Millions of people turn to TikTok every day not just for entertainment, but increasingly for advice about their mental health. But a recent investigation has revealed a troubling trend: more than half of the top 100 mental health tip videos under the hashtag #mentalhealthtips contain misleading or inaccurate information.
The analysis, conducted by The Guardian and reviewed by a panel of mental health professionals—including psychologists, psychiatrists, and academics—found that 52 out of 100 videos offered guidance riddled with misinformation, questionable “hacks,” and oversimplified advice for complex mental health conditions. Other videos were deemed vague or not particularly helpful.
When Misinformation Goes Viral
Some of the most popular videos suggested unusual tactics—like eating an orange while taking a shower to reduce anxiety—or promoted unverified supplements such as saffron, magnesium glycinate, and holy basil. Others made far-reaching claims, including promises to heal trauma in under an hour. More alarmingly, many videos implied that common emotional experiences were signs of severe mental disorders such as borderline personality disorder or emotional abuse.
These videos often come from influencers or unqualified individuals speaking from personal experience. While well-intentioned, their tips can spread fast—regardless of their accuracy—thanks to TikTok’s algorithm, which boosts catchy, emotionally charged content.
Mental Health Experts Raise Red Flags
Dr. David Okai, a consultant neuropsychiatrist at King’s College London, expressed concern about how psychological language is being distorted online. He reviewed anxiety and depression-related content in the investigation and found many videos were confusing critical clinical concepts.
“Terms like ‘wellbeing,’ ‘anxiety,’ and ‘mental disorder’ are being used interchangeably,” he explained. “That kind of language blurs the line between everyday stress and actual clinical diagnoses, leading people to misunderstand what mental illness truly is.”
Dr. Okai also cautioned that personal anecdotes presented as universal truths could do more harm than good. “Advice based on individual experience is not necessarily safe or effective for everyone,” he said.
Everyday Emotions Are Being Pathologized
Former UK health minister and practicing NHS psychiatrist Dr. Dan Poulter reviewed content related to more severe mental health conditions. He found several videos that interpreted ordinary emotional responses—like sadness or anger—as symptoms of serious psychiatric disorders.
“This kind of content can trivialize what people with real mental illnesses go through,” Poulter warned. “It also risks misleading vulnerable viewers who might self-diagnose and delay seeking proper help.”
Reducing Complex Trauma to Soundbites
Amber Johnston, a psychologist accredited by the British Psychological Society, examined trauma-focused content and found that even videos with a kernel of truth often oversimplified the subject.
“Trauma and PTSD are deeply personal and varied experiences,” she said. “Yet these clips suggest everyone experiences them the same way—and that healing can be found in a 30-second video.”
Johnston added that these oversimplified “tips” can backfire, leaving viewers feeling more isolated or ashamed when the advice doesn’t help.
Lawmakers Push for Regulation
The findings have caught the attention of UK lawmakers. Chi Onwurah, Labour MP and chair of the Technology Committee, said the government must ensure the Online Safety Act (OSA) has the power to regulate the algorithms that amplify harmful content.
“Platforms like TikTok are designed to recommend emotionally engaging posts, which often means misleading content spreads faster,” Onwurah said. “We need to close the loopholes in current legislation to better protect public health.”
Victoria Collins, a Liberal Democrat MP, called the report “damning” and urged swift action to shield users—especially younger audiences—from harmful mental health misinformation.
Paulette Hamilton, Labour MP and chair of the Health and Social Care Committee, emphasized that social media “tips” should never be a substitute for professional care.
The Psychiatric Community Responds
Professor Bernadka Dubicka, the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ online safety lead, acknowledged that social media can help normalize conversations around mental health. However, she stressed that diagnoses and treatment plans should only come from qualified professionals.
“While awareness is good, it’s not enough,” she said. “What people really need is access to evidence-based information and proper support systems.”
TikTok Defends Its Platform
TikTok responded by defending its community as one where users share authentic experiences and support one another. A company spokesperson stated that 98% of harmful content is removed proactively, before it is flagged by users. TikTok also said it works with the World Health Organization and the NHS to promote credible mental health resources.
“We value free expression, and many people use TikTok to document their mental health journeys,” the spokesperson said. “This investigation overlooks the importance of allowing people to share their stories.”
The platform also redirects UK users searching mental health terms like “anxiety” or “depression” to official NHS information pages.
