Recently, I found myself unexpectedly thrust into a heated debate on TikTok after sharing my concerns about self-diagnosis in mental health. In just 30 seconds, I went from sharing what I believed to be a thoughtful perspective to being “TickTock torched” by countless people who assumed a lot about me from that brief clip. Comments flooded in, accusing me of privilege, claiming that I don’t understand the struggles of those navigating the mental health system, and insisting that diagnosis is “bullcrap.” Others expressed anger at therapists who have misdiagnosed them or let them down, arguing that the entire system is broken.
This experience was jarring, to say the least, but it also served as a stark reminder of how deeply personal and complex the conversation around mental health truly is. It’s clear that as a community, we have a lot of work to do in addressing these issues with empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of the varied experiences that shape our views.
A Broken System and the Struggle to Provide Care
Let me start by acknowledging a truth that many people expressed: the mental health system is indeed broken in many ways. Access to quality care is uneven, often determined by privilege, and too many people find themselves navigating a labyrinth of barriers, from financial constraints to long waitlists, to misdiagnoses by overworked or undertrained professionals. The frustration and pain that people feel are real, and it’s something I encounter often in my work.
As someone who has dedicated my life to mental health, I understand these frustrations. It was these very challenges that led to the founding of AMR Therapy, where a team of incredibly dedicated, diverse, and skilled therapists work tirelessly to provide care. Many of these professionals are committed to working below their financial capacity because they believe deeply in our mission of making mental health care affordable and accessible to everyone, especially those who have been historically underserved. However, they, too, face their own struggles—balancing the desire to provide inclusive, high-quality care with the realities of running a sustainable practice in a flawed system.
The Risks of Self-Diagnosis and the Importance of Professional Guidance
In my original TikTok post, I shared concerns about the risks of self-diagnosis. It’s not that I believe diagnosis is infallible or that all therapists are beyond critique—far from it. Diagnosis can be done poorly, and when that happens, it can lead to significant harm. But when done correctly, it can be an essential tool in understanding and treating mental health conditions.
Self-diagnosis, on the other hand, can be a dangerous path. While it’s empowering for individuals to research and learn about their own mental health, labeling oneself without professional guidance can lead to further stigmatization, misunderstandings, and even inappropriate self-treatment. Misdiagnosis by a professional is one thing, but self-misdiagnosis adds another layer of complexity and risk, potentially leading to behaviors or mindsets that may not be helpful or appropriate.
This doesn’t mean people shouldn’t educate themselves. On the contrary, being informed about one’s mental health is crucial. But that education should be balanced with professional insight to ensure that the conclusions one draws are accurate and beneficial.
Navigating Privilege and Working Toward Accessible Care
I want to directly address the accusations of privilege. I acknowledge that I do have certain privileges, and that not everyone has the same access to quality mental health care. The anger and pain expressed by those who feel left out or harmed by the system are valid, and they underscore a critical issue: our mental health care system needs significant reform.
At AMR Therapy, a core part of our mission is to make mental health care more accessible and inclusive. We offer affordable and flexible Continuing Education courses aimed at helping mental health professionals avoid misdiagnosis and provide the best care possible. We also push for systemic changes that prioritize inclusivity and access for all, especially those who have been historically underserved.
A Call for Compassion and Understanding
What this experience has taught me is how much work we still have to do—not just in fixing the mental health system, but in how we communicate and understand each other in this digital age. A 30-second video clip can’t capture the nuances of a complex issue, yet it can trigger deep emotional responses that reflect years of personal pain and frustration. The intensity of the reactions I received on TikTok speaks volumes about the need for more compassionate and in-depth discussions around mental health.
As a mental health professional, my priority is to help people navigate their mental health journeys safely and effectively. Diagnosis, when done right, is a valuable tool, but it’s not the whole story. The system needs to improve, and we all need to work together to ensure that everyone has access to the care they deserve. At the same time, we need to approach these conversations with empathy, recognizing that our perspectives are shaped by our experiences, and that those experiences vary widely.
So, while the debate continues, my position remains rooted in a commitment to improving the system, advocating for better care, and supporting those who need it. Let’s work together to create a mental health care system that truly serves everyone, and let’s do so with empathy, understanding, and a willingness to listen.
