Self-Diagnosis of Mental Health: The Reality of Online Behavior of Generation Z.

Generation Z, which includes those born between 1997 and 2012, has found ways to balance the search for mental health information online with consulting experts. According to a recent study conducted by the Made of Millions Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mental health advocacy, most young people do not rely solely on self-diagnosing through the internet. In fact, only a small percentage completely trust what they find online to interpret their symptoms.

The study, which included 970 participants aged between 13 and 28, revealed that many of them consult online resources, including social media, while seeking professional care. Of the respondents who reported having a diagnosis, only 5% indicated that they had self-diagnosed without the intention of following up with a specialist. An additional 8% planned to contact a mental health professional after reaching a conclusion on their own. In contrast, nearly three-quarters of the respondents who mentioned a diagnosis did so after consulting a clinician or through a combination of professional support and online research.

Uma Chatterjee, a neuroscientist and mental health advocate, promotes the use of digital platforms to seek information about symptoms and diagnoses. She believes that such searches can help validate them, especially when it comes to conditions like OCD, which are often misunderstood. Chatterjee emphasizes the importance of young people following certain strategies when educating themselves about their mental health online. Upon feeling that a diagnosis may fit their experience, she suggests consulting trusted medical and nonprofit organizations that focus on the identified disorder, as well as seeking local mental health professionals.

Chatterjee also advises that after self-diagnosing, young people should continue consulting with a clinician. If the self-diagnosis is incorrect, they are unlikely to receive the proper tools for their recovery. Moreover, relying solely on social media advice, even from figures who appear to be experts, can pose risks, such as exposure to misinformation and ineffective treatments.

Theresa Nguyen, a research specialist at Mental Health America, comments that young people are improving their mental health literacy through online searches, which range from reading about symptoms to participating in forums and using mental health assessment tests. Each year, millions of people in the United States utilize these assessments, enabling them to bring the results to a doctor or therapist for follow-up.

However, the use of mental health labels on social media can create the perception that Generation Z treats these conditions as passing trends. Chatterjee notes that accessing conversations about mental health online can empower young people, but it can also lead to misinformation. It is essential for those navigating these topics to be critical of the content they consume and to evaluate the credentials of those they follow.

An example of this is Angel, a 23-year-old diagnosed with OCD. After receiving an incorrect diagnosis in his adolescence, he dedicated himself to researching more about his condition online, finding a supportive community in the process, although he also faced risks by immersing himself in forums. Realizing that he was spending too much time on networks dedicated to his situation, he decided to reduce his usage to maintain a balance in his emotional well-being.

Angel expresses that while the internet can be a useful tool, its effectiveness depends on how it's used. So far, he has learned to filter information, striving to focus on content that provides him with practical strategies for managing his disorder.