Experts establish four themes to the misinformation contained in videos with a #mentalhealthtips hashtag
More than half of top 100 mental health TikToks contain misinformation, study finds
Thousands of influencers peddle mental health misinformation on social media platforms – some out of a naive belief that their personal experience will help people, others because they want to boost their following or sell products.
As part of a Guardian investigation, experts established clear themes to the misinformation contained in videos posted with a #mentalhealthtips hashtag on TikTok.
Several videos about borderline personality disorder suggest symptoms that are everyday experiences – such as feeling anxiety when people change plans, experiencing mood swings, a fear of abandonment and mirroring people’s behaviour to be liked.
Another video purports to show how depression manifests in the workplace as a lack of concentration, feeling tired, having low energy levels, a loss of appetite and irritability.
“While some of the ‘symptoms’ overlap with depression, these can be attributed to a range of afflictions and struggles,” said Liam Modlin, a therapist and psychology researcher at King’s College London.
One video said that people with bipolar disorder experience mood swings because their emotional pendulum swings more widely and rapidly than most. However this is a misunderstanding, since people experience extended mood changes over periods of weeks rather than rapid “mood swings”.
“This is an example of misappropriating a mental health diagnosis to wrongly explain or justify behaviour,” said Dan Poulter, a former health minister and NHS psychiatrist. “A person with bipolar disorder may find this trivialising of their experience of living with a debilitating and serious mental illness.”
Another popular video suggests that when someone is about to die by suicide they become “almost bipolar” – “language [that] can further stigmatise mental health”, said Prof Rina Dutta, a consultant psychiatrist and psychiatry professor at King’s College London.
Another video claims signs of abuse are constantly apologising; breaking down during small disagreements; needing reassurance; struggling to be open; being hypersensitive to criticism, and hiding feelings.
“The behaviours it describes, while potentially present in abusive dynamics, are not exclusive to abuse and may occur in a variety of other contexts,” said Modlin. “By presenting these signs without sufficient context or diagnostic nuance, the video risks encouraging viewers to self-diagnose or mislabel complex relational struggles as abuse.”
This was the most common form of misinformation contained in the videos.
One video promotes a method it said was cheaper than therapy and had fewer side effects than antidepressants that could enable people “to heal from trauma in an hour” and involved writing about the traumatic experiences for 15 minutes non-stop.
“No research suggests this is sufficient for cure, definitely not in an hour, and there is risk of independently forcing oneself back into this traumatic mindset without the support of an experienced therapist,” said Amber Johnston, an accredited psychotherapist.
Another clip suggests that crying is self-soothing and good for processing emotions, including by stimulating the release of cortisol. “Cortisol changes related to crying are complex and cannot be distilled down in this way,” said Amy Durden, a psychotherapist. “Crying can bring relief but not always. It can be self-soothing but if the person crying judges their crying negatively, they do not experience this benefit and may feel acute shame.”
Several videos featured glib quotations that the experts viewed as unhelpful such as: “If you’re not changing, you’re choosing”, while another popular quotation said: “When you feel like everyone hates you, sleep. When you feel like you hate everyone, eat. When you feel like you hate yourself, shower. And when you feel like everyone hates everyone, go outside.”
“This is a huge oversimplification of how to address complex emotional states,” said Durden. “It seems to be pulling from behavioural activation in CBT, but without any context or individualisation.”
A specific breathing technique for treating anxiety was promoted in another video. “There is no single, universally effective breathing technique that is helpful in all cases,” said David Okai, a consultant neuropsychiatrist. “If performed incorrectly, the exercises can be the equivalent of hyperventilation, which can be extremely unpleasant and exacerbate anxiety.”
Another video suggests depression is caused by alcohol, tobacco, MSG, caffeine, sugar and hydrolysed wheat. Modlin said that although lifestyle factors can contribute, “this framing is overly simplistic and potentially misleading”, since there are complex interwoven factors, including genetics and neurobiology, psychosocial stressors, childhood adversity, medical conditions and personality styles.
