Some of us have this habit of Googling the very first symptom, aches, pains or rash that shows up on our body. For some, this might be comforting, finding out that there is nothing ‘seriously wrong’ with them. For others, especially those who suffer from anxiety related issues, it can be overwhelming to see results which are not in their favor. 

On the other hand, I have also seen a lot of people posting stories or captions on social media saying ‘my ADHD kicks in’, ‘my OCD made me do it’, ‘my depressed self-‘, etc. And I would like to talk about, why is this problematic? 

Because

a) Not all google results are accurate. Not all articles on Google give out appropriate information. It might tell you something but, what is happening with your body can be something different. 

Every body is different, every person is different and thus every symptom on every body is different. There cannot be just one search result for billions of people. Similarly, the treatment for each body, each being, will also be different. 

b) Sharing stories like this, sort of generalize the fact of actually having these ‘medically diagnoseable’ illnesses. 

Most of the people who post these stories and captions are not even a familiar to the illnesses or going through it (not that I want them to). But, they diagnose themselves, looking at some post or article, and relating some symptom they read in there to a symptom they have. 

The whole point of having medical professionals to deal with your mental state, disorder or physical illness, is for them to diagnose AND treat you. Self-diagnoses nullifies the mere fact of their existence, whilst putting you and your health in danger as well as, indirectly generalizing the suffering of another person, going through the said disorder. 

What should one do instead? 

- For both mental and physical illnesses, Seek professional help. That is the most important step that you can take for your body. Text your doctor about it or visit a clinic.  

- For mental illnesses, note yourself. Does this ‘symptom’ happen often? Or was it a reaction to a particular incident? This will help you from jumping to conclusions immediately. 

- Don’t listen to others and start applying it on yourself. Just because your best friend has something or your relative has some issue, does not necessarily mean you will have it too. It is a possibility but not a necessity. Like I said above, every body is different.