Over 60% of Gen Z believe that depression is caused primarily by personal failure, not recognizing the complex interaction of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. This is only of the several misconceptions regarding mental disorders on the internet.

Gen Z, more than any other generation, is vocal about mental health, sharing struggles and seeking support on social media platforms. But despite this openness, misinformation about mental health disorders continues to flourish. In the age of viral TikToks and Instagram infographics, mental health has become both a trending topic and a minefield of misunderstanding.

Happy Saturday! This week Mindset Matters is starting a groundbreaking series that goes beyond reporting—we're deconstructing, understanding, and clearing misinformation surrounding mental disorders. Our mission: to advocate for mental health awareness, break stigmas, and create a more supportive, mentally healthy world.

In this issue, we’ll debunk 5 common misconceptions about mental health that are have been prevalent on social media this past decade so lets dive right in!

Myth #1 - "If you're not diagnosed, your mental health struggles aren't valid."

Social media often glorifies professional diagnoses as the only true indicator of mental health struggles. This however is not true. World Health Organization (WHO) reports that around one in four people globally experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives, but nearly two-thirds of people with a known mental disorder never seek help due to lack of access, stigma, and financial barriers. In fact, In low- and middle-income countries, over 75% of people with mental health disorders do not receive treatment due to limited access to health services, insufficient mental health infrastructure, and a lack of trained professionals​.

Not having a diagnosis doesn’t invalidate your feelings nor experiences.

Myth #2- “Self-diagnosis is enough.” 

TikTok has seen a surge in videos where influencers casually talk about "signs" of ADHD, often presenting traits like forgetfulness, hyperfocus, or being easily distracted as indicators of the condition. These symptoms are often shared in a humorous, "relatable" way, leading people to believe that everyone who experiences these traits might have ADHD. This oversimplified approach encourages self-diagnosis, especially among Gen Z viewers who do not fully understand the complexities of ADHD or the necessity of a professional evaluation for an accurate diagnosis​.

Myth #3- “All odd behavior is a trauma response.”

On TikTok, creators often label behaviors like overthinking, feeling emotionally distant, or being anxious in new situations as "trauma responses." Many influencers as well share posts where minor inconveniences are referred to as being "triggered" or a result of past trauma. This causes followers to incorrectly label normal emotional reactions to stress as severe trauma responses, thus fueling self-diagnosis of PTSD when it might not be warranted.

The oversimplification of trauma responses on social media is a serious issue. Trauma is complex and can manifest in many different ways, making it dangerous to diagnose based solely on viral content. It requires professional assessment for a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Misinformation and oversimplified advice only delay this process, preventing people from accessing the support they truly need.

Myth #4 - "Mental health can always be 'fixed' without therapy or medication."

On platforms like TikTok and YouTube, viral trends often claim that mental health struggles can be easily fixed through quick solutions like supplements, self-care routines, or a single therapy technique. Videos titled “How I Healed My Depression in 30 Days” or “Cured My Anxiety Without Therapy” promote the idea that specific methods like diet changes or meditation are all that’s needed for recovery.

This is misleading, as mental health recovery is rarely linear and usually requires ongoing support, including therapy and medication. These trends create a harmful narrative that therapy and medication are unnecessary, when in fact, they are essential components of a comprehensive mental health recovery plan.

Myth #5- "Mental health issues are just an excuse for laziness or weakness."

Sigma stands as one of the worst enemies of mental healthcare. Viral posts saying "Just choose happiness" or "Manifest good vibes" suggest that simply changing your thoughts can instantly cure mental health struggles like anxiety or depression. This implies mental health struggles are just a matter of willpower which simplifies the complexity of mental health conditions, and suggests that if someone isn't getting better, it must be because they aren't trying hard enough.

For Gen Z, who are constantly online and influenced by internet trends, misinformation and myths are particularly insidious. It feeds into the idea that those experiencing mental health challenges are just "not doing enough" to help themselves.

As we continue to navigate mental health in the digital age, it's crucial to recognize the dangers of misinformation. While platforms like TikTok and Instagram have helped raise awareness, they also perpetuate harmful myths about mental health. From oversimplified diagnoses to the idea that mental health can be "fixed" without professional help, these misconceptions can prevent individuals from getting the care they need.

Mental health is complex and requires a comprehensive approach, often involving therapy, medication, and time. We must challenge these myths and promote a more accurate, informed view of mental health—one that encourages seeking help and removing stigma.

That’s it for this issue of Mindset Matters. Over the coming weeks, we’ll continue to break down misconceptions surrounding various mental disorders, diving deeper into specific topics as we go.

Our mission is clear: to advocate for mental health, challenge stigma, and create a world where mental well-being is prioritized.

But we can’t do this alone. Help us spread the word and become a part of our movement! Join the Mindset Matters fam and be part of our journey to create a mentally healthier world, one step at a time.

We’d love to hear from you—reply to this email with your thoughts, feedback, or any questions you have. Let’s keep the conversation going!