Ironically, while being worried about the threat of serious illness is completely rational in today's COVID-19 world, the stress of worrying about getting sick can actually make you sick. Essentially, extensive exposure to chronic stressors exhaust the body which, in turn, can cause physical illness.
Can your brain trick you into being sick?
Contrary to popular belief, mental illness isn't just “all in your head.” It affects your brain, yes, but because your brain affects the rest of your body, it's no wonder that mental illness can make you feel ill. So if you're experiencing unexplained aches and pains, it might be linked to your mental health.
Can you trick your body into thinking you're sick?
"Anxiety can come across with physical symptoms, and so it's kind of people talking themselves into thinking that they've got a sickness or an illness when, in reality, they're just letting their mind go," she said. Rest assured, if it's only shortness of breath, it likely isn't coronavirus.