Introduction
In 2025, consumers face an overwhelming number of products marketed as “wellness boosters,” “stress relievers,” or “mood enhancers.” But many of these products—despite slick advertising—can actually undermine mental health, leading to anxiety, poor sleep, depression, and addiction. Research in psychiatry and public health shows that energy stimulants, unregulated supplements, digital platforms, and addictive consumer goods can worsen psychological well-being when misused.
This article explores the top deceptive products that appear helpful but can be harmful, and what evidence-based alternatives may serve you better.
1. Energy drinks marketed as “performance boosters”
Energy drinks are aggressively marketed as tools for focus, productivity, and alertness. While they contain caffeine and sugar that temporarily increase energy, studies show regular or high consumption is linked to anxiety, insomnia, and mood dysregulation (Richards & Smith, 2016; Shah et al., 2019).
- Problem: Excess caffeine raises cortisol, heart rate, and anxiety symptoms (Rogers et al., 2021).
- Deceptive angle: Advertising frames them as productivity or mental focus enhancers.
- Reality: Long-term use is associated with poorer sleep, depression, and even suicidal ideation among adolescents (Trapp et al., 2014).
Better alternative: Moderate caffeine from tea or coffee, paired with regular sleep and hydration.
2. Social media apps marketed as “connection tools”
Social media platforms claim to connect people and support mental health awareness, but high usage has been consistently associated with increased depression, anxiety, and body image concerns, especially among young adults (Twenge & Campbell, 2018; Keles et al., 2020).
- Problem: Social comparison, cyberbullying, and addictive design features (infinite scroll, push notifications).
- Deceptive angle: Branding around “community” and “self-expression.”
- Reality: Excessive use correlates with higher loneliness, reduced sleep, and greater risk of mental distress (Hunt et al., 2018).
Better alternative: Controlled, intentional use with screen-time boundaries and face-to-face socialisation.
3. “Wellness” supplements with unproven claims
The wellness industry markets supplements, powders, and nootropics as “stress relievers” or “mood enhancers.” Many are unregulated, untested, and may interact negatively with prescribed medication (Sarris et al., 2016).
- Problem: False claims of curing anxiety, boosting serotonin, or acting as “natural antidepressants.”
- Deceptive angle: Framed as safe, plant-based alternatives to therapy or prescribed medication.
- Reality: Evidence is inconsistent; some supplements (e.g., kava, high-dose St John’s Wort) may trigger liver toxicity, serotonin syndrome, or worsen anxiety when misused (Ng et al., 2017).
Better alternative: Seek professional advice; stick to evidence-based interventions such as cognitive-behavioural therapy or doctor-prescribed treatments.
4. Alcohol marketed as “relaxation in a glass”
Alcohol advertising often portrays drinking as a stress reliever, social lubricant, or reward. While alcohol produces short-term relaxation, it is a central nervous system depressant and is strongly linked to worsened depression, anxiety, and suicide risk (Rehm et al., 2010).
- Problem: Self-medicating with alcohol increases risk of alcohol use disorder.
- Deceptive angle: Lifestyle marketing that associates drinking with glamour and stress relief.
- Reality: Even moderate drinking is associated with poorer sleep quality, higher anxiety, and increased relapse risk in depression (Boden & Fergusson, 2011).
Better alternative: Mindfulness, exercise, or non-alcoholic alternatives (e.g., herbal teas, alcohol-free social drinks).
5. Vaping products marketed as “healthier than smoking”
Vaping is heavily promoted as a safer alternative to cigarettes, even being positioned as a stress reliever. While vaping may reduce harm for smokers transitioning away from tobacco, it carries unique mental health risks.
- Problem: Nicotine alters dopamine regulation, reinforcing addiction and worsening anxiety (Lechner et al., 2017).
- Deceptive angle: Sold as a wellness or harm-reduction lifestyle product.
- Reality: Young people who vape report higher rates of depression and suicidal ideation compared to non-users (King et al., 2022).
Better alternative: Evidence-based cessation programs and behavioural therapy.
6. Gambling apps marketed as “fun entertainment”
Online gambling platforms promote themselves as fun, skill-based entertainment and even as “stress-relief games.” In reality, gambling addiction is strongly linked to depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicidal behaviour (Dowling et al., 2015).
- Problem: Apps use deceptive designs (near misses, bonus notifications) to encourage compulsive use.
- Deceptive angle: Marketed as harmless recreation or even a way to “make money.”
