Loose Women panellist opens up on ‘terrifying’ intrusive thoughts

Health & FitnessLifestyle
14 Aug 2025 • 5:25 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

  • Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha has revealed she is experiencing "horrendous" health anxiety, leading her to constantly fear developing severe illnesses.
  • She frequently questions whether she has conditions such as dementia, sometimes up to 35 times a day, finding these intrusive thoughts "terrifying" and draining.
  • Sawalha's anxieties extend to other serious diseases including various cancers, asbestos poisoning, and Weil’s disease, often triggered by information seen online or shared by her children.
  • She described her obsessions as stealing the "joy of life", making it difficult to enjoy time with family due to constant worry about future illness.
  • Health anxiety, which is linked to obsessive compulsive disorder, can be treated with talking therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy and medication, according to the NHS.

IN FULL

Newswav Malaysia Best News App

Newswav is an online content aggregator and obtains its content from different online sources. The content in the app do not belong to Newswav nor do they reflect the opinions of Newswav and its staff. Your use of this app indicates your understanding and acceptance of this information.

Newswav Sdn. Bhd. (201701008480 (1222645-M)) 2026 All Rights Reserved