Other clips promote supplements including saffron, magnesium glycinate and holy basil extract to ease anxiety. Although the psychiatrist Famia Askari said there are some studies showing benefits to some of these, there is not sufficient consensus for these to have become part of clinical practice – they are also manufactured supplements, in contrast to the “natural” claims that featured.
Two videos recommend admission to psychiatric units based on personal experience, including one suggesting someone had considerably improved after six days, and another offering a template for children to ask their parents to have them admitted.
Poulter said this was “misleading” and can “create misconceptions” about the benefits of inpatient admission. “Inpatient admission can in fact create and reinforce maladaptive coping mechanisms,” he said. “It is also very rare that someone would be driving themselves into mental health hospital in the way depicted by the video.”
Another video depicts someone in a hospital gown in what appears to be a psychiatric ward stating: “I was too honest with my psychiatrist.” This could be harmful as it is “potentially encouraging people to not be honest and open with healthcare professionals about their mental health”, said Poulter.
In another clip, a woman gives her strategies for managing anxiety, including eating an orange in the shower. “There is no evidence-base for eating citrus in the shower as a means to reducing anxiety, and I would worry that this would lead on to an ever-increasing spiral of unusual behaviours,” said Okai.

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‘I’m doing things most wouldn’t even try’: Helen reveals the reason she can climb stairs without a cane and jump on trampolines at 85  The Indian Express
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Pole fitness is a full-body workout that combines acrobatics, strength training and flexibility. Having been weight training for years, I thought it would be easy enough to pick it. But, of course, I was wrong.
I headed to Gymbox to master the basics with an expert trainer. During the session, I was able to get a feel for what pole fitness entails as well as tips on how to show off all the hard training in style. But after a few spins around the pole, I realised just how intense it really was, especially on my skin. Pole fitness blends callisthenics, dance and acrobatics, and requires far more finesse than I expected. So one dodgy move, and you’re flat on the floor with either a bruised ego or, worse, an injury.
While it shares a few elements with traditional pole dancing, Pole fitness focuses primarily on physical fitness, strength and endurance. In pole fitness, you’re lifting and controlling your own body weight as you perform a series of spins, climbs and holds. It’s a demanding and athletic discipline that requires significant muscle control, balance, and core strength.
Pole dancing, on the other hand, often has more of a performance aspect. It’s typically associated with artistry, sensuality, and choreography, with dancers performing elaborate routines to music. While it can be physically demanding, pole dancing places a greater emphasis on artistic expression and style, often with less focus on the intense strength-building that pole fitness involves.
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That said, many people who practice pole fitness enjoy incorporating elements of sensuality and creativity into their routines, creating a unique blend of both worlds.
As Chloe Warner, pole fitness expert at Gymbox, puts it: “Pole fitness builds serious upper body and core strength by teaching you how to lift, hold, and control your own body weight on the pole. You develop grip strength, coordination and flexibility whilst learning dynamic tricks that challenge both stability and endurance. It combines elements of dance and acrobatics, merging powerful and graceful movements that boost body confidence in a fun and empowering environment.”
When it comes to pole fitness, skin contact with the pole is important. That means wearing shorts and a fitted top or sports bra. Loose clothing will get in the way of your grip, so tight-fitting clothes work best. Avoid moisturiser before class, as it can make your skin too slippery. Grip aids are helpful, especially if you have sweaty palms. If you’re doing floorwork, knee pads help protect your knees and shins.
When practising at home, the right equipment matters. Use pressure-mounted poles that don’t require drilling into your ceiling, so you can set them up without causing any damage. If you’re working on inversions or other tricky moves, a crash mat is a good idea for extra safety. It’s always better to be cautious, especially as you’re learning new tricks.
When it comes to pole fitness, you don’t have to sacrifice style for functionality. While some prefer the classic pole fitness look, like a sports bra and shorts, others experiment with more daring attire.
Brands like Bravissimo cater to plus sizes, offering cute sportswear that’s both practical and stylish, as well as lingerie that keeps you held in while you spin around the pole. Boux Avenue and Dora Larsen excel in soft, feminine styles, or Ann Summers and Lovehoney stock lingerie that blends comfort and sex appeal, making it easy to look glam and feel supported.
