Recently, mental health apps and self-help trends have taken social media by storm, claiming that if users exhibit a certain behaviour or trait, they have a mental illness. Mental health apps, such as BetterHelp, Sanvello, and Happify, are gaining popularity due to their convenience and health-promoting benefits. However, this is not the case. These trends and apps are spreading misinformation and exploiting it due to the engagement they receive.
Many of these trends and apps simplify or dramatize the symptoms of mental illnesses, and they are benefiting from it. They are also promoting self-help and self-diagnosis, which is extremely troubling, because having a mental health issue isn’t a quirk or a trait; it’s something that, in some cases, can confine someone.
It is important to note that only professional help can alleviate or lessen some aspects of the mental illness, but even then, in some cases, it never truly goes “away”.
BetterHelp, for instance, is an infamous online therapy tool that has been criticized for its inconsistent quality. It helps connect users with online therapists; however, it may not be as effective as one-on-one therapy. According to Psychology.org, “without body language and nonverbal cues, communication can feel limited. Also, patients should not assume a therapist is available 24/7 virtually.” If the patient needs more intensive therapy, BetterHelp’s usefulnessmay be limited.
Sanvello is a mobile app that claims to help with anxiety, depression, and stress by blending cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) tools with self-assessment. Still, this can be problematic because it can lead people to self-diagnose, and many of these assessments are inaccurate. Proper diagnoses are done through a psychological assessment, during which psychologists conduct interviews with the person to learn about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. If someone believes they have a mental illness, it is best to seek professional help — there is no shame in that.
Not only do mental health apps contribute to this self-help epidemic, but so do social media trends. One instance of this is mental health TikTok advice or therapy content. TikTok compresses complex psychological theories that are highly debatable into “relatable” 30-second takes. Phrases such as ‘if you do one thing, you might have x, y, or z’ can lead to misdiagnoses and cause serious struggles to be trivialized. Even creators with good intent can oversimplify or dramatize issues for engagement, which ends up confusing rather than helping people.
Another instance of harmful social media trends is “That Girl” routines, which package wellness as perfection. This “lifestyle” includes waking up at 5 am, journaling, drinking green juice, and working out daily. However, it can swap actual emotional well-being for performative productivity and can quietly feed burnout, comparison, and shame.
This is not to say that all mental health apps or self-help trends are a force of evil; some can be quite helpful. One of these helpful apps is called Calm. Calm is not about diagnosing or helping anyone; it focuses on mindfulness and relaxation. The app teaches guided breathing techniques, guided meditations, and sleep stories — all backed by research showing mindfulness can lower stress and improve focus. This app doesn’t promise to help people like many others; it simply provides a space for people to relax and rest.
One practical self-help trend is known as “Soft Life,” and it is a healthy rebellion against grind culture. Instead of glorifying exhaustion and productivity, it values rest, boundaries, and peace. For people burned out by “That Girl” ideals, it’s a reminder that slowing down isn’t lazy — it’s self-respect.
While these tools and methods are effective in some cases, they all work best as add-ons, not replacements for care. A gratitude list won’t heal trauma, but it will build resilience.
In the end, self-help tools and online trends can only go so far. Healing isn’t something people can download or scroll for; it takes time, patience, and guidance. Mental health deserves more than quick fixes — it deserves real care.