Social media now plays a massive role in people’s lives as a space to connect, share experiences and seek information. But when it comes to mental health, relying on it for self-diagnosis can do more harm than good. Explore the importance of seeking professional help for your mental well-being and the potential dangers of self-diagnosing through social media.
It Can Give You Unreliable Information
It’s undeniable that there is informative and accurate content out there. Social media platforms are full of information about mental health, but not all of it is reliable. Relying on what non-professionals say can lead to misconceptions and incorrect assumptions about your mental health.
It Can Lead to Confirmation Bias
Confirmation bias is the tendency of individuals to look at or interpret information that will confirm their preexisting beliefs. This can ignore or downplay contradictory evidence. It can also create a distorted perception of present symptoms, leading to a biased self-diagnosis that can overlook other possible conditions or explanations of what you’re experiencing.
It Doesn’t Provide Professional Expertise
Social media platforms will never be a substitute for psychiatric or professional expertise. It’s essential to remember that even though there are influencers who are sharing their personal experiences, mental health conditions are comprehensive and complex. They only be diagnosed and assessed by a licensed professional. Self-diagnosing through social media can result in misinterpretation of symptoms and hinder you from receiving suitable treatment.
It Can Overlook Co-Occurring Conditions
It’s a high possibility that mental health conditions coexist with other disorders or underlying issues. If you attempt to self-diagnose without proper assessment, you don’t get a complete explanation of what you’re experiencing. Social media is also limited from giving a comprehensive evaluation and an appropriate treatment plan.
It Can Increase Anxiety
Basing your diagnosis on someone else’s diagnosis through social media can give inaccurate information and lead you to worry. Instead of seeking appropriate support, it can lead you to experience anxiety, which can worsen what you’re already experiencing.
The Importance of Professional Evaluation
Seeking professional evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. In the United States alone, approximately 20% of adults have a mental illness. Therapy and mental health resources have evolved to become even more accessible to those who may need it. Online therapy sites, telemental health, virtual psychiatry, and even therapy via texting have emerged as valuable options for millennial women.
Customized Treatment Plans and Expert Guidance
The biggest advantage of a consultation with a mental health professional is it gives you a personalized treatment plan tailored to your goals and needs. Social media content on mental health is often vague and can be misleading. A personalized treatment plan from a mental health professional can help you thrive.
Empowering Yourself with Reliable Resources
Although social media isn’t a substitute for professional help, you can still use it to gain more information about mental health conditions. Various sites talk about mental health and wellness, which can help you gain more insights on what you might be experiencing. There are also different ways you can take care of your mental health, such as mindfulness and yoga.
Remember that your mental health matters, and seeking an accurate diagnosis and professional treatment is crucial. Self-diagnosing through social media can lead to misinformation and unnecessary stress. Instead, choose the best ways to care for yourself, such as connecting with mental health professionals who can provide personalized support and guidance.
