The viral popularity of mental health content on TikTok has led to a surge in misleading advice and misconceptions, with new research highlighted by The Guardian revealing that misinformation ranges from trivializing serious conditions to promoting unproven treatments. Experts warn that this trend not only stokes confusion but also risks worsening stigma and driving unsafe self-diagnosis—an especially troubling development for young Thais heavily active on the platform.
Mental health issues have become a frontline concern in Thai society, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic intensified stress and isolation among youth and working adults. With TikTok ranking among the most downloaded apps in Thailand and millions of Thai users turning to the platform for support and information, the spread of health misinformation is a pressing national challenge. According to Mental Health Department statistics, Thailand saw significant increases in reported cases of depression and anxiety since 2020, and digital platforms are now a primary health resource for many young adults (Bangkok Post).
The research identifies several main types of misinformation prevalent on TikTok. First is the trend of pathologising normal emotions. Many videos present symptoms like anxiety over changing plans or mood swings as signs of complex disorders like borderline personality disorder. However, such feelings are often part of everyday life, not necessarily clinical symptoms. A therapist and psychology researcher at King’s College London observed that these so-called symptoms can simply reflect the stresses of modern social life, warning that mislabeling them “encourages self-diagnosis and trivializes real disorders” (The Guardian).
Another concerning trend is the misuse of therapeutic language. One widely shared video claims people with bipolar disorder have “rapid mood swings”—a distortion, because medically, bipolar mood states last for weeks, not minutes or hours. A former UK health minister and practicing psychiatrist criticized this, stating: “Misappropriating a mental health diagnosis to wrongly explain or justify behavior trivializes the experience of those suffering from serious mental illnesses.” Misuse of such terminology can deepen misunderstandings and worsen the isolation felt by those with genuine conditions. Similarly, claims that certain behaviors—such as repeated apologies or hypersensitivity to criticism—are exclusively linked to abuse risk overgeneralizing and further muddying complex human relationships.
A third and especially common problem is the proliferation of unevidenced treatments and false claims. Some videos promote writing about trauma for only 15 minutes as a healing method, or tout dietary supplements like saffron and magnesium as anxiety cures. Accredited psychotherapists stress that such techniques “lack research backing, may offer false hope, and even risk retraumatization if attempted without professional guidance.” One psychotherapist added, “Crying can bring relief but not always, and simplistic advice ignores the complexity of emotional processing.” Other videos encourage specific breathing exercises as universal anxiety solutions, but neuropsychiatrists caution that not all techniques are safe or effective for everyone and may, if executed incorrectly, worsen symptoms.
Perhaps most troubling are anecdotal “success stories” that oversimplify psychiatric care. Clips recommending short inpatient admissions based solely on isolated experiences can create misconceptions about their benefits and suitability. A consultant psychiatrist noted, “Hospital admission can reinforce maladaptive coping and is rarely as self-driven or beneficial as social media portrays.” Some clips even discourage patient honesty with healthcare professionals, which could have dangerous repercussions for care pathways.
For Thai society, where mental health stigma still lingers and access to professional care is uneven—especially outside major cities—such misinformation can have outsized impacts. A Ministry of Public Health mental health chief, speaking recently, emphasized that “while the openness about mental health is welcome, social media must not become the source of truth at the expense of clinical expertise.” Thai culture traditionally favors silence or resilience in the face of psychological distress, so young Thais may feel pressure to self-diagnose or self-treat, particularly if reputable resources are scarce or difficult to access (World Health Organization Thailand).
Historically, mental health awareness initiatives—such as campaigns at Thai universities, the “Mind Uplift” digital helpline, and grassroots efforts by Buddhist temples—have sought to counter stigma and connect people with evidence-based resources. Yet these positive efforts risk being drowned out by more easily consumable—but far less accurate—TikTok clips that can go viral within hours.
The evolving landscape suggests that digital literacy and critical evaluation skills should become a core part of school and university curriculums. International models, like Australia’s “eSafety Commissioner” framework, could be adapted for Thailand, empowering young people to discern trustworthy advice from misinformation. As the Thai government moves to strengthen its cyber-wellness policies, psychiatrists from the Mental Health Department recommend partnerships with social media companies to reduce the reach of misleading content and elevate qualified voices, especially in the Thai language.
Looking forward, experts urge greater vigilance among both viewers and creators of mental health content. “No single online post can substitute for clinical assessment or ongoing support from trained mental health professionals,” a Bangkok-based psychiatrist told the Bangkok Post. “Thai youth, parents, and educators need to treat TikTok advice with caution, seek professional opinion for persistent symptoms, and report dubious material.”
In practical terms, Thai users can protect themselves by cross-referencing mental health claims with respected sources such as the Royal College of Psychiatrists of Thailand, the Mental Health Department’s hotline, and global authorities like the World Health Organization. Schools and community organizations should organize open dialogues about online misinformation, while families can foster honest discussion about emotional challenges.
The rise of TikTok’s mental health misinformation is not uniquely a Thai issue, but with Thailand’s distinctive digital landscape and cultural attitudes, its effects take on particular urgency. The opportunity now is to empower Thai society with the critical tools and support structures needed to safely navigate mental health in a digital world.
For further information on evidence-based mental health support in Thailand, visit the Department of Mental Health, Samaritans Thailand, or speak with a licensed healthcare provider.