The Pitfalls of Self-Diagnosing Your Mental Health

The biggest danger of a misdiagnosis is that it can lead us down a path of improper treatment.

Take two minutes to read, explore, and reflect. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind The Pitfalls of Self-Diagnosing Your Mental Health    Social media certainly has its pros and cons. On one side, it allows us to foster friendships, support others, and have meaningful conversations about important topics. Conversely, social media can be addicting, cause self-image issues, and circulate misleading or false information.   In recent years, we've seen an uptick in discussions around mental health. This is fantastic, but there's a downside: People are self-diagnosing based off Instagram posts, TikTok videos, or Facebook groups. Misdiagnosis—or even partial diagnosis—is fairly common when we take matters into our own hands.   The biggest danger of a misdiagnosis is that it can lead us down a path of improper treatment. For example, while you may correctly identify yourself as having ADHD, you may miss important markers of other mental health disorders—such as depression or mania—that are important to treat, as well. It's also possible to confuse a mental health condition with a physical condition that needs a very specific treatment approach.      There are often overlapping symptoms that can both be indicative of a mental health diagnosis—anxiety, panic attacks—or a significant medical condition—heart attack." — BILLIE KATZ, LCP   What This Means For You While social media can beneficially serve as a prompt to look into your mental health, any actual diagnoses should be done by a qualified professional.   If you lack access to care, look for organizations that offer sliding scale fees for sessions, such as Open Path. You can also speak with your primary care doctor about your symptoms and treatment options.   On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week What's Inspiring Us The BestSelf Self Journal takes a unique approach to journaling by placing an emphasis on positive psychology, organization, and prioritization. Consider it a roadmap to your personal success and happiness.  Products to Help You Feel Your Best For some at-home bliss, bring Pure Daily Care Himalayan Pink Salt Diffuser into your space. This multi-tasking device combines two natural healing therapies: pink Himalayan salt on the bottom and an essential oil diffuser up top. Invest in your self-care practice with prAna's sustainable Verde Yoga Mat. It features an anti-slip grip, excellent elasticity, and comfortable cushioning while still being eco-friendly. If you're committed to finding mental health support online, there are several support groups that may fit the bill, such as these top-rated depression support groups. Read These Next When Social Media Becomes Problematic READ NOW Mental Health Resources for the Black Community READ NOW How to Find a Support Group Near You READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH MEREDITH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2022 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy