Why ChatGPT Is Not a Therapist – The Importance of Real Human Mental Health Support

7th November, I happened to come across a BBC News reel. The reel highlighted the story of a young woman, Viktoria. Viktoria was struggling with her mental health and turned to ChatGPT, sharing her feelings and thoughts. At one point, when she was considering suicide, she openly discussed her suicidal thoughts to ChatGPT. It did not ask her to consult a mental health professional or provide emergency contacts; instead, it supported her in whatever choice she was ready to make.

In August of this year, parents of a 16-year-old teen named Adam Raine sued OpenAI, ChatGPT’s parent company, and its CEO, Sam Altman. The parents claimed that ChatGPT supported their son’s decision to end his own life. Adam, who openly discussed his suicidal thoughts with the AI platform, was advised on different methods to end life and even drafted a suicide note, according to his parents. This is one among the many reported cases of AI-assisted suicides. There might be hundreds of other unreported cases of suicide, mainly among the younger population, due to a reliance on emotional support. I do understand how easy it is to rely on ChatGPT for help. I’ve personally met individuals who have admitted to having deep, emotional conversations with ChatGPT. My own friends. ChatGPT is non-judgmental, listens to your concerns, understands you well, and gives you a quick solution, an instant one.

I’m not sharing this to make fun of anyone because I have asked ChatGPT, “When would I find my soulmate?” “How to find a boyfriend?” “How can I be rich?” and more such illogical questions. The point I want to highlight is that the use of ChatGPT as a tool is not bad. It is not something we should stop using. It brings forward a lot of help with several tasks. However, it is important to understand that ChatGPT is not an emotional support tool. This AI platform was not built to provide mental health assistance to individuals. Instead, it was built to offer practical help with many day-to-day tasks.

I understand how complex and difficult our emotions and thoughts can be at times. And that is how our mind works. How lonely and painful some days can be. When we feel overwhelmed by our thoughts and feelings, we want an outlet to process and understand everything that is going on. That is when we rely on something easily available, like ChatGPT. While it may give quick relief letting it all out to the AI tool, over time, the individual starts confiding their deepest, darkest thoughts and feelings, eventually building dependence on the platform and detachment from their family and friends.  Repeated usage forms an addiction and can lead to serious consequences such as delusions and even suicide.

ChatGPT is not human. That is a fact. Ask a mother how deep the pain was of losing a child, and another human who may not have even lost a child will understand 50% or even 25% of that grief. That is how humans work. That is what happens when we belong to the same species. That is what happens when the same red blood gushes through the veins of all humans. I’m not justifying that every human will understand everyone else’s pain. If that were the case, bad people wouldn’t exist in this world, children would not suffer in war-torn areas……..humans wouldn’t suffer. However evil humans may seem to be, we are the only ones there for each other.

Someone had a breakup. Someone lost their father in an accident. Someone was wrongly accused of committing a mistake. Someone lost their child at birth. Someone failed their exam. Someone was body shamed by a family member. Someone was harassed and abused by their colleague. Someone was bullied by their classmate. Someone was cyberbullied and blackmailed on Instagram. Someone was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer and is going to undergo chemotherapy. These people may not have a mental disorder, but do they not have mental health concerns?

All your feelings and thoughts are valid. They are not stupid or silly; they are a part of what you are going through. It is not essential that only individuals who have mental disorders must seek help from a psychologist. Healing is not a linear journey. There is no quick fix for the wounds or trauma you have been through. Healing takes time. It requires patience, commitment, and courage. ChatGPT can only give you temporary gratification, not long-term healing and growth. If you are someone suffering from any mental health issue, open up to a trustworthy friend, family member, or someone you know. If you feel uncomfortable sharing with someone you know or don’t have a person to open up to, consult a mental health professional. These days, there are online counseling sessions available from licensed, qualified therapists, especially for those who can’t visit a therapist physically. Make sure you read about the clinic/company, the qualifications of the psychologists/psychiatrists before booking a session. 

Therapists are non-judgmental, will listen and understand you, but will not provide you with an instant solution because the aim of therapy is not providing solutions but healing and growth.

If you’re having any mental health troubles, please contact a psychologist and not ChatGPT. ChatGPT is not tailored with adequate knowledge and understanding to help you deal with your mental health concerns. It is a tool for practical assistance, not your friend, not your partner, not your parent, not your therapist…………. not a human.

If you’re someone who relies on ChatGPT for emotional support, it is high time to end that reliance once and for all. If you know somebody who has made ChatGPT their “go-to person”, advise them against it.

If you or someone you know is going through emotionally challenging times, our team of psychologists is there to support you. We are not artificial intelligence, real humans with real hearts.

Book your session with Koott today.