Understanding Medical Anxiety: Managing the Darkness of Your Google Symptom Search
You’re going about your daily life when suddenly, you feel a pain. What does that mean? What could be going on? So, you turn to Google and search your symptoms. Suddenly, you’re convinced you’re dying, need to write your will, and start thinking about what your friends and family will do without you.
Sound familiar?
This phenomenon is commonly referred to as medical anxiety. You may have already added it to your list of ailments along with the other alarming diagnoses Dr. Google has suggested. So, what does this mean for you? Well, let’s take a breath and talk about this.
Defining Medical Anxiety
According to the American Psychological Association (2018), anxiety is defined as “apprehension and somatic symptoms of tension in which an individual anticipates impending danger, catastrophe, or misfortune.” Medical anxiety is a term used to describe anxiety centered around health-related issues. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) classifies this as “Illness Anxiety Disorder,” a term previously known as hypochondria.
Illness Anxiety Disorder occurs when a person is so concerned about the belief that they are ill or may become ill that it affects their ability to function in daily life. It’s important to clarify that if you are ill—let’s say, with cancer—and you avoid large gatherings out of concern for your health, that’s considered a normal and healthy response. However, if someone who isn’t sick declines an invitation to a party simply because they fear getting sick, that falls into the realm of medical anxiety.
To illustrate this, think of the TV show Monk. The character struggles to perform his job as a police detective due to an overwhelming fear of germs and the belief that he might be ill from something as minor as a tickle in his throat. While this is an extreme example, it reflects a real condition that can impact people's lives. It’s also important to note that you can experience illness anxiety without having symptoms as severe as those depicted on the show.
How to Handle Illness Anxiety
So, you've diagnosed yourself with illness anxiety. Now what?
Well, the path forward is up to you. While I may be biased, I genuinely believe in the power of therapy. (Yes, a therapist recommending therapy—how original!) Beyond that, here are some coping strategies to help manage those anxious feelings:
1. Practice Mindfulness:
This is a common recommendation that people often roll their eyes at, but mindfulness is about being present. Anxiety thrives on our inability to stay in the moment. So, take deep breaths, meditate, or engage in yoga. If those don’t resonate with you, try taking a walk and describing everything you see and hear. Find what works for you.
2. Talk with Others:
Reach out to family and friends. Don’t hesitate to share what you’re experiencing and ask for their support. If your support system is limited, consider exploring online forums. In today’s world, you can connect with others who understand what you’re going through, regardless of geography. Just remember to protect your privacy—no need to share too much personal information.
3. Limit Researching:
While Dr. Google can be tempting, he isn’t always reliable. It’s okay to look up some information, but make sure to consult a trained medical professional when you feel something might be wrong or can’t shake the thought of being ill.
4. Try to Enjoy Life:
Reflect on where you find joy. What does happiness look like for you? Once you identify it, go out and pursue those moments. Life can be challenging, so don’t miss out on the good things that are waiting for you.
Conclusion: Embracing Your Health Journey with Hope
Illness anxiety disorder, aka medical anxiety , is a common and often misunderstood condition, but it doesn’t have to define your life. By recognizing your emotions and experiences, you can implement practical coping strategies to manage your anxiety effectively. Remember, you don’t have to be alone on this journey. You may have friends, family, a therapist, or random online people on Reddit, who can share some of what you’re going through.
If you’re looking for a therapist as always feel free to reach out to me if you think we may be a good fit. I can speak with you and together we can make that determination. If we don’t think we’d be a good fit for each other I can reach out to other therapists to help you find the care you need. I look forward to hearing from y’all!
References
American Psychological Association. (2018, April 19). APA Dictionary of Psychology. Dictionary.apa.org. https://dictionary.apa.org/anxiety
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). American Psychiatric Association Publishing, Washington, DC, 2022, pp 358.
