Social media has opened up important conversations around mental health and raised awareness, but there is a downside—many people, especially adolescents and young adults, are using this information to self-diagnose. Mental health awareness is important, but it’s equally important to remember that social media is not a substitute for professional evaluation. Relying on influencers or brief videos for mental health diagnoses can lead to misdiagnosis, potentially worsening mental health conditions.
On platforms like TikTok, many influencers openly share their personal struggles with mental health, including symptoms, diagnoses, and coping strategies. For teens and young adults who consume this content, it can be easy to relate to the stories shared and identify with the symptoms described. This has led to a growing trend of young people diagnosing themselves with conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, autism, or depression, based on brief, anecdotal information.
For example, a teenager might watch an influencer talk about difficulty concentrating or struggling with social situations, and then quickly assume they have ADHD or autism. While some of the information may resonate, this limited perspective overlooks the complexities of mental health diagnosis and the need for professional guidance.
Social media isn’t all bad when it comes to mental health. For one thing, it has helped to destigmatize mental health discussions, making it easier for people to talk openly about their struggles and raising awareness about mental health conditions that were once taboo or misunderstood. It also offers online communities where people can feel seen and heard by others who share similar experiences. These spaces provide support and connection, especially for those who feel isolated.
Many influencers and mental health organizations also share valuable resources that help individuals learn more about mental health, self-care strategies, and when to seek help. This can be a great starting point for understanding mental health better, but it needs to be balanced with the understanding that social media is not a replacement for professional diagnosis and care.
The biggest risk of self-diagnosis through social media is misdiagnosis. Many mental health conditions share overlapping symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, which can be associated with anxiety, depression, or ADHD. Without a professional evaluation, it’s easy to jump to the wrong conclusion and miss the full picture. For example, someone might identify with the depressive episodes of bipolar disorder but not recognize the manic episodes, leading to an incorrect self-diagnosis.
Another danger is the tendency to pathologize normal, everyday emotions. For instance, feeling sad after a breakup or experiencing stress before an exam are natural emotional responses. However, after watching a video about depression, someone might wrongly assume their sadness is a sign of a mental health disorder, adding unnecessary stress and worry.
When people self-diagnose, they may not feel the need to seek professional help, believing they’ve already identified the issue. This can delay appropriate treatment and, in some cases, worsen the condition. Without professional guidance, people may adopt labels that don’t accurately reflect their experience, which could prevent them from getting the right support.
Social media algorithms are designed to show users content that aligns with their interests. This can create an “echo chamber” where individuals are repeatedly exposed to content related to mental health concerns they believe they have.
For example, if someone watches videos about ADHD or anxiety, the algorithm will continue to show them similar content, reinforcing their belief that they have the condition. This constant reinforcement can lead to further confusion and increased anxiety, making it harder for people to step outside of their self-diagnosed labels and seek a broader perspective.
Constantly scrolling through mental health content can worsen existing mental health issues, especially if the content is triggering or negative. Comparing your own experiences to those shared by influencers can lead to feelings of inadequacy or heightened anxiety, further complicating your mental health. Late-night scrolling on social media can also disrupt sleep patterns, which in turn amplifies stress and emotional distress. Lack of sleep has a direct impact on mental health, making it harder to manage emotions and cope with daily challenges effectively.
Diagnosing mental health conditions requires a thorough evaluation that takes the whole person into account - your full history, life experiences, relationships, physical symptoms, work/school performance, culture, and more. Mental health professionals use this information to differentiate between conditions that may present similar symptoms, making sure that you receive the correct diagnosis - and treatment. A professional diagnosis made by a licensed mental health professional ensures that you’ll receive treatment tailored to your unique needs, something that’s impossible to achieve through self-diagnosis on social media.
If you have concerns about your mental health, seeking professional help is the best thing you can do. A licensed therapist or psychologist can provide a comprehensive assessment and guide you through your mental health journey.
Pay attention to how you feel after engaging with mental health content online. If it leaves you feeling anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed, this is an indication that it might not be serving you.
Consider limiting the time you spend on social media; your emotional well-being is more important than staying up-to-date with every post or video. During the time you do spend on social media, try to follow only reputable sources or licensed mental health professionals.
Social media is a great way to raise awareness, but it’s not a substitute for professional evaluation. Use it as a starting point to learn more about mental health, but always seek out professional advice for diagnosis and treatment.
If you have concerns about your mental health, bring them to the compassionate team at Medens Health. We accept most insurance plans, providing the professional guidance and support you need through both in-person and virtual therapy options. We also offer a full range of testing and assessments to bring you the clarity that comes with an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan. If you started your journey with information you learned on social media, we can help you deepen your understanding of yourself and continue on the path to well-being.
Get started here, call or text (833) 624-5400, or fill out our contact form today!
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information this blog provides is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified mental health provider with any questions regarding your medical or mental health. If you don’t currently have a therapist, we can connect you with one who is qualified to give you safe, professional, and ethical advice regarding your mental health.
If you or someone you are responsible for is experiencing a medical emergency, is considering harming themselves or others, or is otherwise in imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1 and/or take them to the nearest emergency room.
%201.png)