- Reality: Gambling disorder is classified in DSM-5 as a behavioural addiction, with serious mental health consequences (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Better alternative: Non-addictive hobbies (sports, board games, volunteering) for stimulation and social connection.
7. Ultra-processed “comfort foods”
Food companies advertise sugary, ultra-processed snacks as comfort or mood boosters. While they produce short bursts of dopamine, high intake is linked to greater risk of depression and poor emotional regulation (Firth et al., 2020).
- Problem: High-glycaemic diets cause energy crashes and mood swings.
- Deceptive angle: Marketed as “self-care treats.”
- Reality: Ultra-processed food intake predicts higher rates of depressive symptoms and anxiety (Adjibade et al., 2019).
Better alternative: Nutrient-rich diets (Mediterranean-style) show protective effects against depression (Lassale et al., 2019).
Checklist: Products that harm your mental health
- Energy drinks marketed as productivity aids.
- Social media apps claiming to boost connection.
- Wellness supplements with unproven claims.
- Alcohol as “relaxation in a glass.”
- Vaping marketed as stress-free lifestyle.
- Gambling apps disguised as fun.
- Ultra-processed foods sold as “comfort.”
FAQs
Q: What products are secretly bad for mental health?
Energy drinks, unregulated supplements, excessive social media use, alcohol, vaping, gambling apps, and junk food are all linked to anxiety, depression, and poor sleep.
Q: How do I spot deceptive wellness products?
Check whether claims are supported by peer-reviewed research. If promises sound too good to be true (“natural cure for anxiety”), they probably are.
Q: Are “natural” supplements safe?
Not always. Some can interact with medication or cause toxicity. Always check with a doctor or psychologist.
References
- Adjibade, M., et al. (2019) ‘Associations between ultra-processed food consumption and depressive symptoms in the NutriNet-Santé cohort’, Public Health Nutrition, 22(2), pp.336–344.
- American Psychiatric Association (2013) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington: APA.
- Barclay, P. (2010) ‘Altruism as a courtship display: Some effects of third-party generosity on audience perceptions’, British Journal of Psychology, 101(1), pp.123–135.
- Boden, J.M. & Fergusson, D.M. (2011) ‘Alcohol and depression’, Addiction, 106(5), pp.906–914.
- Dowling, N.A., et al. (2015) ‘The impact of gambling problems on families’, Addiction, 111(7), pp.1297–1310.
- Farrelly, D. (2013) ‘Altruism is sexy: Evidence from speed dating’, Journal of Evolutionary Psychology, 11(1), pp.35–45.
- Firth, J., et al. (2020) ‘The effects of dietary improvement on symptoms of depression and anxiety’, Psychosomatic Medicine, 82(2), pp.144–151.
- Hunt, M.G., Marx, R., Lipson, C. & Young, J. (2018) ‘No more FOMO: Limiting social media decreases loneliness and depression’, Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 37(10), pp.751–768.
- Keles, B., McCrae, N. & Grealish, A. (2020) ‘A systematic review: The influence of social media on depression, anxiety and psychological distress in adolescents’, International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 25(1), pp.79–93.
- King, J.L., et al. (2022) ‘E-cigarette use and depression: A systematic review’, Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 24(6), pp.755–763.
- Lassale, C., et al. (2019) ‘Healthy dietary patterns and depression risk: A meta-analysis’, Molecular Psychiatry, 24, pp.965–986.
- Lechner, W.V., et al. (2017) ‘Nicotine dependence and anxiety: A systematic review’, Addictive Behaviors, 70, pp.83–92.
- Ng, Q.X., et al. (2017) ‘A systematic review of the clinical use of St John’s Wort’, International Journal of Clinical Practice, 71(7), e12959.
- Rehm, J., et al. (2010) ‘The relation between different dimensions of alcohol consumption and burden of disease’, Addiction, 105(5), pp.817–843.
- Richards, G. & Smith, A.P. (2016) ‘Caffeine consumption and self-assessed stress, anxiety, and depression’, Journal of Psychopharmacology, 30(6), pp.524–533.
- Rogers, P.J., et al. (2021) ‘Caffeine, performance, and mood’, Psychopharmacology, 238, pp.257–274.
- Sarris, J., et al. (2016) ‘Herbal medicine for mental health: A review’, Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 50(9), pp.909–920.
- Shah, S.A., et al. (2019) ‘Energy drinks: A review of health effects’, Clinical Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, 14(2), pp.67–75.
- Twenge, J.M. & Campbell, W.K. (2018) ‘Associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents’, Preventive Medicine Reports, 12, pp.271–283.
