What Social Media Gets Wrong about Therapy

Lately, a lot of my sessions start the same way:
“I saw this thing on TikTok—do I have that?”
“This podcast said if I do XYZ, it means I’m anxious-avoidant. Is that true?”

Don’t get me wrong, I love that people are thinking about their mental health more. But I’m also seeing something else—clients who feel like they can’t make sense of what they’re going through unless it fits a trend or a viral quote. Some even tell me they don’t feel “normal” unless they’re processing their emotions through a podcast episode or a clip they saved on Instagram.

It’s like we’ve traded our inner compass for content.

So let’s pause. Let’s get grounded. Because while there’s a lot of information out there, not all of it is helpful—and most of it isn’t about you.

What follows is a reality check. Not to shame curiosity, but to clear the fog. Because the best mental health work? Still happens off-screen.

It feels like everyone is a therapist on TikTok.

One scroll through your feed and you’ve probably been “diagnosed” with ADHD, “healed” your attachment style or discovered your partner is a narcissist. Mental health awareness is everywhere, which is a good thing. But not everything being shared is accurate—or helpful.

In the age of influencers and algorithms, misinformation spreads fast. Here's what’s really going on, and what to keep in mind if you're trying to take care of your actual mental health.

Not Everyone Has a Disorder

Self-diagnosis is trending. But having trouble focusing doesn’t mean you have ADHD. Feeling anxious before a big meeting doesn’t mean you have an anxiety disorder. These experiences are part of being human, not necessarily signs of a mental illness.

Labeling everything turns normal emotional ups and downs into problems that need fixing. Real mental health care starts with curiosity, not a checklist of symptoms.

Try this instead: Notice patterns, not moments. If something is regularly disrupting your life, that’s a good reason to explore it—with someone trained to help.

“Trauma” Isn’t a Catch-All Term

Online, "trauma" is often used to describe anything from a bad breakup to a rude comment. But clinically, trauma is something that overwhelms your ability to cope and changes how you see yourself or the world. It leaves a lasting impact.

Throwing the word around casually can take away from people living with deep, often invisible wounds. Your pain still matters, even if it doesn’t qualify as trauma.

Try this instead: Focus less on labels, more on impact. Ask yourself: “How is this experience still affecting me today?”

Healing Isn’t an Aesthetic

Self-care has become all about retreats, skincare and journaling. And sure, those things can help. But real healing is harder. It means setting boundaries, having tough conversations, showing up even when you feel like hiding.

Mental health isn’t a vibe. It’s a daily practice, and it won’t always look cute.

Try this instead: Don’t chase perfection. Look for progress. Real self-care is meeting your needs, even when that means doing something uncomfortable.

Therapy Speak Can Be Misleading

It’s great that more people know what “boundaries” and “gaslighting” mean. But sometimes, those words get twisted. People use them to shut others down or to avoid responsibility.

Not every disagreement is abuse. Not every unmet need is a boundary violation. When therapy language is misused, it creates confusion and distance.

Try this instead: Use the language to understand yourself, not to diagnose others. And check your definitions. If you’re going to use the terms, know what they really mean.

So What Can You Trust?

Start by following licensed professionals. Look for accounts that offer nuance, cite sources and admit when something is complex. Avoid anyone who claims to have the one right answer or quick fix.

Most importantly, mental health isn’t something to scroll through. It’s something you live.

We all want clarity and control. But real emotional growth is messy, slow and unique to you. Instead of chasing trends, pay attention to your actual experience. It will tell you what you need—if you’re willing to listen.

📌 TL;DR

• Feeling bad doesn't mean you're broken.

• Trauma is real but specific.

• Healing isn’t always soft and pretty.

• Therapy buzzwords aren't the whole story.

• Trust your own experience more than the algorithm.

Looking for grounded, practical support? Explore our therapy and medication support network and tools designed to support your real life, not just your feed.