Google Anxiety

anxiousdragon · ‎18-04-2019

Hello again..

im sure this post will seem very common.. I recently started seeing my psychologist regarding my anxiety and OCD and intrusive thoughts.. I am aware the road is long but I feel like I’ve made the hardest step first - seeking help.

like medication, psychotherapy is slow. Does anyone ever find themselves falling back on bad habits and googling symptoms, and discovering they have every mental illness known to man? Haha - I mean I think Ive convinced myself I’m this or that even though my GP and psychologist is 100% sure I’m not.

how do you get off the band wagon of googling and then “feeling” the symptoms? I know my anxiety is the root of all evil here, and because I’ve worked myself up into such a hyper state the last three weeks I’m not convinced I’m bipolar when there’s actually no evidence to prove as such.. just a very over active mind.

Looking for suggestions to ditch the googling. I hate to say it but I hate this forum because I feel it feeds my anxiety as I look for reassurance I’m going to be okay.

my latest haunt was endless reading about paranoid thoughts and now what started as “what if I have them” now is like “what is my family doesn’t love me” blah blah

its ridiculous because when I have a moment on sanity and calm I am fully aware that I’ve manifested that silly idea.. and it has no substance.

blondguy · ‎18-04-2019

Hey Anxiousdragon

I understand where you are coming from as I used to use Dr Google which was one of the dumbest things I have ever done (for my mental health...anxiety...depression etc) I have been off Google search (for mental health) for over 10 years now and I feel so much better for doing so

Google is handy for an insect bite or basic stuff like allergies but it can make our mental health worse than it is. Only because mental health is so complex a google search can make us more anxious than prior to searching in the first place

This is my 38th year with anxiety/depression (in recovery) and see my GP every 4 weeks for a 'fine tune' if my thinking is going in the wrong direction

Nothing silly at all about what you have posted AD. You have made an excellent point that will provide many people with some peace of mind.

Note: approx 70% of the hits to the forums are people that 'read only' which is fine as people dont have to post. The remainder of the hits are people that choose to post. You are helping more people than you know by posting on the forums anxiousdragon

You are right....psychotherapy is a long process......frustrating at times too

Just for your info AD....I joined the forums in Jan 2016 after being made redundant from a very good job. You bring up a good point that the forums sometimes feels like it feeds your anxiety

Can I ask how often you have counseling? and how long you have had anxiety/OCD? (only if thats okay)

The more frequent the therapy/counseling the better our peace of mind. Just for me every 4 weeks with my GP is a gift.....and every six months with my psychologist

any questions are welcome! You are very proactive with your health.....and thats a huge quality to have!

I also take meds just so I have a better foundation on which I can heal more effectively with counseling

you are not alone

Paul

anxiousdragon · ‎19-04-2019

Hey Paul!

38 Years! Oh my! What a soldier!! It’s good that you have found something that works well for you! I’m currently seeing my Psychologist once a week to kick start my recovery, and will probably engage in either CBT or ERP to hone in on my OCD. Some days I really think it’s impossible and I picture my mind becoming a potato.. rocking back and fourth in some corner somewhere. But then I remember as humans we are so resilient and the gift of life isn’t to be taken for granted. So challenge accepted.

anxiety and depression is beast that way.. your mind is a sponge absorbing what it can and mimics your fears. I’m currently going through the insomnia stage which isn’t the best.. makes me really irritable and grumpy because I’m not getting rest.

ive had anxiety since 2006 (12 years old). I had a panic attack out of the blue at school and that was it. Off down the beaten track. OCD developed soon after, and I’ve cycled through.. Germ OCD, Cleaning OCD, fear of getting sick OCD, mental health (thinking I have a a million issues) OCD, to where I’ve landed myself the last few years.. Harm OCD. Harm OCD is an interesting one because it has such an adverse affect on the anxiety and depression so this one really has thrown me off.

i am taking meds too - I’m on my 5th week so I’m not too sure that they are 100% fully working yet.

romantic_thi3f · ‎19-04-2019

Hi anxiousdragon,
Thanks for your post.
Here's a couple of things that come to mind - feel free to take or leave what works for you
- Instead of Googling and ending up in random websites (with potentially false/inacccurate information), only go to websites like https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/ While it may still flare up your anxiety, at least it won't lead you down a rabbit hole.
- When you're tempted to Google, read your own post. Or write down ways why Googling your symptoms isn't helpful in the long run. You might even want to consider how you use technology - i.e. do you Google on your phone/computer/while doing things?
- Make a list of distraction activities. Ideally it would be things away from the internet, but anything that you enjoy can be a go-to.
- Write down when you do Google. How you're feeling beforehand/after, what you found/hoped for. It can feel silly to write these things down but you'll find that the more you can see on paper the unhelpful patterns the easier it will be to stop. You could also consider writing down what you want to Google, and then asking your GP/Psychologist or friend when you see them.
Hopefully this is helpful

youcantknow · ‎19-04-2019

hello, anxious dragon,

I used to and still do google anxiety tests trying to convince my self i don't have anxiety when every single test comes back positive/high you should go see a doctor. just thought id let you know you're not alone with this!

All the best 🙂

blondguy · ‎21-04-2019

Hey Anxiousdragon

Thank you for the super kind post. I hope you are having a good Easter 🙂

Beyond Blue have the K10 Anxiety and Depression Checklist which is an excellent self help tool. The copy & paste link is just underneath for your info....

www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety-and-depression-checklist-k10

You are very proactive with your health Anxiousdragon and good on you! Great effort for having the psychologist booked as frequently as you have. The meds are an excellent idea when our anxiety/depression starts to effect our day to day well being. Even at the early stage of 5 weeks you have everything to gain and nothing to lose

If you wish it would be great if you can stick around the forums anxiousdragon!

any questions are always welcome

Paul