TikTok and Self-Diagnosis: When to Trust Your Gut and When to Seek Therapy

I’ll admit it—I love TikTok. There’s something about scrolling for twenty minutes, laughing at dog videos, catching up with friends, and finding those creators who just make my day brighter. My friends? Well, they might say they’re the unwilling recipients (or victims) of the endless stream of funny TikToks I send to them.

But as much as TikTok can be an entertaining escape, it also has a downside—especially when it comes to mental health. Lately, I’ve seen more and more videos where therapists (and non-therapists) ask a few vague questions and suddenly "help" people diagnose themselves with serious mental health conditions. And that’s where things get tricky.

At some point, we all experience sadness, anxiety, trouble concentrating, or moments of pure exhaustion—that’s part of being human. Not every difficult emotion means you have a diagnosable disorder that needs to be pathologized or treated with an expensive app promising to "fix" you. Feeling a full range of emotions is natural. The real question is: When do these struggles indicate it’s time to seek therapy?

How Do You Know When It’s Time for Psychotherapy?

My go-to barometer is simple: How is this problem affecting my life?   Here are some questions my clients often ask themselves before starting therapy:

• Am I avoiding social situations that I once enjoyed?

• Have I pulled away from relationships with people I love?

• Am I staying in bed for extended periods of time?

• Do I feel emotionally numb?

• Do I wish I could feel happier but don’t know how?

• Am I struggling with imposter syndrome or constant self-doubt?

If any of these questions resonate with you, therapy might be worth exploring.

What Psychotherapy Can Offer You

Therapy isn’t about labeling emotions as "problems"—it’s about untangling unhelpful thoughts, processing emotions, and learning how to manage life in a way that makes things feel better. I help my clients work through the tough stuff, providing practical tools to shift perspectives, manage emotions, and build resilience.

And just to clear up a common misconception—I don’t sit silently, nod, and ask, How does that make you feel? That’s not my style. I’m an interactive therapist who offers structure, refocusing, and real solutions. I bring 26 years of experience to my sessions, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) strategies to help my clients increase joy and satisfaction in their lives.

Oh, and if you have one of those aha! moments in therapy? You’re going to see me do my silly happy dance—it’s part of the deal.

Let’s Get Started

Mental health is too important to rely on TikTok trends or AI-generated advice. If you’re struggling with any of the signs above, let’s talk. I offer a free 10-minute consultation to see if we’re the right fit. I provide online therapy through a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform, and I’m in-network with Aetna, United Healthcare, and Oxford. I also use ALMA and Headway for insurance billing if I am not in network with your plan. My clients live in New York, New Jersey, and Florida.

You deserve support. Let’s take the next step together. I look forward to meeting you! Please reach out to me through this website or email me at ROBINGLCSWR@GMAIL.COM