Stop Health Anxiety: How to Search for Health Information Online | Dr. Rami Nader
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- Опубліковано 15 тра 2024
- Surfing the web for health information can be a minefield, especially if you're prone to health anxiety. Websites, even those that look professional, can contain outdated or misleading content. This can lead to confusion and spiral your anxiety, particularly when searching for symptoms. Search engines can worsen this by prioritizing information that confirms our fears. For example, searching for "anxiety and heart attack" might bombard you with scary results, neglecting to explain the difference between anxiety-related chest tightness and a serious heart issue.
Here's how to be a smarter health information searcher and avoid the anxiety trap:
Broaden Your Search: Instead of focusing on the worst-case scenario, rephrase your search terms. Searching for "causes of heart attack" offers a calmer perspective compared to "anxiety and heart attack."
Explore Different Viewpoints: Curious about coffee? Don't just search for the negatives. Balance your search with "is coffee good for you?" to learn about potential benefits.
Be a Web Detective: Critically evaluate the information you find. Look for authors with medical credentials or reputable health organizations (.gov, universities) behind the content. Beware of websites selling products or using sensationalized headlines.
Seek Evidence-Based Information: Look for articles referencing scientific research published in credible medical journals. Avoid articles based on personal anecdotes or single, small studies.
Remember, the internet has limitations:
Incomplete Information: Online information might not provide the whole picture. Use it as a springboard for further exploration, then discuss your concerns with a doctor.
Individualized Needs: Medical advice should be personalized. Online information can't account for your unique health history.
Diagnosis Requires Expertise: Don't rely on the internet for self-diagnosis. See a doctor for a proper evaluation.
Treatment Plans Need a Doctor's Touch: Don't make treatment decisions based on online searches. Consult a doctor for a safe and effective plan.
The internet is a tool, not a doctor. Use credible sources to learn more about health topics, but always seek professional medical advice for diagnosis and treatment. This way, you can manage your anxiety and reach a state of better health.
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28738 (164)
When I started to overcome my health anxiety, my fears shifted from having a medical urgency to looking like a fool in front of others because of my anxiety.
Most doctors won't consider at first that you have health anxiety. I mean If I go to a doctor and tell him I feel dizzy, the doctor will follow the protocol. This is the part where many people with health anxiety get scared, but that's how regular medicine works.
And sometimes even the “professional” sites have the wrong or contradictory information. Every body is different so really the best thing is to experiment on yourself and see what actually helps you feel best 🤷♀️
Very true.
Im having a health anxiety relapse these past two weeks, so this is perfect timing. Thank you so so much doctor!
You're very welcome - if you want to learn more, you can check out more videos here: ua-cam.com/play/PLG_XiSJeP3s2xNmqsyrCkIBmGXJ6voFi-.html
Your videos are invaluable! They have helped me navigate a bout of health anxiety and a setback. Thank you so much for what you do.
You're very welcome. Glad you have found the videos helpful.
Thank you, How to get rid of Fobia of any medical procedures?
I learnt not to search on Internet when anxious. I put a note in my planner and review it a few days or weeks later depending on health issue. If it’s still applicable then, I’ll do a quick research (I limit it to less that 20min) and if needed, look for a treatment or call my doctor.
That sounds like a smart and reasonable approach.