• UGI USER
  • Jul 22, 2024
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THE PROLIFERATION OF UNQUALIFIED MENTAL HEALTH ADVICE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Syllabus:

  • GS-3- Mental health , Awareness , impact on children ,women , Impact of COVID-19 on mental health, impact of social media.

Focus :

  • The article focuses on the alarming rise of unqualified mental health advice on social media, highlighting the dangers of relying on non-professionals for mental health support. It underscores the need for regulatory measures and increased public awareness to ensure safe and effective mental health care.
Source - ET

Introduction

  • Apoorva Mittal explores the concerning rise of unqualified mental health advice on social media.
  • Case study of Shoran Kumar, a 21-year-old engineering student from Meerut, who experienced persistent headaches, anxiety, and disinterest in life, seeking solace in social media.

The Appeal of Social Media Solutions

  • Social media platforms like Instagram have become a refuge for those seeking mental health support due to their accessibility.
  • Accounts offering unqualified advice on mental health have proliferated, appealing to individuals like Kumar who are looking for quick fixes.

The Rise of Unqualified Mental Health Practitioners

  • Many social media influencers offering mental health advice lack formal qualifications.
  • Example: Hemant Mahajan’s “Happy Living” program, which promised to cure anxiety in 20 days, attracted Kumar.
  • Mahajan’s program claimed success without medications and offered a refund policy, which later proved difficult to claim.

The Psychological Impact of COVID-19

  • The pandemic exacerbated mental health issues, leading to increased stress and anxiety.
  • The demand for mental health support surged, but qualified professionals were scarce.
  • India’s ratio of mental health professionals to the population is critically low: 0.3 psychiatrists and 0.07 psychologists per 100,000 people.

Social Stigma and Accessibility Issues

  • Social stigma around mental health prevents many from seeking professional help.
  • Financial constraints and difficulty in accessing affordable care also contribute to the reliance on unqualified advice.
  • Therapy sessions are costly, averaging 1,000-4,500 INR in metros and 700-1,000 INR in non-metros.

The Dark Side of Social Media Advice

  • Kumar’s experience with Mahajan’s program was negative; he was pressured to borrow money and attend ineffective sessions.
  • When seeking a refund, Kumar faced resistance and was blamed for not “surrendering to the exercises.”

The Dangers of Unqualified Advice

  • Unqualified practitioners often use non-evidence-based techniques, such as Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), which can be ineffective or harmful.
  • Qualified experts stress the importance of proper diagnosis and evidence-based treatments for anxiety and other mental health disorders.

Legitimate vs. Unqualified Influencers

  • Some social media accounts are run by qualified professionals who provide valuable and destigmatizing content.
  • However, there is a significant presence of unqualified “life coaches” and influencers offering questionable solutions.
  • Example: Alok Tank, a marketer with no psychology background, offers stress management advice based on personal experiences.

Regulatory Challenges

  • The lack of regulation allows unqualified practitioners to operate freely on social media.
  • The blurring of boundaries between mental health professionals and life coaches complicates the issue.
  • Experts call for clearer guidelines and regulations to protect individuals seeking mental health support online.

Case Study: Raj and the Google Ad

  • Nikita Sharma, a psychologist in Bengaluru, shares the story of her cousin Raj, who was misled by a Google ad for an unqualified practitioner.
  • The practitioner, claiming to be a clinical psychologist, prescribed medication illegally.

The Need for a Unified Regulatory Body

  • India’s current regulatory framework for psychology is fragmented, with different standards and oversight bodies.
  • Experts advocate for a unified council to govern, monitor, and issue licenses for all psychology professionals.

Recommendations for Social Media Platforms

  • Social media platforms need to implement stricter policies to monitor and regulate accounts offering mental health advice.
  • Influencers should prominently display their qualifications and registration details in all content.

Conclusion

  • While social media has the potential to spread mental health awareness and support, the proliferation of unqualified advice is a serious concern.
  • Individuals must be educated on how to discern credible sources and seek appropriate professional help.
  • Regulatory bodies and social media platforms need to collaborate to ensure the safety and well-being of those seeking mental health support online.

Mains UPSC Question

  • Discuss the impact of unqualified mental health advice on social media platforms. How can regulatory frameworks and public awareness mitigate the potential harm caused by these unregulated practitioners?(250 words)

Source:The Economic times

Associated article

https://universalinstitutions.com/mental-health-and-the-floundering-informal-worker/