Using apps like TikTok can be an effective way of distracting oneself and can help in coping with stress and anxiety temporarily. If it helps you feel better, it's not necessarily bad. However, it's also important to consider a few things:
Avoidance: While distraction can be a useful coping mechanism, using it as a primary way of dealing with anxiety may prevent you from addressing the underlying issues. This could lead to a cycle of avoidance, where you feel increasingly reliant on distractions like TikTok.
Sleep: Watching TikTok until late can disrupt your sleep cycle, especially if you're looking at your screen right before you go to bed. Lack of sleep can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and contribute to difficulties with concentration and productivity.
Content: The type of content you consume on TikTok can also impact your mental health. If you're consuming content that induces stress, comparison, or negative emotions, it could potentially worsen your feelings of anxiety over time.
If you're struggling with anxiety and intrusive thoughts, it would be beneficial to seek help from a professional who can guide you with effective coping strategies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). They can also help address the root causes of your anxiety and provide you with long-term solutions. This doesn't mean you need to stop using TikTok entirely, but learning additional coping strategies can provide you with a more rounded approach to managing your mental health.