Our Psychiatrist, Dr Victor Kwok, explores the role of mental health advice on social media platforms like TikTok, while also addressing the potential pitfalls.
Question: Do you see more young adults coming to you for mental health advice after watching Instagram Reels or TikTok videos?
Dr Victor Kwok: Absolutely. Many young people are exposed to mental health content on social media, recognise symptoms that resonate with them, and then seek professional help. What’s positive is that this generation is more open about discussing mental health with their parents and advocating for their needs. We’re also seeing this trend with adults in their 30s and 40s. Common conditions that young people identify with include depression, panic attacks, OCD, ADHD, and mild autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Q: Why do you think young people are so receptive to mental health advice from influencers?
Dr Kwok: Social media is pervasive, and its content is designed to be engaging, quick, and entertaining—this easily captures the attention of young viewers. They feel more connected to influencers who present themselves as relatable and vulnerable, creating a sense of understanding that can be lacking in conversations with parents, teachers, or even doctors. Comment sections also provide mutual support, reinforcing a sense of community.
Mental health is now openly discussed and normalised on these platforms, reducing the stigma compared to a decade ago, which encourages young people to seek help. However, while social media can be a great resource, I recommend getting professional advice. For instance, I’ve encountered a patient who followed advice from a psychiatrist on social media promoting expensive brain scans meant for cancer detection, which were not applicable to mental health.
Q: What are the risks of getting mental health advice from these platforms?
Dr Kwok: We’ve all seen health advice on social media, and some of it can be genuinely helpful. For example, I started taking long walks after seeing an influencer discuss the mental and physical benefits—simple, accessible advice that can be beneficial. Many influencers share useful tips about exercise, mindfulness, and managing emotions, often coming from an altruistic place.
However, the downside is that social media is unregulated, and some advice can be misleading, unscientific, or contradict recognised treatment guidelines. Algorithms tend to reinforce the same type of content, leading people down a “rabbit hole.” There are anti-psychiatry movements, for example, that spread misinformation about antidepressants or ADHD medication, making exaggerated claims about side effects. There are also pro-eating disorder groups, which can be very harmful. Recently, a young girl’s parents brought her in after she discovered a website that encouraged self-harm.
Young people might misdiagnose themselves based on these short videos, which can increase anxiety and lead to unnecessary stress. I’ve seen a “clinical psychologist” on a livestream who clearly lacked proper training, offering advice like creating “protective bubbles” during therapy, which had no grounding in professional practice.
Q: Can you share any examples of young people influenced by social media who have come to see you?
Dr Kwok: I’ve had several young patients come in believing they had ADHD because of what they’d seen online. Some were diagnosed with ADHD after proper assessments and corroborating evidence, but others were dealing with social anxiety, self-esteem issues, or depression. In some cases, they had no clinical diagnosis at all. Regardless, it’s encouraging that they sought help. Teenagers today are more self-aware and articulate about their emotions, which allows us to work together more effectively. They view doctors and psychologists as partners in their mental health journey, which is a positive shift.
I’ve also seen cases where teens were convinced they had borderline personality disorder after watching online content. After assessing them, I reassured them they did not have this condition, but it can cause unnecessary distress when they overanalyse their symptoms.
Additionally, some patients come in with preconceived ideas about their treatment, often influenced by social media. They may insist on specific ADHD medications or only want alternative therapies like hypnosis. This mindset can make treatment more challenging, as we need to carefully build trust and guide them toward evidence-based options.
Q: Is some of this information misleading or untrue?
Dr Kwok: Yes, it can be. Content creators sometimes dramatise their personal experiences for impact, which can distort the reality of mental health issues. This can lead to misconceptions and create unrealistic expectations about treatments or recovery. It’s important for viewers to separate fact from fiction, but this can be difficult, especially for younger audiences.
Q: What advice would you give young people?
Dr Kwok: My advice is to always fact-check the information you come across. Look for content from reputable sources, such as our clinic’s website or local hospital websites like HealthXchange. Other respected institutions like Stanford, Mayo Clinic, and Harvard Medical School are excellent resources for accurate mental health information.
Q: What should parents tell their children about mental health advice on social media?
Dr Kwok: It’s great that young people are more open-minded and understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. But it’s essential to be discerning. Parents should encourage their children to be sceptical of quick fixes and to question the credentials of content creators. Are they licensed professionals, like psychiatrists, or are they sharing based on personal experience? Always verify information from reputable sources. If your child becomes anxious after viewing certain content, encourage them to talk to you or seek help from a school counsellor or mental health professional.
Unfortunately, some adults may still be dismissive about mental health, so it’s important to remind your child not to give up if they feel unheard. Encourage them to seek a second opinion from another mental health professional if needed.
Q: As a private mental health clinic, how do you support young people?
Dr Kwok: At Private Space Medical, we offer a comprehensive, one-stop service staffed with psychiatrists and psychologists. We conduct thorough consultations to assess and diagnose each individual’s condition. Beyond clinical evaluations, we offer educational assessments, like IQ tests, and investigations such as brain scans (CT and MRI) and blood tests. Based on the diagnosis—whether it’s depression, anxiety, ADHD, or other conditions—we provide tailored treatments, including therapy, medication, sick leave, and medical reports for schools. We also collaborate with schools, meeting with teachers and counsellors to ensure holistic support. Additionally, we extend care to family members through our family therapists.
As a private clinic, we can dedicate more time to each patient, ensuring a personalised approach that prioritises their well-being.
At Private Space Medical, we understand that navigating mental health advice from social media can be overwhelming. While it's great that young people are becoming more open about their mental well-being, it's important to receive guidance from professionals who are dedicated to your unique needs. If you or someone you care about is seeking clarity and expert support, reach out to us for a personalised consultation. Your mental health deserves the best care, and we're here to help every step of the way.
Dr. Victor Kwok
Senior Consultant Psychiatrist
Senior Consultant Psychiatrist
