The Perils of Self-Diagnosing Mental Health: From Teenagers to the Boardroom

I consider myself lucky. My teenage daughter actually talks to me—a lot, which is rare by today’s standards.

One evening, she came home visibly upset. One of her friends had told her he was a misunderstood genius with ADHD. Self-diagnosed, of course—after a weekend binge of mental health content on TikTok. Another friend, overwhelmed by exam stress, had started popping anti-anxiety pills—no prescription, no medical guidance. Later that week, a young relative asked me if her mom might have OCD. I asked why. She said, “Because she’s obsessed with cleaning my room.” I reassured her, “That’s not OCD, that’s parenting.”

I realized all these stories had something in common: young people making serious mental health judgments based on what they’re seeing and hearing online. Social media isn’t just shaping opinions—it’s replacing diagnosis.

But this trend isn’t limited to teenagers. Increasingly, even working professionals are falling into the same trap.

Self-Diagnosis Is Not Self-Care

Mental health awareness has finally become mainstream—and that’s a good thing. But the next wave of challenge is clear: the growing habit of self-diagnosing mental health conditions based on internet content or pop psychology.

From “ADHD burnout” to “high-functioning anxiety” to “toxic productivity,” complex clinical terms are being used loosely—often without any real understanding.

📊 According to a study published in PLOS One, over 52% of the most viewed ADHD-related videos on TikTok were misleading, and only 21% were created by professionals.

🧠 In Australia, 49% of Gen Z and 33% of millennials turn to Instagram or TikTok for mental health advice over professionals (Growth Distillery x Medibank survey, 2024).

India's Unique Mental Health Landscape

India adds another layer of complexity: low awareness, high stigma, and a massive treatment gap.

A 2024 joint study by IIT Jodhpur and Ohio University showed that less than 1% of Indians self-report mental illness, despite the prevalence being significantly higher. The reason? Fear of being labeled, lack of access, and limited mental health literacy.

⚕️ India has only 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people—a quarter of WHO’s minimum recommendation.

In this vacuum, social media often fills the gap. But it doesn’t always fill it responsibly.

Now Enter: The Workplace

The same trend of self-diagnosis is seeping into boardrooms and break rooms.

Employees are increasingly identifying themselves (or their colleagues) as “burned out,” “neurodivergent,” or “toxic,” based on articles, Instagram posts, or viral videos—not based on any formal diagnosis or HR support.

This creates confusion, misplaced interventions, and even deeper burnout. It also makes it harder for organizations to separate legitimate health needs from internet-fueled misinterpretations.

So, What Can Companies Do?

At Diversity Pro, we work with organizations to help navigate this landscape through our DEI for Mental Health framework. Our approach goes beyond surface-level inclusion by embedding mental health understanding into your diversity and wellness strategies.

Here’s how we help companies shift from performative to proactive:

✅ Mental Health Literacy Workshops

• Helping teams understand the difference between awareness and diagnosis
• Teaching managers how to support employees without becoming pseudo-therapists

✅ Training Leaders on Responsible Language

• Why terms like “OCD,” “bipolar,” or “anxious” shouldn't be used casually
• How to model empathetic but accurate conversations

✅ Wellness Audits

• Mapping organizational stress triggers
• Identifying risk factors for burnout and underperformance

✅ Policies That Protect & Empower

• Inclusive leave structures for mental health
• Access to verified therapists and support helplines

We also integrate content vetting strategies for internal communications, to ensure employees aren’t inadvertently picking up misinformation in workplace newsletters or wellness campaigns.

To Individuals: Be Curious, Not Clinical

If you’re feeling off, that’s valid. But feeling off isn’t a diagnosis.

Self-awareness is great. But we need to pair that awareness with evidence-based help, not online checklists or 30-second reels. Mental health is nuanced. It deserves more than a Google search.

To Parents, Managers, and Leaders: Create Safe, Informed Spaces

Ask, listen, support—but don’t assume. Be the bridge between concern and care.

We all have a role in dismantling stigma. But we also have a role in dismantling the myth that a video or a quiz can replace real, professional support.

In Closing

Let’s not confuse awareness with accuracy. In trying to destigmatize mental health, we must also avoid trivializing it.

If you’re a leader, HR professional, or decision-maker looking to create meaningful mental health strategies within your organization, reach out to us at Diversity Pro. Let’s build workplaces where people feel safe to speak—and safe to seek the right kind of help.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please consult a qualified professional. In India, resources like the iCall helpline (9152987821) offer free and confidential support.Call helpline (9152987821) offer free and confidential support.

📞 Want to know more about our DEI for Mental Health training programs? Drop me a message at info@curiouscatalyst.in or just WhatsApp at 8898061280