On August 6, 2025, Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha, 60, shared a raw and emotional YouTube vlog, opening up about her “horrendous” struggle with health anxiety that has “stolen the joy” from her life. The heartbreaking video, reported by Daily Mail, detailed how constant fears of illnesses like dementia, breast cancer, and rare diseases like Weil’s disease dominate her daily thoughts, leaving her drained and isolated. Sawalha’s candidness has resonated with fans, sparking an outpouring of support on X and reigniting discussions about mental health.

Sawalha revealed that her anxiety manifests in obsessive worries, triggered by social media or conversations with her daughters, Maddie, 21, and Kiki, 17. “I probably questioned 20 to 35 times today… is that dementia?” she admitted, describing how even routine interactions prompt fears of serious conditions. “It’s exhausting,” she said, noting how it overshadows family moments, per The Independent. Her openness about feeling unable to discuss these fears with her children, who “get mad” at her distress, struck a chord, with X users posting, “Nadia’s bravery is inspiring!” and “Health anxiety is so real.”

The video also touched on external stressors, including recent ITV schedule changes that reduced Loose Women to 30 weeks a year, adding to her emotional strain, as noted by YouTube. Sawalha, a panellist since 1999, expressed solidarity with behind-the-scenes staff facing redundancies, a sentiment that resonated with fans. “She’s speaking for so many,” one X user wrote, while another praised, “Nadia’s vulnerability is her strength.” Her struggle with health anxiety, linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder, aligns with NHS descriptions of excessive health worries, treatable through therapy or medication.

Sawalha’s advocacy for mental health, seen in her campaigns for breast cancer awareness, adds depth to her story. Her fear of conditions like skin cancer, fueled by constant mole-checking, reflects a broader awareness paradox, as she noted, “I’m too aware because of all these articles.” Fans on X, using #NadiaStrong, shared support, with one tweeting, “Her honesty helps us all.” Her husband, Mark Adderley, appeared in the vlog, offering support but acknowledging the challenge of her isolating fears.

As Sawalha navigates this “horrendous” battle, her vulnerability has deepened public admiration. The video, viewed over 500,000 times, underscores the toll of health anxiety, leaving viewers hopeful for her healing while inspired by her courage to share.