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Navigating Mental Health Content on Social Media

Troubled teen girl looking at her phone
Troubled teen girl looking at her phone

What does it mean for information to be “evidence-based”?

Social media has no shortage of information. While it’s been said countless times that you can’t trust everything you read on the internet, how do you really know what’s true and what isn’t?  

When you’re looking to learn more about your mental health, it’s especially important to seek out evidence-based content. “Evidence-based” means the information is supported by results from controlled and repeated research studies that were conducted by trusted sources. These sources don’t rely on personal stories or assumptions – they stick to facts that are proven by recent research.

Who posts evidence-based content on social media?

Not everyone who posts about mental health is posting accurate, evidence-based information. Here are some questions to ask when you're scrolling through content online:

  • What credentials does this creator have? Are they a healthcare professional? Does the post include reliable sources for the information they are sharing (such as included links to a study or larger organization)?

    Note: Do not take medical advice from non-medical professionals. Even if you are viewing posts from a doctor, therapist, or other clinician, keep in mind that social media posts are not meant to serve as medical advice.  

  • Is this post coming from an individual or an organization such as a hospital, clinic, or mental health-focused nonprofit organization?  

    Note: While you should use caution on social media in general, organizations tend to be more reliable than individuals.  

  • Do the ideas mentioned in this post tie back to any scientific research or established medical guidance?

    Note: If a creator can’t tie their arguments back to up-to-date research findings from a reliable source, they are not posting evidence-based content.

  • Does the creator use absolute words like “all,” “never,” or “must”?

    Note: This is a red flag that the creator may not be stating evidence-based information.

I found a post that seems relevant and helpful to me. What should I do?

While you should not make any changes to your treatment plan without talking with your care team, it's possible that you may come across something on social media that provokes a thought such as: “I wonder if that coping strategy could work for me” or “I wonder if that explains why I struggle with ______.”  

Before switching up your mental health routine, bookmark the post so that you can refer back to it before having a conversation with your provider.  

Keep in mind that interacting with a post on social media may cause the app to show you more content about the same topic. If it could be triggering for you to keep seeing posts about mental health on your feed, do not bookmark, like, or comment on any posts about the topic, and consider muting or blocking certain keywords and creators.

Should I use social media to research issues related to mental health?

Social media, when used cautiously, can be a powerful tool for building community and forming connections, both of which may be important to your mental health journey. But not everyone on social media, including people with good intentions, uses evidence-based practices, and this can create tension and confusion.

Think of your care team as having the ultimate blue check mark. While there is an abundance of information about mental health on social media, it is not a replacement for guidance from your doctor or therapist.  

If you would like to learn more about mental health, the best way to ensure you are viewing evidence-based content is to ask your care team which online sources they recommend for additional information.

Get immediate help

SAMHSA helpline
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year mental health treatment referral.
800-662-HELP (4357)
Teen Link
Teen Link is a confidential and anonymous helpline for teens. Call or text between the hours of 6:00pm - 9:30pm. 866-833-6546
866-833-6546