In this poignant episode, writer and podcaster Caroline Crampton shares her intimate battle with hypochondria, detailed in her memoir, "A Body Made of Glass." Twice cured of cancer by age 22, Caroline's journey left her with profound health anxiety and a persistent mistrust of her body's ability to stay well.

Caroline discusses the captivating cultural history of hypochondria, tracing its evolution from ancient medicine to the modern phenomenon of "cyberchondria," where internet searches amplify fears of illness. She also unveils the intriguing connection between hypochondria and creativity, revealing how renowned literary figures have expressed their anxieties in their work.

Our conversation uncovers how vigilance can spiral into hypochondria, driven by the narratives we construct in our minds, often leading to a deeply isolating experience as worry takes over. Caroline shares how therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and EMDR have been instrumental in helping her cope with intrusive thoughts and gain a deeper understanding of herself.

Explore More:

• Website: Caroline Crampton
• Instagram: @cacrampton

Connect with Melissa Ceria and watch video clips of the interviews on Instagram @thelossencounters.

Discover more about this interview series, sign up for the newsletter, and read transcripts at thelossencounters.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.