Over Half of Top TikTok Mental Health Videos Mislead Viewers

An investigation by The Guardian reveals that over half of the top 100 TikTok videos under the hashtag #mentalhealthtips contain misleading or false information.

From “eating an orange in the shower to relieve anxiety” to unproven supplement claims, many clips use therapy buzzwords and simplify serious conditions like PTSD or depression. Experts warn that such content may cause harm by pathologizing everyday feelings and promoting quick fixes.

Reviewed by psychiatrists and psychologists, the videos often lacked a scientific basis and sometimes discouraged viewers from seeking real medical care. While TikTok says it removes harmful content and links UK users to NHS resources, UK lawmakers question whether the platform’s algorithms are amplifying harmful content faster than regulations can control.

This comes amid broader concerns about how social media spreads misinformation on sensitive issues like mental health, potentially misleading millions of users seeking support.