NYT Opinion Says 1 in 3 Adults Self-Diagnose, Worsening Mental Health
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 26
NYT Opinion Says 1 in 3 Adults Self-Diagnose, Worsening Mental Health
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 26
Summary
A New York Times opinion essay argues that intense focus on mental health may be worsening distress rather than relieving it.
Over recent decades, self-reported poor mental health has risen even as schools, employers and public campaigns have expanded mental-health support and awareness.
The piece says that broader definitions of illness can turn grief, burnout and loneliness into perceived disorders, encouraging people to pathologize ordinary emotional struggles.
Social media may amplify that effect: nearly one-third of U.S. adults and half of Gen Z adults have self-diagnosed a mental illness from online information, which research links to less accurate understanding.