Psychiatric patients document their treatment journeys with “Reels” clips

Emirates Today monitored “Reel” video clips of psychiatric patients documenting their experiences and suffering via social media platforms, in an attempt to share their feelings or support other patients, while some of them turned into “psychological influencers,” providing advice to those suffering from any mental illness.

Doctors have warned of the profound psychological dangers that may accompany this phenomenon, despite its positive contribution to breaking the social stigma associated with mental illness, stressing that excessive public disclosure may expose the patient to setbacks or harsh societal judgments that will further complicate his condition.

A girl documented her experience with a depressive relapse after being diagnosed with “drug-resistant depression,” through a video in which she shared the details of her use of a new therapeutic spray prescribed to her by the doctor, asking her followers about their experiences and the end of their suffering.

The girl appeared as she recounted the bouts of depression she was experiencing, and documented the moment she was admitted to the hospital to receive treatment.

Although her mother refused to publish the video, she insisted on sharing it in support of other patients. The clip received widespread interaction among people who expressed sympathy and encouragement, and others who criticized the publication of her psychological condition publicly or ridiculed its documentation, while some of them advised her to receive this treatment and suggested other medication alternatives.

Doctors told Emirates Today that public sharing of treatment experiences may reflect deeper motives, such as the search for acceptance and belonging or an attempt to rebuild self-identity after a period of weakness, warning that exposure to negative reactions after publication – such as bullying or belittling the experience – may lead to a feeling of shame, remorse, low self-esteem, mood and anxiety disorder, and perhaps a return of a sense of stigma, especially if the patient associates His psychological progress by the number of likes or comments he receives.

In some cases, a psychological setback may occur when one is attacked or ridiculed after disclosing a painful experience, as a result of excessive reliance on electronic interaction instead of real therapeutic support.

The specialists also warned of the transformation of some patients into “psychological influencers,” emphasizing that talking about personal experience is a legitimate right, but providing scientific advice or explanations without academic qualification or professional supervision is considered dangerous and may lead to misleading followers or harming them psychologically. They call on those interested in this type of content to seek the assistance of specialized experts and doctors or to study the field before presenting any content of a scientific nature.

Social stigma

In detail, Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Amal Atwa Ibrahim confirmed that social media has in recent years become a space where individuals share their life experiences, including their experiences with psychological problems and psychotherapy, noting that this phenomenon may contribute to breaking the social stigma associated with mental illness, but at the same time it may carry more complex psychological dimensions.

She explained that there are two reasons why patients share their therapeutic experiences: the need for support and appreciation from others, and the desire to transform suffering into a message of hope that helps others seek help or overcome feelings of shame about mental illness.

She added that public sharing of treatment experiences may reflect deeper motives, such as the search for acceptance and belonging, or an attempt to rebuild self-identity after a period of weakness, and sometimes it is a subconscious expression of the desire to assert oneself in front of those who previously doubted it, noting that in some cases, this behavior can be considered part of the process of recovery or self-support, which reflects the patient’s progress in accepting himself and overcoming feelings of shame.

She warned that exposure to negative reactions after publishing – such as bullying or belittling the experience – may lead to shame, remorse, low self-esteem, mood disturbances and anxiety, and perhaps a return to feelings of stigma, especially if the patient links his psychological progress to the number of likes or comments he receives.

She said: “In some cases, this may cause a psychological setback when he is attacked or ridiculed after he discloses a painful experience, as a result of excessive reliance on electronic interaction instead of internal support.”

She stressed the need for sharing psychological experiences to be a deliberate decision, not an emotional outburst, and to take place after discussion with the treating physician. She also advised avoiding mentioning precise details about medications or diagnoses, and maintaining clear boundaries between private life and the public image, stressing the importance of seeing a doctor if the patient feels disturbed or remorseful after publishing.

She emphasized that “patients sharing their experiences may be a positive step towards recovery if done with awareness and balance. However, if it turns into a means to please others or prove oneself, it may become a new psychological burden, as balance and awareness are the key in dealing with this phenomenon.”

Occupational therapy

Psychiatry specialist Dr. Abdul Salam Al-Hakim said that social media platforms are a double-edged sword when it comes to mental health, as they have helped many people to break the barrier of social stigma and create virtual support spaces, but at the same time they have opened the door to the dangers of excessive comparison and consumption of unscientific content, which may lead to increased levels of anxiety and depression or delaying seeking professional treatment.

He added that sharing psychological experiences through social media cannot be considered public treatment, because group therapy sessions themselves are subject to clear professional controls and specifications, and may not be transferred to the open digital space. He stressed that if sharing experiences is a form of catharsis or moral support, it must be general and impersonal, without addressing precise details about the condition or the course of treatment.

He warned against linking self-esteem to the number of likes or comments, because that makes the psychological state hostage to fluctuating external factors, noting that “digital interaction, including likes and comments, may be a strong psychological motivator for some patients, but at the same time it may turn into a harmful weapon when exposed to criticism or bullying, which may lead to a psychological setback.”

Regarding sharing therapeutic experiences, he stressed the need for this to be done only through platforms supervised by doctors or psychologists, and after reviewing the treating physician.

He noted that some patients may try to imitate the published experiences of others without their condition being similar, which may lead to negative results or worsening of symptoms.

Commenting on the phenomenon of some patients turning into “psychoactive influencers,” he explained that talking about personal experience is a legitimate right, but providing scientific advice or explanations without academic qualification or professional supervision is dangerous, and may lead to misleading followers or harming them psychologically.

He said: “If a patient wants to become a psychoactive influencer, he must study the field or seek the help of specialized experts and doctors before presenting any content of a scientific nature.”

He called on patients to follow specialized and reliable accounts only, and to avoid replacing therapy sessions with digital content. He also advised patients to monitor their psychological state during use. If the patient notices that browsing increases anxiety or depression, he must stop temporarily or take a digital break, in order to preserve his psychological balance.

Societal concepts

Psychologist Hessa Al-Rais said that society usually reacts to those who share their journey in psychotherapy with mixed feelings, which often begin with sympathy and amazement, then turn over time into appreciation and respect for the courage to seek help, noting that “many find in these stories a source of inspiration that pushes them to begin the journey of recovery on their own.”

She added that sharing psychological experiences publicly contributes to breaking the stigma of mental illness and changing the stereotype about it, as those who suffer from it are seen as models of recovery and self-awareness, but at the same time she warned of the possibility of it being used against the patient socially or professionally in some environments that still lack sufficient awareness.

She explained that teenagers and women are the groups most vulnerable to negative influences as a result of public participation. “Teenagers are more sensitive to the views of others, and a large part of their sense of identity and belonging depends on the acceptance of their peers. When they share their psychological experiences, they may face ridicule or bullying, or be seen as weak or different people, which negatively affects their self-confidence or their social relationships.” As for women, despite the increase in awareness, some environments still burden women with double social responsibilities, and always expect strength and patience from them without showing their fragility or psychological suffering. Therefore, when she shares her experience, she may be faced with harsh judgments, or mistreated in her family or professional environment, under the pretext that her psychological problem affects her competence or stability.”

However, Al-Raisa believes that their courage in speaking out contributes to changing societal perceptions and enhancing acceptance of mental health.

Regarding evaluating the security of publishing, she stressed the importance of the patient’s awareness of the privacy of the platform and the nature of the followers, and adjusting the account settings to ensure that his posts reach a supportive and understanding circle, while avoiding sensitive details or relying on reactions as a source of self-esteem.