The Social Media Therapy Trap: Beware of Bad Mental Health Advice

Ever find yourself scrolling through TikTok or Instagram and thinking, “OMG, that’s literally me,” after watching a mental health video? You’re definitely not alone. The internet is packed with people breaking down everything from attachment styles to trauma responses in quick, digestible clips. And while it’s awesome that mental health is being talked about more openly, not all of the advice out there is good for you.

The Rise of the “Social Media Therapist”

We’re living in a time where mental health is finally getting the attention it deserves, and that’s amazing. But with that comes a wave of self-proclaimed “experts” who are dishing out advice—some helpful, some...not so much. The thing is, just because someone sounds confident doesn’t mean they actually know what they’re talking about.There are plenty of influencers, coaches, and everyday people sharing their mental health experiences online. While personal stories can be super relatable, they’re not the same as professional advice. Just because someone went through something doesn’t mean they have the training or knowledge to guide others through it.

Why Misinformation is a Problem

Mental health isn’t one-size-fits-all. Anxiety, depression, trauma—everyone experiences these things differently. But social media thrives on quick, catchy content that often oversimplifies complex issues. Here’s why that can be a problem:

Overgeneralized Symptoms – Ever seen a post like “10 Signs You Have ADHD” and suddenly felt like it’s describing your entire personality? Raising awareness is great, but only a professional can give you an actual diagnosis.

Trendy Diagnoses and Buzzwords – Words like “gaslighting,” “trauma response,” and “narcissist” get thrown around a lot online—sometimes incorrectly. This can lead to misunderstandings, self-diagnosing, or even misjudging people in your life.

Bad Advice – Some influencers push toxic positivity, unrealistic “healing hacks,” or even discourage therapy in favor of sketchy, unproven methods.

Unrealistic Expectations – Social media makes healing look easy and fast. If you try what they suggest and still struggle, you might feel like something’s wrong with you. Spoiler: There’s not. Healing is messy and takes time.

How to Find Trustworthy Mental Health Info Online

Not all online mental health content is bad! There are legit therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists out there sharing valuable, research-backed info. The trick is knowing how to separate the good from the sketchy. Here’s how:

Check Their Credentials – Are they a licensed therapist (LPC, LMFT, LCSW), psychologist (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), or psychiatrist (MD/DO)? If not, take their advice with a grain of salt.

Beware of Absolutes – If someone says “If they do this, they’re definitely a narcissist” or “You HAVE to cut off anyone who triggers you,” be skeptical. Real mental health advice isn’t black and white.

Look for Research-Backed Info- The best mental health professionals base their advice on actual psychology research, not just opinions or personal experiences.

Don’t Self-Diagnose- If a post makes you feel like you might have a disorder, don’t panic. Instead of assuming, talk to a professional who can give you real answers.

Why Professional Help is Worth It

If you’re struggling, working with a licensed therapist is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Unlike influencers, a therapist gives advice that’s actually tailored to you, based on your unique history and needs.

Think about it—if you had a serious medical condition, would you rely on a TikTok video to diagnose and treat yourself? Probably not. Mental health deserves the same level of care and expertise.

Final Thoughts

Social media is great for mental health awareness, but it’s not a replacement for professional help. Next time you come across a viral mental health post, ask yourself: Is this person qualified? Does this sound too simplistic? Is this backed by real research? Being careful about where you get your info can save you from a lot of confusion and bad advice. And if you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to a licensed therapist. You deserve support from someone who actually knows what they’re talking about!