The Misuse of Mental Health Culture in Gen Z
Written by Dr. Sakshi (MBBS, MD Psychiatry)
In today’s hyper-connected world, mental health has finally become a mainstream conversation — especially among Gen Z. From Reels that say “my anxiety be like…” to aesthetic breakdown posts on Tumblr, this generation is openly talking about emotions, trauma, and therapy like never before.
But what happens when awareness turns into trivialization?
As a practicing psychiatrist, I, Dr. Sakshi, have observed a growing misuse of mental health terms — leading many young people to believe:
- “Therapy is only for serious cases.”
- “You can self-diagnose from social media.”
- “Mental health = a vibe.”
Let’s break that down.
What Mental Health Really Means (And Why It’s Not Just a Trend)
Mental health isn’t just the absence of illness — it’s the presence of emotional clarity, psychological resilience, and behavioral balance.
It affects how we think, feel, act, and even how we relate to others. Unfortunately, digital culture sometimes confuses diagnosis with identity and awareness with aesthetics — a growing concern in genz mental health.
At my practice at Diagnomind Clinic, and through consults at BLK Max Hospital, Primus Super Speciality Hospital, and the Indian Spine Institute, I meet Gen Z patients who are struggling with:
- Overuse of emotional wellbeing labels
- Fear of judgment in real psychological support
- Emotional burnout masked as “just a phase”
How Social Media Affects GenZ Mental Health
Social media has helped destigmatize mental therapy — and that’s a great thing. But as a psychological doctor, I’ve also seen:
- Teens claiming they have OCD because they like neat notes
- People saying they have bipolar because of mood swings from lack of sleep
- Therapy being reduced to a motivational quote and a matcha latte
As a psychiatrist, I always remind my patients:
Emotional wellbeing is real healthcare. Emotional literacy is great, but professional evaluation is essential.
Dr. Sakshi’s Approach to Psychological support – For Everyone, Not Just “Serious Cases”
Mental health therapy isn’t a last resort — it’s preventive, restorative, and empowering.
Here’s what we do at my practice:
- Support with anxiety, depression, and OCD
- Guidance for relationship stress and burnout
- Tools for academic pressure, social disconnection, and trauma recovery
I consult in-person across Delhi, Gurugram, Chandigarh, and offer online consultations across India — making emotional support support accessible and stigma-free.
Misconceptions Gen Z Has About Therapy
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
|
“Therapy is only for broken people.”
|
Psychological support therapy is for anyone seeking emotional clarity and growth.
|
|
“I have to hit rock bottom first.” |
You can start therapy proactively — even during mild distress. |
|
“If I’m not diagnosed, I don’t need therapy.” |
Early psychological support prevents deeper issues later. |
FAQs – From Gen Z Patients I Meet Often
As a psychiatrist, my role is to diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental health conditions. I focus on understanding the emotional, behavioral, and psychological issues you may be facing. With a combination of therapy, medication management, and personalized care, I aim to help you achieve emotional stability and overall well-being.
Yes, conditions like anxiety and depression can be inherited — but lifestyle and emotional stress play major roles.
It can both raise psychological support and worsen symptoms through comparison, misinformation, and sleep loss.
Students face high levels of anxiety, FOMO, and identity confusion from curated, unrealistic content.
It’s paradoxical. Platforms offer support communities but also amplify anxiety, stress, and low self-worth.
Yes — they’ve pioneered a new wave of psychological support, but often lack real education and context.
Absolutely. They embrace holistic wellness but need trusted voices to filter through digital noise.
They value authenticity, inclusivity, and emotional literacy, but struggle with stress, isolation, and online fatigue.
Final Thoughts from Dr. Sakshi
Mental health is not a trend.
It’s not content.
It’s not a vibe.
It’s health — and it’s as real as your heartbeat.
Whether you’re silently struggling or just unsure how to feel — know this:
💬 Help exists.
🧠 Psychological support is valid at every stage.
📍 And your journey can begin with a conversation.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Dr. Sakshi is currently consulting at:
- Diagnomind Clinic
- BLK Max Super Speciality Hospital
- Indian Spine Institute
- Primus Super Speciality Hospital
🌐 Online Consultations Available Across India
📩 DM @drsakshi_psychiatrist or call to book your session.
💜 Let’s normalize mental health awareness and end the stigma around seeking help
