In the world of internet and social media, it has become increasingly easy for people to self-diagnose any health issue. Whether it is classifying a simple headache as a brain tumor or turning a simple itch into cancer, self-diagnosis is known to cause a lot of stress for no particular reason. This theory also extends to self-diagnosing mental disorders. While the widespread knowledge and awareness of mental illnesses are commendable, the number of people who are diagnosing themselves with mental illness is also a scary affair.

People who may be a little-stressed call it anxiety, sadness is labeled as depression, but refusing to seek professional help is extremely problematic in various fronts. While it is true that the stress levels in the world are increasing and the internet may very well be helpful in battling these issues, self-diagnosis has never been and will never be beneficial to anyone. People who have been battling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, and other mental health issues know the struggles and pain associated with it.

Mental-health

Source: Financial Tribune

However, when more and more people begin to self-diagnose, the solemnity of the issue begins to dissolve. I am not saying that people who are stressed, overworked, sad or moody, are not suffering, but to compare it to a mental illness, just because the internet told you so is not the right way. We all have to cope with different issues, some more serious than the others, however, the best way to tackle these issues is by talking to people instead of the internet.

The internet has done many positive things to help people who are suffering from mental illnesses. From providing easy access to psychologists online, to make it possible to get therapy sessions on chats and video calls, the positive contributions to mental health awareness is commendable. However, at the same time, we need to address the issue of self-diagnosis of mental illnesses that need to stop. If you do in fact feel that your symptoms are more serious, the best way forward would be to talk to a professional, and not believe every article that diagnoses your symptoms.