Is It All in Our Head? The Rising Popularity and Misuse of Self-Diagnosis on TikTok

I was lying in bed with my phone in my hand watching a TikTok that said, “If u do these 5 things u probably have anxiety. My heart dropped-

Was I anxious? Was something wrong with me?

I’m not alone, many teens these days are using TikTok as a mirror, searching for answers to help them explain what they are feeling. But is social media a reliable place for diagnosis?

Why are teens turning to TikTok/social media?

Not only TikTok but most social media platforms provide relatable content with symptoms or behaviors (e.g.: Do you do this? You might have ADHD). TikTok is free and accessible unlike Doctors or therapists who may require money and at times long waits.

Teens feel like they are understood as TikTok often feels like a non-judgmental platform/space to explore Mental health without being undermined.

Popular creators who talk about their symptoms often normalize certain disorders unintentionally. Teenagers are more conscious of their mental health now than they were in the past, but this does not mean that the information is always accurate.

Risks involved in self-diagnosis via TikTok

The videos uploaded on TikTok are rarely verified by professionals, so complex conditions are often over simplified, or influencers may post false symptoms, which leads teenagers to focus on symptoms that match how they are feeling, often leaving out the bigger picture.

Overdiagnosis/Misdiagnosis can lead you to believe that you have a disorder when you don’t, which could lead to harmful coping strategies. Self-diagnosis could also lead teens to believe that they don’t need to see a professional as they have already figured it out. This could also lead them to limiting how they view themselves or excusing behavior that needs to be addressed.

Self-diagnosed teens may face the need to not take things seriously when they eventually seek professional care due to earlier symptoms or exaggerations.

How do we approach Self-Diagnosis responsibly

Think of TikTok or social media, a way to explore new questions; not jump to conclusions. Speak with a counselor, physician or psychologist who can provide an accurate assessment.

Investigate using various reliable resources such as the CDC, NHS or the Mayo Clinic. Recognize the spectrum as there are numerous different variations in conditions like Autism or ADHD.

Ask yourself if this is clickbait? Or is it backed with any evidence?

More importantly, talk to adults you trust, which could be your parents, teachers or counselors.

A Personal Reflection:

When I looked back on that evening, I saw that I wasn’t anxious. I was just tired. Being a teen is already draining, on top of that we have schools to go to. And I also realized I needed to take a break from screens, that I needed space. And I needed to be listened to.

Did TikTok make me feel heard, yes. But will I go back to diagnosing myself because of TikTok, no. Social media focuses on a few points, leaving out the rest of the picture.

Mental health is a personal matter, not a trend. It’s real. And it varies for everyone.

So, remember teens, The next time you come across a video like that, Stop and take a breath. Think about it and ask yourself questions. And most importantly, next time, seek advice from people who see you as a person, not just another pixel in the world of TikTok.