Having instant information at our fingertips 24/7 is transforming lives in many positive ways, but for those who suffer from health anxiety, the internet can be a double-edged sword. It can be impossible to resist the urge to Google every twinge or minor skin irritation and jump to alarming conclusions.
While there’s plenty of well-balanced information out there, cyberspace is no replacement for the face-to-face opinion of a trained medical professional. It might seem to be a quick and effective way to solve a problem, but in the long run, Google can make health anxiety worse, or even provoke it in the first place.
Here’s a look at some signs you might be experiencing health anxiety, and some practical ways to manage it.
What is health anxiety?
Health anxiety, also known as hypochondriasis, is worrying excessively that you are ill, or are about to develop a serious illness, even if you have no or very mild symptoms. It’s related to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and the anxiety itself can cause symptoms, such as a fast heartbeat or tension headache, that may be confused for other issues.
For some people, health anxiety can become so extreme that it disrupts their daily lives. It can also place an extra burden on the healthcare system, as some people constantly seek reassurance from doctors or insist on unnecessary tests. Even if the all-clear is given, the person soon moves on to worrying about a set of possible symptoms.
The allure and danger of Google
Googling suspected symptoms can provide a temporary sense of relief because it feels like a way of taking control and clearing up uncertainties. However, Google is not nuanced enough to help non-professionals distinguish between a tension headache and a brain tumour, and inevitably it raises more questions than it answers.
Signs you might be experiencing health anxiety
- You regularly check symptoms online, often for hours at a time.
- Reassurance from doctors or loved ones doesn’t calm your fears for long.
- Normal bodily sensations, such as a racing heart after exercise, trigger worry.
- You avoid certain activities or places for fear of becoming unwell.
Recognising these patterns is the first step in breaking the cycle.
Practical ways to manage health anxiety
Limit online searches
Try setting boundaries, such as a rule not to look up symptoms outside of a medical appointment.
Notice the triggers
Keep a journal of when you feel the urge to Google and what’s happening around you. Often, stress in other areas of life sparks the need for reassurance.
Ground yourself in the present
Breathing techniques, mindfulness, or simply stepping away from your screen can help calm the immediate spiral.
Seek professional support
Therapy provides tools to challenge anxious thoughts, break the reassurance cycle, and build a healthier relationship with your body. At our Sheffield clinic, we offer private therapy sessions that are tailored to support individuals with health anxiety and other disorders. Get in touch and we’ll be happy to talk through your options.