Hello Mindville Squad!

How have you been? Are you taking a quick break from work while reading this blog, breaking the monotony of doom-scrolling on Instagram, or just indulging in your usual internet reading?

Whatever brought you here, we’re glad to have you!We all know that the internet has been a game -changer for over two decades now,giving access to endless information and helping us connect in ways we never imagined.But with this incredible growth comes the  looming concern of spreading half-information ,especially on social media.

Lately, everyone seems to be posting to crack the algorithm and in  the process, posts are often gisted down so much that the information becomes incomplete—and in some cases, even misleading. This can have serious repercussions, especially when it comes to mental health topics.

Just today, while scrolling through Instagram reels, I noticed an influx of posts about ADHD, Autism and  other mental health conditions. While raising awareness is important, many of these posts oversimplify complex issues, leaving out critical details. 

Have you come across similar posts?

Do they make you feel a certain way? Maybe you’ve found yourself thinking:

• “I’m finding it difficult to concentrate—do I have ADHD?”

• “I can’t manage my emotions—do I have a personality disorder?”

• “I lose my temper too quickly—do I have bipolar disorder?”

It’s natural to relate to symptoms we see online, but it’s important to remember that mental health is nuanced and unique to each individual. Social media can be a great starting point for awareness, but it’s not a substitute for professional guidance.

In this sea of content, it's easy to feel overloaded or misinformed, but that's where we come in.  Let’s take a moment to pause, reflect, and empower ourselves with knowledge that truly supports our well-being. 

If you find yourself falling into the trap of relating to everything you see online, here are 7 tips to help you avoid self-labelling or self-diagnosing based on trending posts.

1. Recognize that mental health conditions are diagnosed based on specific criteria : This would include duration, severity, overall functioning, the impact of symptoms, and other factors—not just a single sign or symptom
   
   

2. Verify the authenticity of posts : Follow accounts that provide reliable, balanced mental health information rather than content that is emotionally driven or based solely on personal anecdotes. Check if these sources are backed by licensed professionals before trusting their advice.
   
   

3. Understand that symptoms can overlap:  Feeling anxious or tired doesn’t necessarily mean it’s just anxiety. It could be a sign of another mental health issue (e.g., depression) or a physical health condition (e.g., thyroid problems). Always consider the broader context of symptoms rather than attributing them to a single condition.
   
   

4. Be mindful of how you feel while scrolling : If certain content repeatedly triggers negative emotions or makes you question your mental health, take a moment to pause, reflect, or consider taking a break from social media to regain perspective.
   
   

5. Pay attention to patterns in your daily life:  Your real-world experiences are more important than trying to match symptoms described in reels or posts.
   
   

6. Remember that social media prioritizes engagement, not accuracy: Seeing similar posts repeatedly doesn’t mean they apply to you or serve as a diagnosis.
   
   

7. Finally, social media is not a substitute for professional help :  If you’re concerned about your mental health, always consult a licensed therapist or psychiatrist.

Remember, understanding your mental health is not about labeling yourself—it’s about learning, growing, and finding the right support to live a balanced and fulfilling life.”

At Mindville, we’re here to help you navigate through the noise, offering you a safe space with accurate, reliable, and easy-to-understand mental health resources. Click Here to know more.