An online tool to measure depression levels has spawned an unlikely new social media challenge. The TikTok “15 Minute Challenge” has users taking a test to assess their mental health — and posting the results for all to see.
The “15minutes4me” test works by asking users a variety of questions related to their mental state. The questions cover everything from whether the respondent has had a dry mouth in the last week to whether they’ve felt on the verge of a panic attack. After answering 26 questions, users receive three percentage scores for stress, anxiety, and depression.
According to the website, the free test is part of a larger online self-help program that was “developed by doctors, based on scientific studies and their results.” The 15 Minute TikTok challenge, however, only requires users to post the results of their free test.
Users participating in the challenge set their clips to a slowed-down version of James Arthur’s “Train Wreck.” The videos usually feature a still image or static footage of the user before cutting abruptly to a screenshot of their test results.
Troublingly, most of the videos feature results indicating high percentages of stress, depression and anxiety. In fact, a quick glance at the top posts under the #15minutes4me hashtag reveals scores that rarely dip below 60% in all three categories.
However, Newsweek notes that many of those who have participated in the challenge have included messages of hope and support with their videos.
“Always check up on people, you never know who needs it the most,” read one comment that was liked more than 900 times.
“Always check on ur friends — do not self diagnose,” read a caption on another post that received more than 1000 likes.
The hashtag #15minutes4me currently holds 1.4 million views. While many of the posted results might be worrisome, the warm and supportive messages and comments can remind us all to make sure we check in with the ones we love.
