The Dangers of Self-Diagnosing Mental Health Issues through Social Media

The increased awareness of mental health has been significant and growing over the years. With days like “National Mental Health Day”, our understanding and awareness of how mental health impacts us on a daily basis is a good thing. To assist in that emerging awareness,  social media platforms like TikTok and search engines like Google have become go-to resources for quick information. Whether it’s learning a new recipe or understanding the latest trends, these platforms offer a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips. However, when it comes to mental health, the convenience of online searches and viral videos may do more harm than good.

The Rise of Self-Diagnosis Culture

In recent years, TikTok has seen a surge in content creators sharing their personal mental health experiences. The impact on mental health awareness has been largely positive through these different social media sites. However, it is important to recognize that, while the person’s experiences are legitimate and valid, their mental health experience does not mean it fits for others in a similar situation.

The Problem with Online Symptom Checking

Mental health disorders are complex, and diagnosing them involves far more than identifying surface-level symptoms. In psychology, we often refer to the “transdiagnostic” nature of symptoms. That means, one symptom can fit into multiple different diagnoses. It becomes a question of what “fits best” that best describes or explains the persons experiences, and what can be done for that person to help them address those concerns.

Further, many of us experience symptoms regularly, although not to a diagnostic level. For example, when therapists are in training, we take courses on mental illness and psychopathology. Invariably, whatever disorder is discussed in class is the one we have. That is because we all fit two or three symptoms, leading us to believe we have whatever disorder that is. Searching google or tic toc will likely result in us finding others who have similar experiences but that can lead us to inaccurate conclusions. For instance, someone may believe they have ADHD and seek medication for it, without understanding that their symptoms could be due to anxiety, depression, trauma, or other underlying issue or that they may have multiple things going on (ADHD and…??).

Lack of Context and Expertise

Mental health diagnoses require a thorough assessment of symptoms, their duration, and the impact they have on daily life. Mental health professionals use structured interviews, assessments, and observations to make a diagnosis, considering factors such as medical history, environmental influences, and underlying causes. A TikTok video or an online search simply can’t replicate this expertise. Understanding what is happening for the individual is crucial to make appropriate recommendations about what can be done to treat it.

Seeking Professional Help

If you’re experiencing mental health symptoms or have concerns about your mental wellbeing, the best course of action is to consult a licensed professional. A registered clinical counsellor, psychologist, doctor, or psychiatrist can help you navigate your experiences and provide a thorough, individualized assessment. Mental health isn’t a one-size-fits-all issue, and what works for one person may not work for another. Only a qualified professional can offer the tailored support needed to improve mental health outcomes.

Conclusion

While TikTok and Google can be useful tools for raising awareness and providing general information, they are not substitutes for professional mental health care. Self-diagnosing mental health conditions based on online content can lead to misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, and increased distress. For accurate diagnosis and effective support, it’s essential to seek out licensed professionals who are trained to guide you through the complexities of mental health.

Let’s celebrate Mental Health Awareness by taking the time to research and promote mental health, and to reach out to a mental health professional if we have questions to ensure we take care of OUR mental health in the best way we can while encouraging others to do the same.

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