The risks of self-diagnosing a mental health problem

Many of us use the internet and social media to learn more about our mental health. With a vast amount of information available, it’s common to seek answers online. However, this can lead to self-diagnosing mental health conditions, where individuals assign themselves a mental health diagnosis that appears to match their symptoms. This process is also commonly referred to as self-labelling. While it can be tempting to label yourself based on what you read or see, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks of this approach.

Why are some people self-diagnosing?

When you experience emotional distress, you may find it helpful for others to understand and validate your experience. This is an important part of processing and regulating your emotions. Sometimes, you might not know how to communicate your feelings. Alternatively, you might try to communicate these feelings but find that the people around you do not seem to understand what you’re going through. In these situations, it is natural to look for a description of your experience that appears to fit.

For some people, self-diagnosing provides an opportunity to communicate their emotional distress in a way that others can understand and take seriously. The problem is that self-applying a label can limit opportunities for other people to truly get to know you and understand your experience. That’s because there is more to you and your story than any one description or mental health diagnosis.

All people, whether they experience a mental health difficulty or not, are more than a label. Finding ways to communicate how you feel to trusted people in your life is a valuable life skill. Finding people to support you who are empathic and truly validating of your experience should not depend on a mental health diagnosis.

What are the risks of self-diagnosing a mental health condition?

Self-diagnosing mental health issues can feel like it’s the best choice, especially when you have limited access to mental health services or sources of good quality information about mental health. However, self-diagnosing mental health conditions can be harmful in several ways, including:

• Misinterpretation of symptoms: With increased mental health awareness, more people are now able to recognise the symptoms of various mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression. While greater awareness has had immense benefits, it can also lead people to mistake everyday changes in mood for serious mental health conditions
• Inaccurate self-labelling: Without professional guidance, it’s easy to misdiagnose yourself. You might think you have a condition that you don’t, which could lead you to worry unnecessarily or turn to coping mechanisms that are not appropriate for your situation
• Self-fulfilling prophecy: If you have labelled yourself with a mental health condition, without consulting a qualified professional, you may begin to act in ways that you think fit that label. For example, if you are feeling anxious and assume that you are experiencing an anxiety disorder, you might give yourself permission to avoid situations that make you feel anxious. This avoidance can, in turn, make your anxiety worse over time, reinforcing the belief that you have an anxiety disorder
• Delaying appropriate treatment: Relying on self-diagnosis can delay getting the right help. If you misdiagnose yourself, you might not seek the appropriate treatment or support that a professional could offer

If you are leaning towards self-diagnosing because you’re facing barriers to accessing a professional mental health diagnosis, you can still take proactive steps and engage in self-help activities to help manage your difficulties or emotional distress. You can find more information on self-care and positive coping techniques in our articles on changing unhelpful thought patterns and regulating difficult emotions.

The difference between a mental health condition and emotional distress

It can be hard to know if what you’re feeling is a sign of a mental health condition or just part of life’s ups and downs. Sometimes, emotional distress is a normal response to a stressful or traumatic event, like losing a loved one, going through a breakup, or facing a big transition. Other times, natural mood swings can happen due to things like hormonal changes, lack of sleep, or everyday stress.

It’s important to know that you can have mental health ‘symptoms’ without actually having a mental health condition. A condition is usually diagnosed based on how many symptoms you have, how they impact your functioning in everyday life, and how long they last. Also, many mental health conditions share similar symptoms, so you might think you have one set of difficulties, but your symptom(s) could actually stem from something else.

Questions to help clarify what you’re experiencing

To help you figure out whether what you’re experiencing might be a diagnosable mental health condition or more temporary distress, ask yourself these questions:

• How long have I been feeling this way? If your symptoms have been persistent for weeks or months, it could be more than just a temporary mood swing
• Are my feelings or behaviours affecting my daily life? If your mental distress is making it hard to go to school, work, or maintain relationships, it might be time to seek professional help
• Is there an obvious cause? If your distress started after a specific event, like a breakup or losing a job, it might be a natural response to that situation. If there’s no clear reason, or the feelings are much stronger than you’d expect, it might be something more serious
• Is there a cyclical or seasonal pattern to my mood changes? If you are experiencing intense mood changes that seem to follow a definite pattern, it might be helpful to explore whether there’s an underlying condition that needs attention
• How intense are my symptoms? If your distress is overwhelming and you are struggling to cope on your own, it is best to discuss your symptoms with a mental health professional

Asking these questions can help you better understand what you’re going through and whether it might be time to reach out for professional support.

