We often assume, in the modern times people openly discuss about their health concerns with doctors, but search engines tell a very different story.
Some of the most searched healthcare topics are rarely discussed in open,not because these are rare or uncommon but because they are associated with fear, embarassment, anxiety and social stigma.
From searching for symptoms to searching questions like , 'What is anxiety and how do I know if I have it? , ‘How do I know if I need therapy?’ , 'How to stop snoring?’ , Why do individuals turn to internet long before they seek medical help?
Do these searches point towards something more than shame , stigma or fear???
In my opinion, patients are not just looking for the answers but looking for reassurance , anonymity and for understanding without judgement. The real challenge for healthcare professionals is not just treating disease, but creating an environment where patients feel safe enough to ask the questions they currently only type into a search bar.
Could analysing health search trends help in predicting future public health challenges?
