Posted 11/15/2015 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
Yes. I find that when I'm experiencing symptoms, they manifest into a big old ugly panic attack when I decide to google them. I don't know why, because I sometimes would feel reassurance reading about similar experiences and symptoms. It's hard because sometimes it seems people will only post about their negative experiences, so it gives us worry that it will or it is happening to us as well. It seems like a catch 22. Right now, my anxiety is showing because Ive been feeling chest pain and difficulty breathing (I'm stuffy from a cold) but I decided to "investigate" and read about my symptoms and I've obsessed over my heart and lungs all day. It consumed my entire day. I thought about nothing but the idea that I could have a rare valve dysfunction and even I know it's just truly ridiculously to read and believe I have such rare medical problems but it still triggered anxiety. I feel shakey and just unwell as a result. My Xanax is barely taking the edge off. Information is and can be so good, but for some of us, we seek that validation or reassurance in reading like experiences and in the end, look what it did. And I even know its irrational to be so high strung about it. I think it's natural for us to feel that way, and it can trigger symptoms or worsen them. I Wish I could take my own advice and block Google or WebMD when I'm experiencing anxiety related symptoms!
My advice (I'm working on it too..work in progress) is to focus on only reading the positive stuff regarding panic attacks or anxiety symptoms . Otherwise, I have bad days like today.