Social media has become the go-to platform for advice, from the latest fashion trends and cool cafes to even complex mental health issues. But Avis Ngan, a clinical psychologist, warned that not everything online is legitimate. It is easy to misdiagnose yourself, which could worsen your condition.
Ngan is the founder of Mindsight, a mental health clinic based in Hong Kong. He said teenagers are increasingly turning to social media for mental health information.
“And I get it – it’s easy to access, you can stay anonymous, and you can relate to what others your age are going through. Connecting with people who get it can make you feel less alone,” he said.
Although the memes and symptoms listed online can feel relatable, it’s important to see a mental health professional to determine what is really going on.
Dangers of misdiagnosis
L*, a Form Three student at HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College, is one of many teenagers who have resorted to social media therapy. She tried diagnosing herself through YouTube videos and Instagram reels after a school social worker said she had symptoms of anxiety.
“I was curious and began researching anxiety to see if I actually had it and, if I did, how I could make my situation better,” she said.
L shared that she found the information online somewhat helpful. While it was not useful for diagnosing her illness, it did help her understand her emotions and the difference between anxiety as an emotion and as a mental condition.
But she was also confused because some sources claimed that her symptoms, which included insomnia, constant stomachaches, restless legs and worrying about the future, pointed to an anxiety disorder. She eventually went to see a psychiatrist, who assured her that she did not have the condition.
Ngan pointed out: “Stress and sadness are part of being human, but they don’t always mean you have clinical anxiety or depression. And having quirks or mood swings doesn’t necessarily mean you have bipolar disorder. Finding it difficult to remember stuff or stay organised doesn’t 100 per cent mean you have ADHD.”
Ngan noted that some of the most commonly misdiagnosed conditions online include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He explained that these conditions have many overlapping symptoms.
Ngan also said many posts might promote overly simple solutions such as “Stay positive” or “Think happy thoughts” and that these messages do not address the real issues.
Similarly, blanket statements like “This happens to everyone” and “You will get better over time” can minimise our individual experiences and even make us feel that we are not trying hard enough to get better.
“In reality, overcoming mental challenges takes a lot of effort and support,” he said.
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How social media can help
Still, there are some positive aspects to mental health discussions on social media. For one, it helps to reduce the stigma around the topic. Seeing others open up about their struggles can make us feel less alone and more willing to talk about our experiences.
According to Ngan, social media can also be a gateway to discovering helpful resources and organisations, but a lot more needs to be done on these platforms. “They have a huge opportunity and responsibility when it comes to promoting mental health awareness and resources,” he said.
He explained that official hotlines for crisis support should be prominently displayed on Instagram accounts that cater to mental health issues, saying, “When someone is in a dark place, finding help quickly can make all the difference.”
In terms of content, the psychologist said that social media platforms should be thoughtful about the posts and accounts they promote.
Posts about struggles with suicidal thoughts, bipolar disorder and eating disorders can help make others feel like they are not alone. Still, they should not dominate feeds as they can be overwhelming for those who do not have professional support.
Instead, there should be more emphasis on stories of resilience, especially when they include professional insights.
Content moderation is equally crucial. “Social media platforms need to do a better job in identifying and flagging posts that glorify self-harm or spread dangerous myths,” Ngan added.
In addition, he recommended that these platforms add wellness tools such as mood tracking, mindfulness exercises, and direct lines to crisis support.
“But it has to be done right – in partnership with experts, emphasising credible information and real support beyond the screen. Lives are on the line here.”
*Name withheld at interviewee’s request
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