On TikTok therapy: two sides of a coin
Illustrations by Jamie Wignall
TikTok, popular for its viral trends and relatable humor, has also become a place where young people talk about mental health issues, sharing their feelings and experiences. But is it too good to be true? TikTok therapy sits at the intersection of risk and opportunity, so the challenge is figuring out how we can harness its therapeutic potential while minimizing the dangers.
This rise in mental health content has sparked debate among physicians and mental health professionals: While the platform offers opportunities to destigmatize mental health discussions and reach a broader audience, it also poses dangers in the form of misinformation, trivialization, and the potential to mislead vulnerable individuals. For instance, there are trends where young people self-diagnose psychological conditions or jokingly “undiagnose” themselves with disorders such as OCD, ADHD, or bipolar disorder.
While such behaviors can downplay serious mental health issues, I believe TikTok therapy can evolve into a tool for digital health intervention.
The dangers of TikTok therapy
The concerns surrounding mental health content on TikTok are valid. Trends that pathologize everyday emotions or experiences can lead to harmful misconceptions. For example, conflating normal stress with clinical anxiety or labeling personality quirks as symptoms of a disorder risks diluting the significance of genuine mental health challenges. Self-diagnosis videos, while often intended as humorous or relatable, can also misinform viewers and potentially delay them seeking professional help.
There are also videos which question the validity of mental health disorders, such as borderline personality disorder or ADHD. Such content not only undermines the struggles of individuals living with these conditions but also perpetuates stigma. The virality of these trends amplifies the reach of misinformation, spreading flawed perspectives far and wide.
A case for TikTok therapy
Despite these issues, I believe that TikTok therapy can play a pivotal role in the evolving mental health landscape. While health misinformation on the internet is nothing new, TikTok’s potential for virality—often seen as a danger—is also its ultimate redemptive quality.
An analysis of 100 TikTok videos on mental health, collectively generating over 1 billion views, found that nearly half expressed symptoms of mental distress. This highlights not only the prevalence of mental health challenges among TikTok users—25% of whom are under 20 years old—but also the demand for relatable and accessible content on these topics. Viral content has the power to normalize mental health discussions, foster empathy, and teach millions about the importance of self-care and seeking help.
TikTok therapy can serve as a stepping stone for those hesitant to seek professional help.
Illustration by Jamie Wignall
Reframing TikTok therapy For digital health intervention
Rather than dismissing TikTok therapy outright, we should seek to harness its potential. A proactive approach involves integrating healthcare professionals into its ecosystem to provide accurate, evidence-based information.
Professional involvement: Licensed therapist Lindsay Fleming (@lindsay.fleminglpc) uses her TikTok account to raise awareness about mental illness and challenge stereotypes around seeking help. Similarly, psychologist and author Dr. Julie Smith (@drjulie), with over 4 million followers, counters misinformation while presenting relatable and practical advice.
Reaching untapped populations: TikTok has a unique ability to reach individuals who might otherwise shy away from traditional psychiatric services. Social stigma and geographic limitations often prevent people from seeking help. TikTok, by contrast, is accessible to the vast majority of people in developed countries and increasingly so in developing nations. With 97% of the U.S. population having mobile internet, TikTok becomes an invaluable tool for sharing mental health information and reducing barriers to care.
Encouraging help-seeking behavior: TikTok therapy can serve as a stepping stone for those hesitant to seek professional help. Watching creators share their therapy journeys, discuss medication, or provide practical tips can inspire their audience to explore these avenues themselves. Additionally, the positive engagement with such content fosters a sense of community, reminding individuals that they are not alone in their struggles.
Safeguarding TikTok therapy
To maximize the benefits of TikTok therapy while minimizing the risks, some measures can be considered:
Platform accountability: TikTok can collaborate with mental health organizations to verify creators who discuss mental health topics, ensuring their credentials and the accuracy of their content.
Algorithm adjustments: Refining TikTok’s algorithm to prevent echo chambers of harmful content and promote diverse, balanced perspectives is essential.
Educational initiatives: Young people need guidance on how to critically evaluate the content they consume and recognize the limitations of self-diagnosis and social media advice.
While the platform is rife with misinformation and trends that trivialize serious mental health issues, it also holds the power to break down barriers, normalize discussions, and provide valuable resources.
News of an impending TikTok ban is circulating, but when/if it takes place, current users will most likely be able to continue using the app. The ban would, as of January 19, prohibit app upgrades or downloads from the app store, but it also could be reversed by the incoming administration. As long as the app continues, TikTok therapy – when approached responsibly – can empower young people to seek help and prioritize their well-being and its usage can be guided toward meaningful impact, evolving into a force for good in the mental health space.
Dr. Modupe Abidakun is a Nigerian physician and writer. Her work has been featured in Unbias The News, Meeting of Minds UK, AfroVibes Media, and other publications. She was a 2023 Quarterly West Prose Finalist.