Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin

192 - When Self-Help Hurts: The Dark Side of Mental Health Trends

Mar 7, 2025

16:10

Are social media influencers shaping how we view mental health—for better or worse? The growing trend of "Instagram therapy" is distorting what it truly means to heal and grow. From oversimplified “self-love” advice to outright inaccuracies, it's important to learn the truth about what’s helpful, what’s harmful, and how to develop real mental strength in today's world.

Some of the things I share are:

The rise of trendy "therapy speak" on social media—and why terms like "gaslighting" and "boundary setting" are often misused or misunderstood.
How misinformation and oversimplifications in mental health content can do more harm than good.
The dangers of self-diagnosis based on TikTok or Instagram quizzes
Why the constant focus on “healing” can create unrealistic expectations and unnecessary pressure.
The cultural obsession with protecting one’s peace and the downside of doing so.
Red flags to watch out for when consuming mental health content online.
Actionable tips for curating a healthier feed, including following evidence-based sources and engaging in offline practices for mental health.

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