Believe it or not, most people use Dr. Google for self-diagnosis, yes, it’s not just you!
Presently, it's become a common trend everywhere, ‘Ask Dr. Google’ syndrome is certainly on the rise.
Let's be real, no one goes to see a doctor because of a mild cough. We wait until our sickness is serious before even thinking of visiting our physician. It's understandable, most of the time our illnesses clear up on their own.
However, despite the abundance of ‘medical’ information on the internet, it's bad practice to visit Dr. Google too frequently. This is because anyone can easily create content and publish it at any time. It is more difficult to find credible answers online than you think.
Google is a powerful research tool, but it’s not going to replace your doctor anytime soon!
Is Consulting Dr. Google Giving Us Unnecessary Anxiety?
The to-the-point answer to this question is - YES!
Conducting the Dr. Google search bar for something like "dry cough symptoms" can leave you shaken. Dry cough may signify the deadly Covid-19 virus, HIV stage 3 infection, or even the ordinary colds and touches of flu.
As you can see, you get varied answers the more you search, and this can be pretty bad for your mental health. Quoting the famous old saying, "Too much of anything is dangerous". Similarly, too much information is dangerous!
Therefore, it's true to say that Dr. Google’s information can be too much to handle. By now, you are likely asking yourself, how much information is too much?
When you feel overwhelmed by the high volume of information online, we call that - information overload.
Other people know it as information infobesity. This condition sets in when you realize that you have so much information about something, health problems included, that you end up more confused, anxious, worried, and probably even more afraid of going to an actual doctor in case they confirm your fears.
It’s not all bad news, Dr. Google does have its pros and cons.
First off, it gives you a hint of what might be ailing you. It shouldn’t be ignored that many people have been saved because the information they found on Google prompted them to visit their doctor sooner.
On the flip side, it can leave you more confused and worried, thanks to many of the vague and contradictory answers you can find online.
Positives of Using Dr. Google to Self-Diagnose Mental Health
Google truly has many benefits. When it comes to researching mental health, it helps patients identify the possible ailments they're suffering.
While what Dr. Google gives you is not necessarily credible or sufficient, it at least gives you a hint of what you could be suffering from so you can visit your health provider armed with questions.
Thanks to the rise of highly reputable Dr. Google websites like Healthline.com and Mayoclinic, you can easily find expert-reviewed information about mental health. Just like how the cream rises to the top, helpful and qualified websites will rank higher on Google.
Symptom search on Google is also a great way to learn about health issues. In the end, you get educated on various things regarding health and wellness.
Instead of using Dr. Google for the entire self-diagnosis, you should use it as a helping tool. This gives you a hint of what you might be suffering from, even as you plan on going to the doctor.
Negatives of Using Dr. Google to Self-Diagnose Mental Health
Dr. Google has a range of benefits, but there is a reason why you should not solely rely on the research tool. Medicine and psychiatry are highly specialized industries, those who practice them daily are trained professionals.
However, the web is saturated with fake news, inaccurate and unregulated information, and "expert tips" mostly based on anecdotes. That is why conducting a Dr. Google symptom search can be risky!
Everyone including a high school dropout can seamlessly create and share medical information on the web. Take all advice with a pinch of salt! (Even this one).
We have all the love in the world for high school dropouts, some of them have gone to do amazing things, but when it comes to medicine and mental health, these subjects should be left to the professionals. Some Dr. Google websites are well-known for posting inappropriately alarming and falsely reassuring information.
Consider Google as Your Starting Point, Not Your Ultimate Answer
Self-diagnosis can cost you more than expected, simply because you could end up getting the wrong treatment. Even worse, you might get overzealous about “over-treating” every ache or cough that comes up.
Value Your Peace of Mind
The best justice you can do for your body is to have a qualified health professional handle all your health concerns. You don't want Dr. Google's exaggerated information to mess up your life - your life is priceless! That said, you can still ask Dr. Google questions, as an aid and not as a doctor.
Even when a doctor has written an informational piece about a certain illness or condition, it is general advice, not advice directed at you! Symptoms vary from patient to patient, and what may present as depression for one person, could be something entirely different for another.
Genuine doctors and psychiatrists will state this in any article they write for the internet. So, before you convince yourself that Dr. So-So is writing about you, check the small print!
So, in a nutshell, what steps should take when you fall sick? Visit your doctor, and only your doctor, for expert advice when you fall ill.