EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF SELF-DIAGNOSING: A ROMANTICIZATION OF MENTAL ILLNESS AMONG

ADOLESCENTS IN QUEZON CITY

A research Proposal presented to faculty of Senior High School Our Lady Of Fatima University

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For

Research 1

Balansag,Ashley

Curameng, Adrianne

Gonzales,Karl

Lambonao, Lady Soia

Macoy, Kimberly

Salanio,Kristen Seth

Mrs. Mary Rose Dumlao

(April 2024)
1.0 Introduction

The growing obsession with self-diagnosis and the romanticization of mental illness in the context of
mental health discourse has been drawing attention overthe past few years. Self diagnosis is the process of
diagnosing or identifying a medical condition in yourself. Majority of the time, people google a symptom
or medical sign and try to figure out if they have a condition, this is self diagnosing. ( Thatcher, 2021 ).
Furthermore, self-diagnosis has been documented on a number of internet platforms, where people
attribute mental health issues to themselves without consulting a professional.
There has been romanticization or glamorization of mental illness in some media representations, which
present mental health issues as a sign of uniqueness or creativity while also making them appear
appealing, fascinating, and trendy. Images of people harming themselves and the "beauty of mental
illness" may influence people, especially adults and teens, to see mental illness as a tragic beauty. In
addition, those who view their mental illness or condition as "part of who they are" and refuse to change
may avoid getting the care and guidance they need. We must eradicate this stigma and assist individuals
who are in similar circumstances. Romanticizing mental illness and self-diagnosing is detrimental to both
our wellbeing and ourselves. “People romanticize mental illnesses as a phase or that everyone has one.
It’s messed up because when they're people who need help try to reach out, others call them emo or say
me too,” ( Mayorga, 2022 )
This study attempts to investigate the ramifications of romanticizing mental disease and self-diagnosing,
looking at possible effects on individuals, and the attitude of society towards mental illnesses. It aims to
critically examine the relationship between romanticizing or idealizing representations of mental disease
issues, as well as how these relationships impact people's well-being, medical procedures, and a larger
public awareness of mental illnesses. This will provide insights into the opportunities, risks, and
challenges associated with fostering a more responsible and nuanced conversation about mental health in
modern society.

2.0 Theoretical review

2,1 Statement of the problem

Research question 1. In what ways does the romanticization of mental illnesses stem from in terms of :
1.1 Seeing it in the media
1.2 Wanting attention
1.3 Accessorizing it as a unique desirable trait
Research question 2. How does self diagnosis affect the person and the other people around them?
Research question 3. What are the perspectives of individuals who have participated in the act of self -
diagnosing?
Research question 4. How does the glorification of mental illness by the media influence the way people
perceive mental illness as a whole?
Research question 5. What are the consequences of engaging in self - diagnosing in terms of :
5.1 Influencing the way others perceive mental illness
5.2 Psychological behavior
5.3 Ethical concern