Help, my brain just won’t quit

Ever had that feeling where your brain just won't quit? Like a hamster on a wheel, but the hamster is thinking about all the worst-case scenarios, especially when it comes to your health? You might feel a tiny ache and suddenly your mind jumps to, "Oh my god, I have that super rare disease!" Welcome to the world of health anxiety, something way more common than you think, especially when you're navigating the pressures of being a teen.

It often starts innocently enough. You feel a little off, you hop onto Google, and suddenly you're deep-diving into WebMD, convinced you have every symptom on the page. Before you know it, you’ve spiraled into a full-blown panic. It’s like your brain is trying to protect you by finding every possible threat, but it ends up just making you feel worse. This cycle can be incredibly tough to break.

Being a teen already comes with a ton of stress. Academic pressure, social drama, future worries – it’s a lot to juggle. When you add health anxieties on top, it can feel overwhelming. Your body might even start to respond to all that stress, giving you actual physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches, which then fuels the anxiety even more. It’s a vicious loop.

So, how do you hit the brakes on this runaway train? First, recognize the pattern. When you feel that urge to Google every tiny symptom, take a breath. Remind yourself that Dr. Google isn't a real doctor. Instead of falling down the rabbit hole, try to distract yourself. Put on some music, talk to a friend, or do something you enjoy.

It’s also important to have trusted sources for health information, and to actually talk to a medical professional if you have a real concern. They can give you accurate info and peace of mind. Learning to challenge those "what if" thoughts can be really powerful too. Ask yourself if there's actual evidence for your worst fear, or if it's just your anxiety talking. You're not losing it; your brain is just a bit overprotective.