Psychologist Sergei Enikolopov has warned against attempting to treat persistent anxiety without medical help, citing risks of addiction and delayed diagnosis in Russia and abroad.
Speaking to news agency NSN, Enikolopov explained that individuals increasingly turn to social media platforms to self-diagnose, using online emotional feedback to validate their mental health struggles.
According to the specialist, sharing emotional distress online often leads people to exaggerate their symptoms. When users receive supportive reactions from other accounts, events that are not major stressors come to be perceived as serious health problems.
Enikolopov advised anyone suffering from constant anxiety to consult a healthcare specialist who can select effective methods to reduce symptoms. He cautioned against long-term self-medication using over-the-counter sedatives or dietary supplements.
Taking non-prescription remedies without professional guidance can result in dependency, Enikolopov warned. He added that self-treatment also postpones essential medical evaluation when anxiety symptoms stem from a deeper psychological or psychiatric condition.
Enikolopov serves as the head of the medical psychology department at the Mental Health Research Center, a prominent institutional facility operating under the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences. The center conducts clinical research into psychiatric disorders, emotional regulation, and psychological rehabilitation.
Risks of online self-care
Anxiety disorders are characterized by persistent feelings of worry, tension, or fear that interfere with daily activities. While over-the-counter calmers and dietary supplements are widely accessible without a prescription, medical guidelines generally require professional supervision to address chronic anxiety effectively.
Enikolopov noted that reliance on social media validation and self-administered remedies is a growing pattern observed internationally, rather than a phenomenon exclusive to Russia.
Seasonal mood shifts
The warning follows a survey by media company Rambler&Co, which found that seasonal mood changes were a reality for 32 percent of respondents during the autumn period.
Participants in the poll reported experiencing heightened tiredness, reduced energy levels, and an increased desire to slow down their daily routines as autumn arrived.
Seasonal mood shifts, often associated with decreasing sunlight hours in autumn and winter, can influence energy levels and emotional stability. Medical experts frequently distinguish between mild seasonal adjustments and clinical anxiety disorders that require formal diagnosis and structured therapeutic interventions.
