TikTok: The Pros and Cons

Before we get started, I think I need to confess to you that…

I love TikTok. My husband and I send them back and forth. If I had to choose a list of ways I like to unhealthily disassociate, TikTok would be right up there. I am absolutely not a TikTok hater, but what I am is slightly frustrated when it comes to this online “health” community. If you have ever made it to HealthTok, you absolutely know what I’m talking about.

We know what roughly 40 million adults struggle with anxiety and roughly 21 million adults struggle with depression in the United States. Needless to say, there is a large population of people who desperately need support and are seeking answers. While it is so important to acknowledge the socioeconomic and cultural components that impact access to care, it is also important to say that seeking “care” from internet sources may not be all it is cracked up to be.

We as therapists have seen a large rise in clients coming into our offices worried that they have ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, PTSD, and the list goes on. While I absolutely LOVE that spaces like TikTok are getting people to think about their own symptoms, I don’t love that it doesn’t provide all of the information about what goes into the diagnosis.

Basically, diagnosing takes specialized professionals and standardized assessment tools in order to be valid. Both the actual diagnosis of a mental health disorder AND symptoms can be treated with interventions such as EMDR, CBT, and Somatic Experiencing. It is not always necessary to have a formal diagnosis in order to be treated.

TLDR; TikTok helps us understand symptoms, but cannot formally diagnose or treat. It can be a great space for support from other people, but use your judgement.

Lovingly,

Your TikTok loving therapist :)