Self-diagnosing: navigating the fine line

In an age when information is readily accessible at our fingertips, self-diagnosing has become a prevalent phenomenon. Whether it’s Googling symptoms or consulting online forums, such as Reddit or Quora, individuals are increasingly taking their health into their own hands. However, is self-diagnosing reasonable or understandable? This question is at the heart of a growing debate, and while there are valid arguments on both sides, it’s crucial to consider the nuances and risks associated with this contentious issue.

Let’s begin by acknowledging that the desire to self-diagnose often arises from genuine concerns about our health. People seek to gain a better understanding of their bodies and minds, especially when faced with puzzling or persistent symptoms. In such cases, self-diagnosing can serve as a valuable starting point for research and self-awareness. It empowers individuals to become active participants in their healthcare journey, fostering a sense of autonomy and responsibility over their well-being. 

Moreover, as university students, many of us do not have the time to seek formal help throughout the academic year. Subsequently, self-diagnosis through online platforms allows us to decide whether or not we need to allocate some time in our packed schedules for in-person consultations. It is important to note that despite Canada’s universal healthcare system, accessing its resources can often be challenging. Over recent decades, healthcare wait times have seen a substantial increase, reaching a peak of approximately 27 weeks when seeking professional assistance. In cases involving non-Canadian citizens and international students, those individuals may encounter prohibitively high fees for accessing professional healthcare services. Given such circumstances, the decision to trust the internet with our physical and mental health may seem productive and even logical. 

Even if the provided information comes from a reliable resource, such as an accredited medical journal, the margin for error and misapplication of symptoms to certain causes is high. Therefore, when individuals like the self-proclaimed TikTok ‘therapists’—who do not go through any kind of screening process to prove their legitimacy—advise people on critical aspects of their mental health, the potential for harm becomes a grave concern. In an era when digital platforms amplify voices without requisite expertise, individuals must exercise extreme caution to safeguard their physical and mental well-being. The appeal of easy answers and self-diagnoses can lead us down harmful paths, and it is in our collective interest to prioritise evidence-based, professional healthcare to ensure that our health decisions are well-informed and safe.

Furthermore, the Dunning-Kruger effect, a cognitive bias in which individuals with little knowledge overestimate their expertise, can lead to false confidence in self-diagnoses—completely deterring them from ever contacting actual professionals. When individuals believe they have successfully self-diagnosed a medical condition, they may develop unwarranted confidence in their own assessment. This misplaced self-assuredness can deter them from seeking professional medical advice or treatment, believing they have all the answers. This overconfidence can be a serious roadblock to early intervention and appropriate care, potentially leading to more severe health issues down the line. 

As mentioned earlier, self-diagnosing can produce anxiety and fear. When people encounter alarming symptoms or ambiguous health concerns online, they may leap to the worst possible conclusions. The fear of a severe or life-threatening condition can lead to heightened stress and anxiety, which, ironically, may exacerbate physical symptoms and create a cycle of health-related distress. This emotional toll can have a detrimental impact on an individual’s overall well-being, further underscoring the need for caution when self-diagnosing. 

So, how do we strike a balance? The answer lies in responsible self-diagnosing. First and foremost, individuals should approach self-diagnosing with caution. It’s essential to remember that while some symptoms may seem indicative of a specific condition, they can also be related to numerous other factors. The internet should be a tool for information, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Seek guidance from a healthcare provider who can evaluate your symptoms comprehensively and provide an accurate diagnosis. Another key aspect of responsible self-diagnosing is being aware of the limits of one’s knowledge. While self-education is commendable, it should complement, not replace, professional expertise. So, the next time a list of symptoms show up on your TikTok For You page, those symptoms do not correlate with or cause a certain condition. 

It is also important to be wary of sharing self-diagnoses and information on our personal medical conditions with others. Posting personal health concerns on social media or online forums can perpetuate misinformation and lead others astray. Instead, use such platforms to share experiences and seek support while emphasising the importance of consulting healthcare professionals.

Ultimately, despite the convenience of simply Googling your symptoms rather than having to endure the pain of calling your doctor or waiting for hours in the emergency room, the risks outweigh the comfort. Even though the digital age is currently in almost all areas of our lives, our health is not something to be gambled with.