The Rise of TikTok Therapy in a New Age of Mental Health Care
We’re in an age of viral content – short-form videos on social media platforms designed not only to entertain, but to inform as well. These platforms, such as TikTok, are changing the way we talk about mental health, bringing formerly taboo subjects into the light and helping people better understand their own struggles. But, what does this mean for real-world mental health care? In this blog, we’ll take a look at the rise of platforms like TikTok Therapy, and how these channels influence the mental health narrative, for better or worse.
Social Media: The New Wave of “Therapy”
There’s no doubt that social media has become a central part of life, especially for adolescents. In fact, many join their first social media platform around the age of twelve and continue throughout their life, exploring new platforms as they become available. Visual-first apps like TikTok are especially popular, offering a captivating outlet to:
- Feature a wealth of content in fun and unique ways
- Connect with others on shared experiences
- Find community with nonjudgmental audiences
- Encourage self-expression and individuality
- Make physical and mental health resources more accessible
This accessible space, one filled with personal stories by peers and influencers, has led to the rise of “TikTok Therapy,” or short-form content featuring mental health resources, advice, and even diagnoses and treatment options. For many users, this is highly beneficial, helping to reduce stigma and provide validation. However, it also comes with its own set of risks as oversimplified and/or unverified psychological information is shared across accounts.
The Rise of #TherapyTok
TikTok is one of the top social media platforms today, with more than one billion users worldwide, more than half of which are below the age of 30. As the platform grows, so too does its popularity as a mental health resource. More and more we see trending hashtags like #TherapyTok and #MentalHealth, tagged on short-form videos that offer a brief look into mental health awareness.
“TikTok Therapy” can be a starting point for many people experiencing mental health struggles. It’s an outlet to learn about symptoms, to feel validated, and to find others experiencing the same struggles. But it’s also a risk for users, especially younger viewers, who use it as a crutch rather than a gateway to professional help.
Are There Benefits of TikTok Therapy?
Absolutely. One of the biggest benefits is that mental health struggles are no longer forced to hide behind closed doors. Social media has brought such discussions into the light, allowing people to openly share their experiences with disorders like depression, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and more. For younger users, it fosters a connection many lost during COVID-19 or due to their own self-isolation as a result of a mental health issue.
TikTok’s video-first content helps creators reach these audiences by immediately grabbing attention, boldly discussing previously stigmatized disorders, and introducing many types of therapeutic approaches that encourage people to reach out. By acknowledging and prioritizing mental health, social media platforms like TikTok allow for:
- Greater awareness worldwide about the wide range of mental health struggles
- Education through exposure to people struggling with and/or treating mental health disorders
- Larger community of support and validation with others experiencing similar problems
- More access to valuable resources and tools for coping
- Breaking down of stigmas associated with mental health disorders by openly talking about them
- A greater sense of social support and belonging through shared experiences
- A place to share mental health strategies like mindfulness and meditation
- An outlet for younger generations who may not seek traditional therapies for help
Risks of Social Media Therapy
Social media is wonderful in terms of awareness and accessibility, bringing valuable resources and information about mental health to light. However, it also has its drawbacks. These include:
Inaccurate Information
TikTok and other platforms are great for awareness, but it’s important to remember that many videos are produced by unlicensed content creators, not medical professionals who are qualified to make safe and accurate diagnoses. As a result, the information is more likely to be inaccurate or oversimplified. In fact, a study by the Godaelli Psychiatry & Mental Health Center found that 52% of ADHD-related content was inaccurate or misleading.
Generalized Advice
Mental health treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Advice and coping techniques that work for one person or one diagnosis won’t necessarily work for another. Applying general advice from a TikTok video made by a non-medical-professional creator can cause symptoms to worsen or discourage a person from reaching out for help.
Rise of Self-Diagnosis
With all this information, accurate or not, some viewers may be more likely to self-diagnose their condition. This can lead to misidentification of their actual condition, the use of inaccurate or ineffective coping strategies, and delayed treatment. A medical diagnosis should always be received by a healthcare professional, not a 60-second social media video by a creator who doesn’t know the full “you.”
Risk of Isolation
Many users find a sense of community on social media, especially with their favorite content creators. While this can be beneficial, long-term or heavy social media use can also lead to isolation, particularly among younger users who spend more time online and avoid face-to-face interactions. In turn, this isolation can lead to loneliness, worsening symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Triggering Content
For users already experiencing mental distress, going down the rabbit hole of #TherapyTok may result in potentially triggering videos that worsen symptoms. This is especially risky for adolescent viewers with unlimited screen time. While TikTok and other platforms have taken measures to reduce traumatic videos and inaccurate information, diligence is required for safe viewing.
So, Can We Trust Social Media and #TherapyTok?
The short answer – maybe, and only when used safely and responsibly. Viewers must be aware of the benefits and risks, and adolescent users’ activity should always be monitored by parents or guardians.
Tips for Using TikTok Therapy Safely:
- Follow licensed, qualified medical professionals
- Verify the creator’s credentials and professional background
- Use critical thinking when viewing short-form, generalized videos
- Avoid gimmicky videos promoting self-help products or services
- Cross-reference information or advice with reputable sources
- For adolescents, monitor and set time limits for social media use
- Reach out to professionals for a proper diagnosis and treatment
Therapy Best Suited for You
Have you been browsing #TherapyTok and feel overwhelmed by the information? Do you need help making sense of what you’ve learned from mental health content?
At SOL Mental Health, we approach care not as a viral trend but as real healing that transforms curiosity into sustainable change. Our therapists provide the accurate information, services, and support you need to not only function in your daily life, but thrive. Contact us today to start your healing journey in a safe and empowering environment personalized to your healing journey.
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Resources:
The Alliance Insider - TikTok and Youth Mental Health
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
