When Google Knows More Than Your Doctor.

You're probably tired of booking appointments, sitting in waiting rooms, and playing the "Why is my doctor 45 minutes late" game? Well, you're not alone! A lot of folks are taking matters into our own hands with a trend that may be quick, but is certainly not a fix; Self-diagnosing! Let's dive into this (slightly) risky, phenomenon.

🩺The "Dr. Google" Era

Remember the good ol' days when you'd call up your doctor, make an appointment, and actually go to the clinic? Yeah, those days are as ancient as dial-up internet. Now, thanks to Dr. Google, we can diagnose ourselves with a simple search, and we don't even have to put on pants. (With complete and utter sarcasm*)

While the internet is an invaluable resource, it's a double-edged sword. Want to find out why your stomach's making those funky noises? Google it! Within seconds, you'll be convinced that you're either starving or suffering from a rare, life-threatening disease. In the self-diagnosing world, WebMD is our Bible, and every search result is a potential apocalypse.

😧The Rise of Cyberchondria (This is a a real thing)

Say hello to your new best friend, Cyberchondria. It's like hypochondria, but with a Wi-Fi connection. Thanks to the internet, every headache becomes a brain tumor, and every bellyache is surely a sign of impending doom. It's like living in a never-ending episode of Grey's Anatomy, minus McDreamy and the actual medical expertise.

We can literally make ourselves sick trying to find out why we're sick. It's cyclical, time consuming, dizzying and more effort for licensed practitioners to undo what we've done, than if we'd waited for clinical guidance to begin with. But why is self-diagnosing such a thing now? Well, we thrive on instant gratification and control. Instead of waiting for a doctor's appointment, we'd rather consult the inter webs, which happens to be available 24/7.

⏲️ InstaHealth and the Importance of Real Professionals

What's a millennial trend without Instagram, Pinterest, etc.? Thanks to visual social platforms, we can now share our self-diagnosed ailments with the world. Got a rash on your leg? Snap a pic, slap on a filter, and post it with the caption "Living that itchy life! #RashGoals." Who needs privacy when you can get instant sympathy and advice from strangers?

While self-diagnosing can be entertaining, even therapeutic at times, it's essential to remember that doctors didn't spend years in medical school for nothing. Sometimes a headache is just a headache, not a prelude to a Shakespearean tragedy. It's great to be proactive about your health, but you can't replace the expertise of a qualified medical professional.

Self-diagnosis should be a starting point for a conversation with your doctor, not a substitute for professional healthcare. If you're genuinely concerned about your health, or if your symptoms persist, it's time to make that appointment.

So, there you have it! The self-diagnosis trend is alive and well in our culture. While it's convenient and sometimes amusing, it's crucial to remember that the internet doesn't have a medical degree. Self-diagnosing should be taken with a grain of organic Himalayan pink salt. If you're feeling unwell, consult a professional, not just the virtual one.

🥑💉💊 #StayHealthy #SelfDiagnosingTrend #OutofNetwork