Welcome to the OHA Approved "Symptom Checker"
Let’s face it….
If you struggle with health anxiety, you've likely turned to symptom checkers for reassurance—only to feel worse. Instead of clear answers, you get a list of possibilities that fuel more worry. What was meant to ease your mind just adds to the anxiety. This cycle of searching and stressing is common, but it doesn't have to control you.
We aren’t medical doctors (and we haven’t played one on TV, either).
While we provide support for managing health anxiety, we’re not medical professionals. Our resources can help you cope, but they’re not a substitute for professional advice.
If you have new or concerning symptoms, we strongly encourage you to consult a healthcare provider. They’re best equipped to assess your symptoms and provide the right care. We’re here to support you, but always make health decisions with a qualified professional.
If this is a NEW symptom...
When you experience a new symptom, it's natural to want answers right away. Instead of offering peace of mind, they often present worst-case scenarios that may not even apply to your situation.
The most helpful step is to consult a medical professional. If you haven’t had the symptom checked by a doctor, that’s the best course of action. A healthcare provider can assess your symptoms accurately, guide you through any necessary tests, and provide guidance and possible treatment based on their professional expertise. While it's tempting to self-diagnose online, a medical professional's guidance will give you clarity and help prevent unnecessary worry. Prioritize your health by seeking trusted, expert advice over relying on uncertain online information.
If this symptom is FAMILIAR...
If you’re experiencing a symptom that a medical professional has already evaluated and deemed to be harmless, it’s important to resist the urge to search for answers online. While it’s natural to want reassurance, checking symptoms online can often lead to more anxiety and confusion, offering an array of possible conditions that don’t apply to your situation.
If a doctor has reassured you that there's no cause for concern and tests or exams have shown no problems, it can be difficult to trust that judgment. Repeatedly searching online can reinforce unnecessary worry and cause you to second-guess professional advice. Instead, it is helpful to find another way to be able to respond to these health worries.Â
Different choices can lead to different outcomes...
A helpful way to break this cycle is by recognizing that different actions can lead to different outcomes. Instead of diving deeper into online searches, it can be beneficial to pause and explore alternative ways of responding to these urges. If you’re unsure how to start, we offer a free guide that provides simple, actionable steps to manage the urge to search online for symptoms. You can fill out your information to access this guide and discover healthier ways to handle these moments of uncertainty.
Find a Way out of the Health Anxiety Loop
Download the guide below to be able to have an alternative to becoming endlessly caught in searching your symptoms online
Looking for even more support for Health Anxiety?
We have resources and entire community waiting to support you in your Health Anxiety journey where you can find:
- Virtual Support Groups
- Learning Modules on Health Anxiety
- Online Archive of Videos, Podcasts, Articles, etc.
- Live Q&A Sessions
- A Online Community of Health Anxiety Sufferers
- And more!
