192 - When Self-Help Hurts: The Dark Side of Mental Health Trends

Are social media influencers shaping how we view mental health—for better or worse? The growing trend of "Instagram therapy" is distorting what it truly means to heal and grow. From oversimplified “self-love” advice to outright inaccuracies, it's important to learn the truth about what’s helpful, what’s harmful, and how to develop real mental strength in today's world. Some of the things I share are: The rise of trendy "therapy speak" on social media—and why terms like "gaslighting" and "boundary setting" are often misused or misunderstood. How misinformation and oversimplifications in mental health content can do more harm than good. The dangers of self-diagnosis based on TikTok or Instagram quizzes Why the constant focus on “healing” can create unrealistic expectations and unnecessary pressure. The cultural obsession with protecting one’s peace and the downside of doing so. Red flags to watch out for when consuming mental health content online. Actionable tips for curating a healthier feed, including following evidence-based sources and engaging in offline practices for mental health. Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger. Connect with the Show Buy Amy's books on mental strength Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor Sponsors OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Calm - Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at calm.com/STRONGER ZocDoc — Go to Zocdoc.com/STRONGER to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! AirDoctor — Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/mentallystronger! Branch Basics — Get 15% off Branch Basics with the code STRONGER15 at https://branchbasics.com/STRONGER15 #branchbasicspod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices