Getting To Know Cyberchondria, Compulsively Looking For Online Personal Health Information That Causes Anxiety

Illustration of knowing cyberchonsdria that interferes with mental health (Freepic)

YOGYAKARTA When information can be obtained easily through online search engines, or Google, one of which is easier to match the symptoms of disease complaints that are felt. However, if it is done too often and is compulsive, it does not cause anxiety. This condition is called cyberchondria, which is to find little information about their health. Anxiety and anxiety will arise when a lot of information is read and not screened based on validity or not based on a medical diagnosis.

Cyberchondria is believed to be the anxiety caused by the frequent and compulsive online health search. Cyberchondria comes from cyber, namely the digital online world and hypochondria means excessive anxiety about health. The behavior of looking for online and compulsive self-health, causes anxiety. Research reports that cycles like this become compulsive and disrupt daily activity as well as disrupt mental health. Here are the reasons why cyberchondria can be experienced by one:

The real information is just a guide so that it is right on target in accessing it. For example, if health information, the hope is that it can help access health services when they want to go to the hospital, for example. But because information can be accessed freely, easily, and freely, users find it difficult to navigate themselves. Even get lost in invalid sources that cause anxiety to become more intense.

People tend to believe information that emphasizes their initial fear. This is called information bias, which is also a psychological concept. For example, considering headaches caused by severe illness so as to motivate people to 'click' and look for more material that supports such beliefs followed by rejection from a more reasonable explanation.

It is very important to clearly recognize the symptoms of disease complaints. If the symptoms catch a cold, for example, the stomach is bloating and followed by dizziness or headaches, it can lead to a bad assumption if the symptoms are only commonly recognized and less serious.

The process of thinking that is irrational or excessive, is called cognitive distortion. For example, after reading information you think seriously and assume the worst scenario even though you feel only common symptoms are open to many possibilities. Meanwhile, excessive generalization also causes a person to believe and ignore the real facts.

In addition to causing short-term anxiety, cyberchondria also has a long-term impact on one's mental health. According to research reported by PsychoLogs, Sunday, November 10, finding someone diagnosed with cyberchondria often experiences anxiety about intense health. This makes them constantly embedded in unhealthy, physically healthy mind patterns. This causes the body to react badly, such as difficulty sleeping, takicardia, or digestive disorders. People with high health anxiety, are also prone to mood swings, are easily offended, and depression.

As a recommendation, to avoid cyberchondria, limit the behavior of online health search. Unless you need a guide that helps you access health services. Second, use a trusted source. Avoid information based on personal perspectives that can increase anxiety. Third, change negative thoughts and consult directly to the doctor.