Self-diagnosis is raging through the lives anyone online under 25 years old. People on social media are making videos and posts about their struggles with ADHD, autism, borderline personality disorder, and other mental and physical disorders. The comment sections on these posts are then flooded with people saying that they find themselves relating to the person and their experience.

Unfortunately, the average experience of self-diagnosing due to social media includes people convincing themselves that they have these disorders just because they relate to the creator’s video. Relating with someone does not correlate with having the same condition as the person posting the video. I believe self-diagnosis has its pros and cons to it, so let’s evaluate those now.

Self-diagnosis can actually serve as a beneficial tool in this age of social media. It can serve the population in three ways. First, self-diagnosis can lead an individual to seek professional help from a healthcare provider. Sometimes people are actually suffering and, due to the self-diagnosis on social media, they go see a doctor and end up getting the care they need.

Second, self-diagnosis can contribute to early detection of disorders and diseases. Watching people’s frightening experiences with their health can help push someone to go see a doctor sooner rather than later. Lastly, self-diagnosis can help reduce the stigma around various mental and physical health disorders. The more representation on social media, the more normal it becomes for everyone. While these benefits sound like self-diagnosis should be encouraged,
self-diagnosis comes with its own faults and limitations.

There are three ways in which I believe self-diagnosis can be detrimental. The first reason would be that it leads to the glorification of mental illness. According to the National Library of Medicine, “While traditional media has often been criticised for villainizing characters with mental illness, the new-age social media depiction of mental illness carries with it a sense of ‘creative mystique’ – painting mental illness with a glorified aesthetic in segments of society exposed to such media.” Essentially, some of these posts portray the message that you would be thought of as more cool or popular if you do struggle with that certain health condition. Next, self-diagnosing on social media can lead to a misdiagnosis. You might convince yourself you have one condition when it’s actually another and that can lead to delayed and improper care. Finally, self-diagnosing yourself can produce more anxiety in your life. On top of all your other anxiety, you are now anxious about this new ailment or diagnosis you have convinced yourself you have. For all these reasons, it’s important to know what to do if you find yourself relating to a post you see on social media.

The most important reminder is this: if you suspect you might be struggling with something, seek help from a professional. Whether it be a therapist, psychiatrist, your primary care provider, or another healthcare professional, they will all be beneficial to you. The only way to get the care that you need is by getting a real diagnosis from a doctor. In conclusion, self-diagnosing isn’t necessarily wrong, but you should always get the opinion and expertise from your doctor.

Article written by: Paulina Barker “My name is Paulina Barker and I have a passion for mental health. I obtained my bachelors degree in psychology from California State University, Northridge and am currently in the process of trying to pursue my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. My area of interest has always been eating disorders and body image. I believe everyone deserves to feel worthy and live in harmony with food. I’m one step closer to reaching my goals everyday.”