Cyberchondria: Symptom: “The more you search for information, the more serious your illness becomes.” – PT Bertay

Have you ever felt this way? You wake up one morning. You feel a slight headache instead of drinking more water. Or take a break and instead grab your smartphone, open Google, and type in “causes of morning headaches.”

After 15 minutes, you become an expert on headaches. I also start to worry that I might have something serious, like a brain tumor, even though it was just a normal headache a moment ago.

If you have ever been in a situation like this: I want you to know that you are probably dealing with a condition called “Cyberchondria” or “The more you search, the sicker you get.”

What is cyberchondria?

Cyberchondria is a combination of “cyber” (cyber) and “hypochondria” (a mental disorder in which one believes one is sick even though one is not). It is a behavior in which people use the Internet to search for health information more than necessary. Even causing unnecessary anxiety about one's health

Imagine you are a detective trying to solve a mystery related to your health. But instead of getting a clear answer, you continue to encounter more and more confusing and disturbing evidence.

Why is it that “the more we search, the sicker we get”?

1. Immersive information: The Internet is full of information. Both true and false, it is not easy to determine which information is reliable.
2. Bias in information selection: We tend to believe information that is most consistent with our fears, for example if we think we are sick. We tend to focus only on information that tells us we are really sick, for example.
3. Terrifying display of information: Many websites like to present information in a negative or scary way. To attract attention it makes us more anxious.
4. Lack of medical knowledge: This is because people generally do not have enough medical knowledge to diagnose diseases correctly. Therefore, it is easier to read information online and misunderstand.
5. Stress and anxiety: The more stressed or anxious we are, the more likely we are to interpret our symptoms in the worst possible way.

The Cyberchondria Effect: When Dr. Google Hurts You

Of course, searching for health information online isn’t always a bad thing, but when it comes to cyberchondria? The consequences may be no small matter.

1. Increased stress and anxietyThe more you search, the more anxious you become, the more you search in a cycle that can make you so stressed that you can't sleep, can't eat, or worse. There are real physical symptoms of this stress.
2. Loss of time and efficiency at work: Think about how many hours you spend searching for health information instead of working or spending time with family because of cyberchondria. It can make you so obsessed with searching for information that you neglect the important things in life without realizing it.
3. More costs: When you worry too much, you may decide to see your doctor more frequently and unnecessarily. Or buy more medications and supplements than necessary, causing unnecessary expenses.
4. Deterioration of relationships with people around you: Talking only about your health and concerns all the time can bore people around you.
5. Ignoring real health problems: You also worry about the deadly disease you think you have. You may neglect or overlook minor illnesses that really should be taken care of.

How to Deal with Cyberchondria: When Dr. Google Isn't Always the Answer

1. know yourself: Monitor your own behavior. “The more you search, the sicker you get” or not? If so, stop and ask yourself: Is such searching really helping you feel better?
2. Limit time spent searching for health information: Make a rule for yourself that you don't spend more than a few minutes a day searching for health information. And try to do it.
3. Choosing reliable sources of information: Instead of believing everything you find, choose to read from trusted websites, such as those of reputable hospitals or health organizations.
4. Talk to people you trust: Sometimes it's best to vent your concerns to friends or family members. This may help you see if your fears are exaggerated.
5. Move on to other activities instead: When you feel the urge to search for health information, try to distract yourself with something else, such as exercising, reading a book, or watching a comedy series.
6. Seeing a real doctor: If you're really worried, seeing a doctor might be a better solution than endlessly searching for information. Because a doctor can certainly give you more appropriate advice than Dr. Google.

Turn Dr. Google into a Real Friend: Use the Internet Wisely for Your Health

Although cyberchondria will be a matter of concern. But we cannot deny that the Internet is a very useful source of health information. If we know how to use it properly let us see how we can use Dr.Google to our advantage.

1. Use as preliminary information not final judgement: Information online can help you understand your symptoms. But remember, it can’t replace a doctor’s diagnosis, so it should be used as a starting point for understanding your health. It’s not the end of treatment.
2. Preparing before seeing the doctor: Research information to prepare questions to ask your doctor. Knowing the basics will help you communicate better with your doctor and understand your doctor's explanations more easily.
3. Learn how to get preventive health care: Instead of searching for illness, try to find information about health care. Exercise or look at some healthy food lists because “prevention is always better than cure.”
4. Join the online health community: There are many online support groups for people with similar health issues. Sharing your experiences with others may help you feel less alone and learn how to better manage your health issues.
5. Use the health tracking app: There are many apps that can help you track your exercise, sleep, and even your mood. This information can help you better understand your health. It can also be helpful when you need to consult a doctor.
6. Learn first aid skills online: The Internet is a great resource for learning first aid skills. This can be useful in an emergency.

Cyberchondria is a problem that easily arises in an age where information is at your fingertips. But that doesn’t mean we should be afraid to search for health information online. The important thing is to know how to use it wisely.

It’s like eating. We all know that eating too much or just eating the wrong food will have a negative impact on your health. But we don’t have to stop eating altogether. Instead, choose to eat wisely and in moderation. The same goes for using the internet to find health information. We need to know how to choose, be content, and most importantly, know how to really listen to our own voices and the voices of the experts.

So, the next time you want to type your symptoms into Google, I want you to first ask yourself: “Am I looking for information to better understand myself? Or am I looking for more reasons to worry?” When you find the answer, search. Remember, good health doesn’t come from knowing everything about your illness. It comes from taking care of yourself in a balanced way, including body, mind, and spirit.

Finally, I wish everyone good health, both physically and mentally. And don't forget that sometimes I turn off the screen and go get some fresh air. The best medicine for cyberchondria may be well.