Can I find out what is wrong with me online?

When you search for explanations of your mental health symptoms online, you’ll find lots of different sources of information, from blogs to government websites. The quality and reliability of these sources varies greatly. While the internet can be a useful tool for learning about mental health, it’s important to critically evaluate the sources you come across and remember that online information should not replace professional medical advice.

Critically evaluating a source means carefully checking if the information is reliable, accurate, and comes from a trustworthy expert or organisation. If you’re wondering which sources are reliable and which aren’t, here’s how to tell the difference:

Reliable Sources

Examples of reliable sources might include websites from mental health charities like Aware, the Health Service Executive (HSE), or established third-level universities and research institutions. These sources provide accurate information and practical advice based on the latest scientific research.

Reliable websites often provide videos or articles created by qualified mental health professionals. Even if an article was written by a staff writer, the article should clearly state that it was validated or “fact checked” by a relevant mental health professional.

Unreliable Sources

Less reliable sources are often found on personal blogs, forums, or social media posts written by individuals who are not qualified mental health professionals. This type of information is often based on personal opinions, emotional reasoning, or misinformation rather than scientific evidence. It is best not to rely solely on this type of content since it can be misleading, and might not provide a clear or accurate picture of your mental health.

Questions for judging if an online source is trustworthy

Asking certain questions can help you tell if a source is trustworthy. The next time you come across a social media post or article containing mental health information, consider asking yourself the following questions before making any health-related decisions:

• Who wrote or produced this content? Are they qualified to speak on mental health topics?
• Where is this information coming from? Is it backed by research, or is it just someone’s personal experience?
• Is the content balanced? Does it present both sides of an issue or just one perspective?
• Are there references? Does the source provide links or citations to research studies? If there are no references, does the article clearly state that it has been fact-checked by an expert?
• What’s the purpose of this content? Is it to inform and educate, or does it seem like it’s trying to sell something?

When should I see a doctor?

You should consider seeing a doctor if your mental health symptoms are persistent, severe, or significantly affecting your daily life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unable to cope, or if your mood, thoughts, or behaviours are worrying you, it’s a good idea to book an appointment with your GP. They can help diagnose any issues, provide treatment options, and refer you to a specialist if needed. Don’t hesitate to seek help, especially if you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges to self-harm.

For more information and guidance on reaching out for help, read our factsheet on talking to your GP about your mental health.

I don’t agree with my GP’s diagnosis, what should I do?

If you don’t agree with your GP’s diagnosis, it’s important to speak up and share your concerns. You can ask for more information about how they reached their conclusion and discuss any symptoms you think were overlooked. If you still feel unsure, it’s okay to seek a second opinion from another doctor. Your mental health care is a partnership with shared decision-making, and it’s essential that you feel heard and understood in the process.

Read more about my rights to mental health treatment as a young person.

When should I see a therapist?

You might see a counsellor or psychotherapist if you’re struggling with ongoing emotional difficulties, relationship issues, or stress that you feel unable to manage on your own. While GPs can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medications in some cases, therapists focus on helping you explore your feelings, develop coping strategies, and work through personal challenges over time.

For more information on going to therapy, check out our factsheet on accessing counselling and psychotherapy. If private counselling isn’t affordable, you might want to explore free and low-cost options through the National Counselling Service or MyMind. Just remember that with these services, you may only get a limited number of therapy sessions.

If you seek counselling, keep in mind that counsellors and psychotherapists cannot diagnose mental health conditions or prescribe medication. However, they can offer valuable support through talking therapies and can be an important part of your overall mental health care.

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