Health: Are you a cyberchondriac?
IT CAN SEEM EASIER TO CHECK SYMPTOMS ONLINE RATHER THAN VISIT OUR GP. DR ELLIE EXPLAINS WHICH SITES ARE MOST HELPFUL, AND WHEN YOU SHOULD SEE A DOCTOR…
According to the latest figures, a quarter of all internet searches are for healthrelated matters. It seems we just love googling our medical symptoms and ailments, but can this do more harm than good? You can certainly find useful information online, as long as you know where to look – but you also need to understand when it’s time to see a real-life doctor!
MENTAL SUPPORT
The internet can be a great source of information and support for those suffering from mental health problems. You can access mental health charities such as Mind (mind. org.uk), which have support forums, information and selfhelp suggestions. And there are safe, moderated online communities for people with depression or anxiety, such as bigwhitewall.com.
THE BIG C
If you’ve been given a serious diagnosis, such as cancer, the online world provides a wealth of support from people who understand what you’re going through. As well as the big cancer charities, such as Cancer Research (cancerresearchuk.org) and Macmillan (macmillan. org.uk), all cancers have smaller support charities. These sites are useful for worried relatives, too.
A GOOD PLACE TO START
There are some really good websites that can help you understand your health problems and possible treatments. NHS Choices (nhs.uk) is particularly helpful for explaining what has caused your condition and the different treatment options that exist. This is a great place to read more if you haven’t been given enough information by your doctor, or you want to look up possible side effects of your tablets, for example.
VIRTUAL GP
Have you considered making an appointment with a real doctor online? There are many such services available where you can see a GP in real time, in an online or video consultation. It may not be the same as popping in to your local surgery, or being treated by a doctor who knows you well, but online services can be handy for an urgent consultation, travel medicine in a hurry, or a quick repeat prescription.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Why not use the internet to get healthy? There are some great websites to help you kick-start a lifestyle change, do more exercise or lose weight. The wellknown slimming clubs offer online programmes, and YouTube has exercise videos galore, so you can start exercising in your own home. Take the health quiz at nhs.uk/ oneyou to see what changes you should be making.
SYMPTOMS? SEE YOUR GP
Don’t let yourself become a cyberchondriac! Online symptomcheckers can often throw up unlikely diseases you really don’t need to be stressing about. And that can make you ill with worry! Poring over lengthy lists of what your symptoms might mean really isn’t helpful, and can lead to feelings of anxiety. If you have symptoms, then you need to make an appointment with your doctor.
BE CYBER AWARE
If you’re looking for health information online, go to well-known sites that are endorsed by the NHS, or charities you have heard of. Sadly, online health information can sometimes be fake and inaccurate, so don’t be fooled by a picture of someone in a white coat, or a pharmacy sign. Also, check the site is based in the UK, as medical treatment and advice may differ around the world.