Mental Health Advice on the Internet

As stigma is reduced around mental health, more and more people are taking to the internet to discuss their own experiences. Additionally, many people with large platforms on social media are using their space to discuss mental health treatment, common themes/buzzwords, and opinions on mental health, including licensed professionals. Here are some things to consider as a conscious consumer of social media if you find yourself reading about mental health perspectives.

• Is the mental health perspective being presented a fact, or an opinion?

• Is the mental health perspective being presented relevant to all populations, or just some?

• Is the mental health perspective focused on current trendy buzzwords?

• Is the message attempting to imply that all people with a certain quality or behavior fit a specific mental health condition or experience?

• Who is the author behind the content? Are they a licensed professional, someone with lived experienced, a life coach, someone within the larger mental health profession?

• Does the opinion or statement hurt certain groups of people, including those with lived experiences or those in marginalized communities?

• Do you feel uneasy about accepting the statement as truth, because you have had a different experience?

• Is there reason to believe that the person is looking for social media engagement, rather than committed to reducing the stigma around mental health?

When in doubt, take a step back from the content and do your own research. If you are already connected with a therapist, bring up what you read to them and engage in a conversation around it. You do not have to feel pressured to accept things as fact just because someone has a follower count over 15k!