Let’s be honest: conversations around mental health have come a long way. More people are opening up about anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma. And that’s a good thing—because for too long, these conversations lived in the shadows.

But along with this openness, something else has quietly crept in: the idea that managing our mental health can be done solo. With a few online quizzes, some Reddit advice, and a quick Google search, it’s now easier than ever to self-diagnose—and, in some cases, self-medicate.

Here’s the problem: mental health isn’t one-size-fits-all. And when it comes to psychiatric medication, going it alone can be not just unhelpful, but dangerous.

The Rise of DIY Diagnosis

TikTok is filled with users posting about symptoms and speculating on diagnoses. ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder—some of these are talked about with the same casual tone you’d use to describe a food allergy or a horoscope sign. There are even websites and services that promise fast-track prescriptions for medications like Adderall, Xanax, or SSRIs—all after just a short quiz or text message exchange.

In an era of convenience, it’s easy to see the appeal. But psychiatry isn’t convenience care. It’s complex, deeply personal, and requires nuance that algorithms and self-assessment tools simply can’t provide.

Why a Prescription Isn’t Just a Pill

Psychiatric medications work on the brain’s chemistry—something we still don’t fully understand. That’s why finding the right medication (and the right dose) often requires careful evaluation, trial, and follow-up with a licensed professional.

Take antidepressants, for example. SSRIs like fluoxetine or sertraline can be life-changing for many people. But they can also cause side effects, interact with other medications, or worsen symptoms if not monitored properly. ADHD medications, often stimulants, can be highly effective—but also highly misused when not taken under a doctor’s care.

A psychiatrist’s role isn’t just to write prescriptions. It’s to assess symptoms, rule out other conditions, understand your history, and determine whether medication is even necessary in the first place. That expertise matters—because treating mental health is not just about treating symptoms. It’s about understanding the person behind them.

The Dangers of Going It Alone

Let’s be clear: people aren’t turning to DIY mental health care because they’re careless. Often, they’re desperate. Long wait times, high costs, and limited access to psychiatrists—especially in rural or underserved areas—leave many people feeling like they have no choice.

But taking psychiatric medication without proper guidance can lead to:

Incorrect diagnoses (anxiety vs. ADHD vs. bipolar disorder)
Adverse reactions or dangerous side effects
Drug interactions with other prescriptions or supplements
Misuse, dependency, or withdrawal
Delayed access to real treatment that could actually help

And perhaps just as importantly: it can rob people of a treatment plan that works.

What Responsible Care Looks Like

Responsible psychiatric care doesn’t mean you’ll get a prescription on your first visit. It might involve therapy, lifestyle adjustments, or simply monitoring symptoms over time. If medication is recommended, your provider will walk you through what to expect, how it works, and how to follow up.

You Deserve Real Support

Taking care of your mental health is brave. It’s hard. And it should be done with help, not in isolation.

So if you’re struggling, don’t Google your way to a diagnosis. Don’t borrow meds from a friend. Don’t assume TikTok knows what you need.

Do reach out to a licensed provider. Do ask questions. Do advocate for yourself. Because mental health care should be just that—care, guided by people trained to help you navigate it safely and effectively.

Bottom line? Mental health deserves the same respect, caution, and expertise as any other kind of health care. And that means prescriptions should come from professionals, not search bars.