James Donaldson on Mental Health - Teen Self-Diagnosis and How to Respond

Why teens self-diagnose A key task of adolescence is exploring and developing one’s identity.

Fortunately (or unfortunately), the internet gives teens ample access to just about every interest group under the sun.

It is no surprise, then, that teens explore these communities and latch on to labels when they see a commonality between themselves and others.

Complicating matters, uncertainty about who you are and what you value can be a symptom of some disorders, such as borderline personality disorder (BPD) .

Teens might see thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are a normal part of adolescent identity exploration described online as pathological and problematic.

Adolescence is also a period when many kids feel incredibly aware of peers’ perceptions and their own perceived flaws.

Things as ordinary as bumping into furniture, having elaborate daydreams, or feeling awkward in social situations, which seem normal to adults, can be embarrassing for teens.

For someone desperately looking for belonging and compassion, hearing that others with a certain diagnosis share their experience can be highly reassuring and validating.

Communities focused around mental health on social media platforms flourish in part because technology-based communication can feel safer and more accepting, particularly for less mainstream identities.

Online interactions offer the possibility of anonymity, selective disclosure, time to think before responding — and an easy way to exit if faced with an uncomfortable situation.