The Internet is a very resourceful tool. We can get ANY information we want – from a simple smoothie recipe to the lyrics of that popular song to discounted end-of-season sales. Amazing, isn’t it? However, you need to be extra careful about some things while using the Internet. One such is diagnosing if you have any health problem, especially one with taboo subjects like mental health. Even in this day and age, with so much information floating around about mental health awareness, it can be difficult in person to talk to someone when you’re feeling anxious or depressed, especially if you’re not sure why. In such cases, we end up looking for answers on the internet – which has a lot to offer.
Here comes the problem
Looking for a diagnosis on the Internet is not the best decision. There is a lot of mental health content on various platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, etc., which may not be accurate and may not come directly from a medical professional. Consuming such content can trick you into believing you have a certain mental health condition that you may or may not have. This can make you feel confused, worried and further increase your anxiety. A review of 500 mental health videos on TikTok found that only 54% contained accurate information. 84% contained misinformation (much of it mixed with good and bad.) Furthermore, a full 14% contained potentially harmful information.
Lack of expertise
One of the primary reasons why self-diagnosis is problematic is the lack of professional expertise. Mental health conditions are complex and multifaceted, often requiring years of specialized training and clinical experience to accurately diagnose. Relying solely on online resources or personal observations does not provide the comprehensive understanding and nuanced assessment that a trained mental health professional can offer.
Confirmation bias
Even if the sources you depend on are reliable and the information comes from a certified mental health professional, you still may not be able to accurately diagnose your mental health condition on your own. Human beings have a natural tendency to seek information that confirms their preconceived beliefs or suspicions. So when trying to self-diagnose your mental health condition, you may unconsciously focus on information that supports your perceived diagnosis, while ignoring or downplaying conflicting evidence. This confirmation bias can lead to a distorted view of your mental health and make you feel worse.
Delayed treatment
Self-diagnosis can result in a significant delay in seeking professional help. Some may be convinced that their symptoms are not severe enough to warrant treatment or that they can manage their condition on their own. Delayed intervention can lead to worsening symptoms and even life-threatening situations in cases of severe mental illness.
Inability to understand potential root causes
Self-diagnosis can lead individuals to focus on surface-level symptoms while ignoring underlying problems. For example, someone may attribute their anxiety solely to work-related stress, not recognizing childhood trauma as a contributing factor. Ignoring these underlying causes can hinder progress in therapy and prevent long-term recovery.
Self-stigmatization and labeling
When individuals self-diagnose, they can inadvertently label themselves with mental health conditions they don’t actually have. This self-stigmatization can lead to negative self-concept and limit personal growth and self-acceptance. It is important to remember that a mental health diagnosis is a tool for understanding and treating symptoms, not a definition of one’s identity.
Possibility of wrong self-medication
Armed with self-diagnosis, individuals can attempt to self-treat their mental health conditions using strategies they find online or hear from others. Inadequate self-medication can lead to further problems, worsening of symptoms or even harmful consequences.
What should you do
Recovering from a true mental health condition usually requires working with trained professionals. While it’s great to be aware of mental health and understand when you’re not feeling well, the final diagnosis should be made by a certified mental health professional. Remember that seeking professional help is a responsible step towards understanding and managing your mental health. Also read: These 7 healthy lifestyle habits can prevent depression
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Source: newstars.edu.vn