Is therapy speak going viral helping or hurting?
Online mental health content can offer language, comfort, and connection for those curious or struggling, but remember it’s a starting point, not the whole journey.
If you’ve spent time on short video platforms lately, you’ve likely come across content discussing mental health topics, like burnout and attachment styles, or hashtags, like #MentalHealthAwareness and #MentalHealthMatters. Alongside these videos, we’ve seen a rise in “therapy speak,” the everyday use of psychological phrases, such as ‘trauma response’ or ‘gaslighting.’Â These videos often introduce language that helps viewers put words to what they’re feeling, and sometimes, just hearing someone describe something you’ve experienced can be surprisingly validating.
While the rise in mental health content is great, it’s not always perfect. A 2025 investigation by the Guardian looked at the top 100 TikToks using the #mentalhealthtips hashtag. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and academic experts were invited by the Guardian to review those Tiktoks and give their expert opinions. Although not formal research, reviewers found that more than half of the videos included some form of misinformation, like misusing clinical terms or promoting quick fixes that aren’t backed by evidence. That doesn’t mean creators have bad intentions, as many share their experiences in hopes of helping others. However, because this content is often personal, it can be hard to tell the difference between lived experience and personal advice. Lived experiences tell us what actually helped a person but might not work for everyone. On the other hand, personal advice offers suggestions based on a person’s situation. While such advice can be useful in the right context, it can also pose risks, particularly when it comes from someone you do not know and who does not know you. That said, it’s worth noting that academic research on this topic is still quite limited.
So, is all this helping or hurting? The answer is that it can be both. This kind of content opens up conversations that may have felt off-limits for many people. It also can help reduce stigma and make people feel less alone. However, without context or professional guidance, it can confuse, mislead, or delay someone from getting the care they need. The social media format is not built for how personal and complex mental health is, and algorithms don’t always prioritize accuracy.
The next time you begin to scroll through mental health content, here are a few things you might keep in mind:
🔹Relatable doesn’t always mean reliable.
You might watch a video on “emotional burnout” or “high-functioning anxiety” and think, that’s me! That moment of recognition matters. However, use it as a prompt to learn more and explore those feelings further.
🔹Personal stories may be meaningful, but they’re not the same as professional advice.
Someone talking about their trauma, ADHD, or healing journey can offer insight, but their journey may not reflect what’s right for yours.
🔹Therapy speak can be helpful, but those terms deserve care.
Words like “narcissist” or “triggered” can help explain someone’s life experiences, but they lose meaning when used casually or to shut down conversations. Use these words thoughtfully.
🔹Feeling seen is real, and so is needing more.
When a post brings up past emotions, it might be a sign that you need more than just validation — you may need a conversation with a trusted support person. Balance what you take in online with genuine in-person support. You deserve both.
🔹Pause if your feed starts to feel heavy.
If posts leave you anxious or stuck in comparison or other emotions, take a break or change what you’re following. Mental health content should be helpful and not leave you feeling drained.
🔹Mental health is complex- your scroll doesn’t need to be.
Set boundaries that protect your peace. You’re allowed to be selective, and you don’t need to take in every post or trend.
As you scroll, stay curious, and give yourself permission to question what doesn’t sit right. You’re learning more about yourself, and that process takes time, care, and room to grow. Let what you take in support that journey.
