answers with a really sick sounding hello. It really annoys me but I'm sure it is just attention seeking. As for how to deal with it, if you don't like the person just say something but it's not like anything would do any good.

Answer 4

My mother in law is a horrible hypochondriac, so what I did for Christmas two years ago is got her a medical dictionary. For one year we kept track of everything she told us she had. Christmas last year we wrapped up the list and set it under the tree. She finally realized she had a problem and started to get help, but it was also kinda fun driving her nuts for a year.

Answer 5

Love them and do good to them, for God's sake.

In the Beginning God created heavens and earth.
God gives you air to breathe and sunshine to enjoy.
God gives you water to drink and food to eat.
God gives you a wonderful body and sound mind, to live.
God loves you, and you are precious to Him.
Son of God died on the Cross to save us from condemnation.
Jesus’ love is boundless and everlasting.
We have the hope of Heaven through Jesus.
Life therefore has fantastic and glorious future!
(Digestion of above can even prevent depression and suicidal thoughts.)

Answer 6

Sounds like your coworker is very self centered, and the hypochondria probably stems from the fact that she is trying to get people to notice her. I don't think hopochondria and personality disorders necessarily go hand in hand, and in this case she probably just exaggerates her illnesses and injuries for attention. Just ignore her and maybe she'll get the hint.

Answer 7

There is a few hypos in my family. The best thing to do is to not give them sympathy and don't buy into their stories. It will show them that you just don't care. You can't change these people, but you can ignore them. The hypos I know don't really have any specific personality disorders, other than the fact that they are just freakin' crazy! :P

Answer 8

This is a very good blog, a beginner’s guide to abnormal psychology.
Short, clear and simple; and you can even post your question and contact the author regarding particular subject you are interested in

http://sensitive-psychoworld.blogspot.com/

Answer 9

I had a friend who had borderline personality disorder and was a hypo. She even thought she had cancer when I had it!? I do think they seek attn from doctors, etc. Yes, she would talk at me. Gosh, don't tell them to let you talk about you. It never works. Ha.

Answer 10

What did the hypocondriac say to his doctor?
Doc! you gotta help me! I think I may be a hypocondriac!