Would you ask Dr. Google when you have unusual feeling on your body?
For many Australians, just ignoring such feelings is not an option. Formerly known as hypochondriasis, illness anxiety disorder can see people become preoccupied by the possibility that changes in the body might be the sign of serious illness. They experience high health anxiety.
Stephanie Huynh convinced herself that a lump in her back was cancer. When half of Slava Prakhilys face went numb, she was certain it was multiple sclerosis.
Often these thoughts can lead us to consult Dr Google, in search of a diagnosis. The tendency to head to the internet when were feeling sick is so common it even has a name: cyberchondria.
But can the stress of a possible illness exacerbate symptoms? Is it just the anxiety thats making us feel worse? Or can the internet actually help?
For others, the power of the mind over the body is less simple. Kimberlee Allen experiences non-epileptic seizures, but her brain scans are clear. Miranda Licence was suddenly unable to move in her legs without explanation.
Just because there is no obvious cause, however, does not mean nothing is wrong.
