When TikTok Doesn’t Tell the Truth: Why Misinformation About Mental Health Is Spreading—and How to Respond

Introduction

I thought that this topic needed some attention. I'm not on TikTok but I have heard many stories of information obtained from there taken as fact and thought it might be important to take a moment to think about it. Its not just TikTok but I thought it might be important to focus on one area to narrow down and focus. TikTok has rapidly become a powerful force in shaping how we think, feel, and talk about mental health. I'm not saying its all bad. While its global reach has opened up long-overdue conversations about therapy, trauma, neurodiversity, and diagnosis, an emerging wave of concern has hit UK headlines. A joint analysis by The Guardian and independent researchers recently found that over half of the most-viewed mental health TikToks contain misinformation or harmful oversimplifications.

This misinformation often includes unverified advice, casual misuse of diagnostic language, and pseudo-therapeutic content offered by unqualified creators.

This blog explores why this trend could be dangerous, what the UK research shows, and how we can better equip ourselves and those we care about to engage with mental health content online in a healthy, informed way.

1. The Rise of Misleading Mental Health Content on TikTok

TikTok's algorithm rewards emotionally charged, engaging content. Mental health videos that are dramatic, relatable, or offer seemingly simple solutions often outperform accurate, evidence-based resources. According to The Guardian (May 2025), many top-performing videos under hashtags like #mentalhealth, #trauma, or #ADHD come from influencers with no mental health qualifications. These clips frequently blur the line between storytelling and diagnosis.

One major issue is the popularisation of 'therapy speak' – language borrowed from psychology but used out of context. Words like 'gaslighting', 'trauma response', 'narcissist', and 'boundaries' are

now common parlance on social media, but when used imprecisely, they risk pathologising everyday human behaviour or encouraging self-diagnosis based on thin criteria.

2. Why This Misinformation Matters

For some, TikTok may be their first exposure to mental health dialogue. But when content is inaccurate or misleading, it can do real harm. According to a study published by the University of Cambridge (2024), adolescents with existing mental health concerns use social media differently than their peers, spending more time online and reporting worse emotional outcomes.

Misleading posts can reinforce distorted self-perceptions, increase health anxiety, and delay engagement with qualified support.

Similarly, NHS clinicians have warned that the rise of self-diagnosis – particularly of ADHD and autism – is being driven in part by social media. As reported by The Times in June 2025, ADHD prescriptions in the UK have surged dramatically over the past five years, with many young adults seeking assessments after watching relatable symptom videos online. While greater awareness is welcome, diagnosis requires careful, structured assessment.

3. The Evidence: What UK Research Says

·        University of Cambridge (2024): A large-scale study found that adolescents with clinical mental health conditions engage with social media for longer periods and are more vulnerable to negative emotional effects. They are also more likely to compare themselves with others and less likely to feel better after using social platforms.

·        University College London (UCL, 2023): Researchers found that frequent posting on social media platforms predicted small but significant increases in psychological distress among adults over a one-year period.

·        Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych): The College has voiced serious concern over mental health misinformation online, calling for tighter regulation and digital literacy education. Their 2023 statement on digital safety urged platforms to collaborate with clinicians to ensure that health-related content is not misleading or potentially harmful.

·        NHS Digital (2024): NHS data shows a consistent rise in referrals to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), with many young people referencing social media content as part of their understanding or experience of distress.

4. How to Recognise Harmful Mental Health Content

Here are some red flags to look out for:

·        Unqualified speakers: Is the person offering advice a licensed mental health professional in the UK? Do they share their credentials?

·        Over-simplification: Statements like "If you do this one thing, your trauma will heal" are misleading. Mental health is complex and multifaceted.

·        Casual diagnosis: Videos that suggest you "probably have ADHD if you relate to this" ignore the rigorous assessment required for formal diagnosis.

·        Viral relatability: Emotional resonance does not equal accuracy. Just because something feels true doesn’t make it clinically valid.

5. How to Engage with TikTok and Social Media More Safely

·        Use content as a starting point, not a conclusion. It’s okay to relate to a post, but let that prompt reflection and, if needed, a conversation with a professional.

·        Look for UK-regulated professionals sharing content – including clinical psychologists, therapists, and NHS practitioners.

·        Practice digital hygiene: Set screen-time limits, take breaks, and avoid scrolling late at night when emotional regulation is lowest.

·        Encourage open dialogue: If a friend or young person says, “I think I have anxiety because of TikTok,” respond with curiosity, not criticism. Ask questions and guide them towards professional insight.

6. What Therapists and Parents Can Do

For those of us working in or around mental health:

·        Invite social media into the room: Ask clients what they’re watching and how it makes them feel. Use this to clarify or reframe ideas.

·        Teach media literacy: Especially with adolescents, help build the skills to question, analyse, and assess the validity of what they see online.

·        Model nuanced thinking: In therapy, we emphasise complexity, contradiction, and exploration – all of which contrast sharply with the soundbite nature of social media.

·        Signpost trustworthy resources: Websites such as Mind, YoungMinds, NHS Every Mind Matters, and the Royal College of Psychiatrists offer evidence-based content tailored to UK audiences.

Conclusion

The viral reach of TikTok has given many young people a language for their struggles. But when algorithms meet mental health, there’s a fine line between awareness and misinformation. As clinicians, educators, and caregivers, we need to help others think critically, ask questions, and engage with these conversations responsibly.

Mental health deserves more than 15-second soundbites. It deserves space, complexity, and care – both online and off. Let’s work together to ensure the conversation grows deeper, not just louder.