The potential risks of self-diagnosing a mental health condition
The self-diagnosis of mental health conditions is a growing trend amongst teenagers and young adults, thanks in part to online platforms like TikTok and Instagram. If you’ve spent time on social media over the past five years, you’ve likely noticed the mental health conversation has been expanding, with people the world over openly sharing their mental health struggles and their coping strategies.
Without a doubt, this expansion of the mental health conversation has been impactful in terms of reducing the stigma, helping people gain access to information and resources, and boosting the visibility of mental health conditions. But there are downsides. One of which is the growing trend of individuals diagnosing themselves based on unreliable and unregulated information.
What is TherapyTok?
Imagine you’re scrolling through TikTok and you notice a trend: users sharing a snippet of advice from their latest therapy session. This snippet is likely relatable to anyone on the Internet, and may leave you feeling uplifted, like you’ve received a little bit of validation for your feelings. And it’s not only content creators, everyday people and therapists are becoming mental health influencers by sharing tidbits from their personal therapy sessions, detailing their mental health struggles, or offering practical tips for managing symptoms.
Mental health TikTok in particular has exploded. With TikTok hashtags in 2021 including 2.7 billion views for ADHD, and 1.5 billion for dissociative identity disorder. As a 2021 article for Vox stated, “Social media is now basically WebMD for mental health.”
How harmful could it be?
Now, at first glance, more access to information may not seem harmful. Sixty percent of the global population uses social media for an average of two hours and 24 minutes each day. These online platforms keep us socially connected, connect us with like-minded people, and provide alternate sources of information and resources. When it comes to our mental health, if mental health influencers can help their audience feel heard, seen, and uplifted—that’s a positive thing.
Where it may become dangerous is when this content prompts viewers to self-diagnosis. It may be something as simple as a 30-second video entitled, “My ADHD brain does this.” Or something that invites viewers to self-diagnose disorders, like this anxiety quiz. The harm lies in the subtleties of diagnosis that only a licensed professional can provide. For example, someone with mood swings may become convinced they have bipolar disorder, but mood swings can be a common symptom for multiple mental health conditions.
Using social networks to research and learn about mental health conditions may also increase fear and anxiety about health-related symptoms. But one of the biggest dangers with the self-diagnosis of a mental health disorder is that you may overlook a medical condition. Some symptoms of a brain tumour, for instance, may also be indicative of depression. If you begin to treat the depression yourself, using over-the-counter medication, you may completely miss the medical condition. To help mitigate this potential risk, consider working with a licensed psychologist. These professionals can consider these symptoms holistically and may suggest you visit your physician before giving a formal psychological diagnosis.
So, what can I do instead of self-diagnosing my symptoms?
There are many benefits to be had from participating in online mental health conversations but be advised this content should be approached with a critical lens and not automatically as fact. Stay aware of where you’re exploring your mental health and take the information you find with a grain of salt. Much of the mental health conversation happening on social platforms is unregulated and not meant for you specifically.
Here are three ways to avoid self-diagnosing on social media:
- Talk to a professional: It can be challenging to break the habit of self-diagnosing online, particularly when you feel like the self-diagnosis offers feelings of validation. But speaking with a professional may help ease any feelings of anxiety or stress associated with undiagnosed symptoms, as well as offer the validation you may be seeking.
- Limit use to research: There’s no harm in using social media platforms to research a proper diagnosis given to you by your psychologist or medical doctor, or even to look up ways to talk about your symptoms with a healthcare professional. However, please ensure you’re using credible resources for your research.
- Use trusted institutions: Instead of self-diagnosing, consider screening yourself for symptoms instead using resources from reputable organizations. For instance, the Canadian Mental Health Association has a “Mental Health Meter” to help individuals determine how mentally fit they are.
How can I get a reliable mental health diagnosis?
A mental health disorder can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional through a process that involves gathering information on the patient—like concerns, symptoms, and life history—and narrowing down the options for diagnosis.
Obtaining an accurate diagnosis can be helpful in several ways, including receiving effective treatment, proper insurance coverage, and giving patients a feeling of empowerment and hope when it comes to their mental health condition.
If you have questions about your mental health, it can help to speak with a licensed psychologist. Find one that meets your needs by visiting AskForHelpToday.ca.