Let me guess — you felt something weird in your body.
So you googled your symptoms.
The results weren’t what you expected.
Now a simple headache suddenly feels like it might be something far more serious.
Yeah… you’re not the only one.
The habit we all fall into
It’s completely normal to search for reassurance when we’re anxious or scared.
And search engines make it so easy — fast answers, endless results, no awkward phone calls.
Back in 2017, Google revealed that one in every twenty searches was related to health.
That was nearly a decade ago.
Now, with AI tools and symptom checkers everywhere, that number is likely even higher.
But this behaviour has a name — Cyberchondria.
It’s like hypochondria, but powered by Wi-Fi.
You feel a little off, you search.
You click one link… then another…
And within a minute, you’ve gone from “mild tension” to “rare neurological collapse syndrome.”
Why your brain loves (and hates) the search bar
When we’re anxious, our brains crave certainty — something to make the fear stop.
Searching feels like control.
But what we actually find online often fuels more panic than peace.
A study from the University of Waterloo found that when people were shown biased or incorrect search results, they got only 23% of their medical answers right.
When people didn’t search at all, they scored 43%.
That’s right — bad searching can make you less accurate than not searching at all.
And there’s another twist: we humans are biased toward hope.
If a headline says “This miracle juice cures everything,” your brain lights up like,
“Finally! My salvation is green tea.”
Meanwhile, the real, boring medical explanation is quietly sitting on page three — ignored.
The anxiety spiral
What starts as curiosity can end in exhaustion.
You lose sleep, you start doubting doctors, or even delay real treatment.
Sometimes you begin self-treating based on a forum post written by someone with a username like HealingVibesMoon777.
And it’s not because you’re irrational — it’s because your anxious brain is trying to protect you.
It wants comfort, not data.
But the internet often gives you panic instead.
What your anxious brain really needs
No matter what you read online, always talk to a doctor — an actual human with training, not a chatbot or a friend who “just knows these things.”
Google gives you information.
A doctor gives you clarity.
And clarity is what your anxious brain is truly looking for.
If your symptoms are persistent or distressing, don’t wait.
Your body deserves proper care.
AI can help — but it’s a tool, not a diagnosis.
Even the smartest model doesn’t know your medical history, your lab results, or how creatively you describe your pain.
How to stop the spiral
🕒 1. Give yourself a “search pause.”
Before you open Google, set a ten-minute timer.
In that time, write down what you’re feeling — physically and emotionally.
You might be surprised how much calmer things feel once they’re out of your head and onto paper.
📖 2. If you must search, do it properly.
Read entire articles, not just headlines.
Stick to trustworthy sources: Mayo Clinic, NHS, WHO.
Avoid miracle claims and blogs that promise instant cures.
Search like someone who deserves peace of mind — because you do.
💭 3. Name what’s really happening.
Instead of saying “I’m probably dying,” try “I’m feeling anxious right now.”
That simple shift grounds you in the present moment.
Ground yourself in connection, not conclusions
When your brain starts spinning, what you truly need isn’t another answer — it’s a moment of calm.
Watch a funny video.
Cuddle your dog.
Step outside and breathe.
Put your phone down and remind yourself:
You’re not a machine to be fixed — you’re a human to be cared for.
Seeing a doctor isn’t overreacting.
It’s not dramatic.
It’s responsible self-care.
No search engine will ever replace that — and you deserve nothing less.
You’re not irrational. You’re human.
You’re not being dramatic.
You’re trying to feel safe.
And that’s completely okay.
Peace of mind doesn’t live on page five of a forum.
It lives in slowing down, asking for help, and giving yourself permission not to figure everything out alone.
If this made you feel seen, you’re in the right place.
Stay awhile.
Breathe.
And explore more gentle ideas — right here on My Lighter Mind. 🌿
