TikTok Encourages Teens to Misdiagnose Their Mental Health

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I confess: I find myself captivated by TikTok. It offers a mix of humor and learning, which can be quite entertaining. However, at 42, I possess a certain level of discernment regarding what’s credible and what’s not. My teenage son, on the other hand, lacks this same ability. I keep a watchful eye on his TikTok activity, limiting his endless scrolling to shield him from potential pitfalls.

A troubling trend has emerged among young TikTok users who share their mental health struggles, often claiming specific diagnoses they believe they have. While some individuals genuinely share their experiences with legitimate disorders, many others are merely mimicking or misunderstanding what they see. Adolescents facing life’s challenges may confuse typical teenage issues with serious mental health conditions.

According to the Wall Street Journal, many teenagers are searching for and following hashtags related to rare mental health disorders, such as borderline personality disorder and dissociative identity disorder. These disorders are uncommon, yet many teens are led to believe they have them. Furthermore, TikTok has also been linked to an increase in disordered eating behaviors.

Recently, there has been a notable rise in Tourette syndrome-like symptoms among users, spurred by popular creators showcasing their experiences with Tourette’s. Dr. Mohammed Aldosari, a pediatric neurologist, emphasized that this highlights a critical warning for all of us in the realm of social media.

In response to growing concerns, TikTok issued a statement in September 2021 reaffirming their commitment to supporting the mental health of their predominantly young audience. They have introduced well-being guides, developed in consultation with organizations like the International Association for Suicide Prevention and Crisis Text Line, aimed at helping users navigate mental health discussions responsibly.

While these measures are commendable, they do not eliminate the fact that adolescents are impressionable. Adults, too, can fall into the trap of self-diagnosis; how often have you consulted WebMD and ended up convinced your symptoms indicate a severe illness? Young people are especially vulnerable when it comes to understanding their mental health.

Another pressing concern is that teens with disordered eating may become ensnared in toxic diet culture. The allure of before-and-after photos, along with countless diet tips, can have detrimental effects. John Fridley, the father of a teenager who frequently believed she had a new diagnosis, expressed concern about the impact of social media, noting that it can be a dangerous combination for children battling mental health issues.

How Can We Better Support Our Youth Regarding Their Mental Health?

The Wall Street Journal suggests several strategies:

Engage with Your Teen: Open the lines of communication. It’s vital to listen to their thoughts, even if they’re hard to hear or comprehend. Establishing a trusting relationship can pave the way for seeking professional help.
Limit Social Media Use: Encourage breaks from social media to allow for mental recharge. Redirect their focus toward healthier activities like hobbies, academics, or quality family time.
Reset Social Media Accounts: Given TikTok’s tailored content algorithms, consider starting fresh with a new account to avoid harmful mental health-related content. Alternatively, you can mark unwanted videos as “not interested” to reduce their appearance on your feed.

While there are benefits to sharing mental health stories on platforms like TikTok, such as reducing stigma and fostering understanding, it’s crucial to approach these discussions with caution. We must empower our children to recognize their feelings and seek help when needed. By staying informed about their social media usage and the content they consume, we can better protect their mental well-being.

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In summary, while TikTok can be a platform for sharing and understanding mental health, it also poses risks for impressionable teens. Parents should engage in open conversations, encourage breaks from social media, and monitor content consumption to foster a supportive environment for their children’s mental well-being.

Keyphrase: TikTok and teen mental health

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