Augusta County, Virginia (WHSV) – As social media continues to evolve, we learn more about social media usage and the impact it can have.
Platforms like TikTok can have negative impacts, but behavioral health experts at Augusta Health say they also have many benefits.
“I would definitely come to a patient and say, ‘I didn’t realize I was going through this particular thing,’ and I thought, ‘That’s my story.’ said.
TikTok provides a space for creators to destigmatize mental health and therapy. They share their experiences and encourage others to practice mindfulness and know they are not alone.
“Someone’s shared lived experience is one of the most powerful tools in therapy, and even healing in general,” said Kendall. “We are a small community and sometimes people look for a specific support group and they don’t find it, but on that kind of platform they do.”
Like most things, TikTok has its ups and downs. Using TikTok as a mental health space can be incredibly helpful, but it often leads people to self-diagnose.
“I get sick of people making very specific declarations: ‘Absolutely 100% if you have these symptoms, you have this disorder.'” People self-diagnosing based on what they see on TikTok can cause unnecessary panic and distress, or misdirection. “
Kendall says he’s seen it as a provider, and it’s a good place to start conversations about specific struggles and feelings.
Because of TikTok’s role as a conversation starter and awareness tool, Kendall said he wants to encourage parents to allow their teens to use the app.
“I tend to advise parents because it can be a very strong and powerful community [not to] Truncate completely. It’s important to discuss and have real conversations about safe internet behavior. What do you see? Can we do it together? “
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