As you get more comfortable with the movements, it’s not just about strength anymore; it’s about flow and style. Once you’ve mastered a few moves, there’s plenty of room to add your personal touch. Whether it’s sharing your progress on social media or just having fun, there’s something impressive about dangling upside down from a risky height in a pair of ultra-high heels.
I put these products through their paces in both studio classes and home sessions, focusing on grip, comfort and how they helped us progress in pole fitness. I tested them over multiple sessions to see how they really held up in action, checking their durability and effectiveness every step of the way.
Read on for more.
A reliable option for both beginners and pros, these Gymshark shorts offer the right blend of coverage and stretch, which is crucial when moving between pole tricks and floorwork. The high waist stays put during spins, and the soft sculpt fabric hugs without digging in. Ideal for showing enough skin to grip the pole without sacrificing support.
If you’re training at home, this affordable rotating pole is a solid choice. It’s easy to install and doesn’t damage ceilings or floors. The reinforced base adds stability, and it switches between static and spin modes. For under £100, it’s a smart buy for regular home practice.
Good support doesn’t have to cost a lot. This H&M bra offers medium hold with a smooth, flexible feel. The racerback design keeps straps in place during inverts and spins. Budget-friendly, dependable and ideal for class or conditioning sessions.
These Roxy shorts are made for movement. The waistband is snug but not stiff, and the curved hem allows for flexibility. They offer just enough coverage to feel confident while leaving the thighs free for grip. Perfect for training days when you want performance-focused pieces that still look good.
If you’re filming combos or checking form, this rotating phone holder is ideal. It attaches securely to mirrors, walls or poles and gives a clean, hands-free view. The MagSafe feature means no wobble mid-spin. Makes content creation simple and studio time more efficient.
Designed to be worn and moved in, Lemonade Dolls’ sets bring colour and confidence. The brand’s bralettes and high-cut knickers are ideal for pole as they stay in place, stretch with you, and show enough skin for grip. Plus, they’re made for real bodies.
Whether it’s for pole fitness or weightlifting, after one application, this liquid chalk was quick-drying yet long-lasting, without needing constant top-ups. Its competitors can often feel claggy or overly drying, but this one strikes the perfect balance with no residue and no slipping – it’s just a strong hold. I also love that Bear Grip offers different sizes, making it easy to stash in my bag.
Tiger K tape is designed to enhance recovery as it supports the body’s natural healing process while providing essential muscle and joint stability – making it a rehabilitation must-have. Its ability to alleviate bruising, swelling and pain through gentle skin lifting means improved circulation and lymphatic drainage for faster recovery.
Endorsed by elite athletes and trusted by Olympic venues, Tiger K Tape has proven itself time and again with British Athletics, England Netball and GB Hockey among its supporters.
Designed for pole, this grip gel is ideal for thighs, inner arms or hands. It’s strong without feeling tacky and won’t stain outfits. Especially useful during hot weather or sweaty sessions. A little goes a long way.
The Fit-Flip Microfibre towel is both compact and lightweight and acts like a sponge. It dries you off in no time and then dries itself out just as fast, while also being dirt-repellent: a real bonus when you’re laying it down on less-than-spotless gym benches.
The best part? It’s durable and sand-free, so you can take it to the beach, and you won’t bring half the beach home with you. The material is a blend of 88 per cent polyester and 12 per cent polyamide, giving it a soft feel yet ensuring it’s tough enough to withstand frequent washes.
The Weleda Arnica Cooling Gel works like a natural version of ibuprofen cream. Fast-absorbing, non-greasy and great for soothing bruises or sore muscles after class. Keep it in your bag – you’ll use it more than you think.
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After Uvalde, school mental health grants had bipartisan support. Now Trump is cutting them.  Sacramento Bee
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NEW YORK (AP) — As the investigation into a masked gunman who stalked and killed the head of one of the largest U.S. health insurers moved into its third day Friday, possible leads emerged about his travel before the shooting and a message scrawled on ammunition found at the crime scene.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed in a dawn ambush Wednesday as he walked from his midtown hotel to the company’s annual investor conference across the street, blocks from tourist draws such as Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center.
But days later, the gunman was still at large and the reason for the killing remained unknown, with New York City police saying evidence firmly points to it being a targeted attack.
