The “Before You Google It” Reflection Sheet

For patients overwhelmed by symptom searching and worst-case thinking.

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🔹 Purpose: To guide patients through a moment of grounded reflection before they spiral into an internet doom scroll about their symptoms.

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🔹 Why This Matters: Search engines are built for attention—not accuracy. Patients often land on terrifying diagnoses that increase fear and worsen symptoms. This tool redirects the urge to Google into a moment of pause, self-inquiry, and nervous system safety.

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📄 “Before You Google It” Reflection Sheet

1. What Am I Feeling Right Now?

Emotion check-in before the spiral begins:

😰 Anxious

😞 Frustrated

😠 Angry

😢 Scared

🤷 Confused

❤️ Just trying to understand

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2. What’s the Symptom or Thought I Want to Google?

📝 “Why does my hip click when I walk?”

📝 “Can nerve pain mean cancer?”

📝 “Is it normal to still hurt after 3 weeks?”

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3. What’s the Fear Behind It?

Try finishing the sentence:

🧠 “I’m scared that…”

e.g., “…this means something serious.”

“…I’ll never get better.”

“…the doctors missed something.”

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4. What Do I Already Know That’s Helpful or Reassuring?

💡 “I’ve had this before and it passed.”

💡 “My scan didn’t show damage.”

💡 “Pain doesn’t always mean harm.”

💡 “My clinician explained this already.”

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5. What Can I Do Instead of Googling?

Pick one or add your own:

✅  Breathe for 60 seconds

✅  Re-read a helpful handout

✅  Use my Safe to Move cue card

✅  Journal what I’m feeling

✅  Text someone who gets it

✅  Move gently and observe

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🌿 Closing Reframe:

“Seeking safety is wise. Let’s just find it in better places.”

This resource is part of The Wondering Clinician Toolkit. It’s not medical advice—just a tool to support learning, reflection, and healing. Always consult your clinician when needed.