07/29/2025
Social media and influencers hold a large role in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, and we 💗 that every day, more and more people are talking about their mental health as a result. There is a downside: misinformation spreads fast and wide. As seen in the shared post below, "One recent analysis found that over 80% of TikTok videos tagged with or were misleading."
To know if something about mental health on social media is true, look at who is saying it. Are they a real, licensed doctor or therapist, or just sharing their own story? Good information usually says where it came from, citing a trusted source such as the American Psychological Association or National Institute of Mental Health, and the information doesn't make big promises like "this will fix everything fast." Be cautious of content that promises quick fixes, uses fear-based language, or encourages you to diagnose yourself.
You can also ask a trusted clinical or behavioral health provider (BHP) about something you heard or read online. Having access to these professionals is invaluable for getting accurate, personalized guidance. Each day at CCHS, clinicians work alongside BHPs to help set YOU, our patients, up for success.
Beyond consulting with your healthcare team, here are a few great websites to help you fact-check and research:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/site.html
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/