Investigators worked to piece together more of the timeline of the gunman’s whereabouts before the shooting, examine security camera footage and even test a discarded water bottle and protein bar wrapper in a hunt for his DNA.
READ MORE: United Healthcare’s CEO kept a low public profile before he was killed in New York attack
The words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” were found emblazoned on the ammunition, echoing a phrase used by insurance industry critics, two law enforcement officials said Thursday, speaking to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation.
The messages mimic the phrase “delay, deny, defend,” which is commonly used by lawyers and insurance industry critics to describe tactics used to avoid paying claims. It refers to insurers delaying payment, denying a claim and then defending their actions. Health insurers like UnitedHealthcare have become frequent targets of criticism from doctors and patients for denying claims or complicating access to care.
Investigators also now believe the suspect may have traveled to New York last month on a bus that originated in Atlanta, one of the law enforcement officials said.
Police and federal agents have been collecting information from Greyhound in an attempt to identify the suspect and are working to determine whether he purchased the ticket to New York in late November, the official said.
Investigators were also trying to obtain additional information from a cellphone recovered from a pedestrian plaza through which the shooter fled.
A tip that the shooter may have stayed at a hostel brought police Thursday morning to at least two such establishments on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, according to one of the law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation. The photos made public Thursday were taken in the lobby of the HI New York City hostel.
“We are fully cooperating with the NYPD and, as this is an active investigation, can not comment at this time,” hostel spokesperson Danielle Brumfitt said in an emailed statement.
WATCH: How algorithms are being used to deny health insurance claims in bulk
Police released new photos Thursday of a person wanted for questioning in connection with Thompson’s killing.
The images, showing an unmasked man smiling in the lobby of a Manhattan hostel, add to a collection of photos and video that have circulated since the shooting — including footage of the attack itself, as well as still frames of the suspected gunman stopping at a Starbucks beforehand.
Investigators believe the suspect used a fake New Jersey identification card when he checked in at the hostel, said one of the officials who spoke with the AP.
Employees who work at the hostel told investigators they remembered a man who almost always wore a mask when interacting with them or passing by the front desk. That person wore a jacket that looked like the one worn by the man pictured in surveillance images released after the shooting, the official said.
After the shooting, police said the gunman fled on a bicycle and was last seen riding into Central Park.
Based on surveillance video and evidence from the scene, investigators believe the shooter had at least some firearms training and experience with guns and that the weapon was equipped with a silencer, one of the law enforcement officials told the AP.
Investigators were also looking into whether the suspect had pre-positioned a bike as part of an escape plan, the official said.
Security video shows the killer approaching Thompson from behind, leveling his pistol and firing several shots, barely pausing to clear a gun jam while the executive tumbled to the sidewalk. Cameras showed him fleeing the block across a pedestrian plaza before getting on the bicycle.
Police released several images of the man wearing a hooded jacket and a mask that concealed most of his face — a look that would not have attracted attention on a chilly morning.
Thompson, a father of two sons who lived in a Minneapolis suburb, had been with Minnetonka, Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and served as CEO for more than three years.
His wife, Paulette, told NBC News on Wednesday that he told her “there were some people that had been threatening him.” She didn’t have details but suggested the threats may have involved issues with insurance coverage.
ANALYSIS: Health insurance claim denials are on the rise, to the detriment of patients
The insurer’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group Inc., was holding its annual meeting in New York to update investors on its direction and expectations for the coming year. The company ended the conference after Thompson’s death.
UnitedHealthcare provides coverage for more than 49 million Americans and brought in more than $281 billion in revenue last year. It is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the U.S. and manages health insurance coverage for employers and state and federally funded Medicaid programs.
In October, UnitedHealthcare was named along with Humana and CVS in a Senate report detailing how its denial rate for prior authorizations for some Medicare Advantage patients has surged in recent years.
Balsamo reported from Washington.
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Left: A poster is attached to a lamp post outside the Hilton hotel near the scene where the CEO of UnitedHealthcare Brian Thompson was shot dead in Midtown Manhattan. Photo by Mike Segar/ Reuters
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