How Social Media Negatively Impacts Mental Health

There is no doubt that social media has had a profound impact on the way we communicate and interact with each other. It has revolutionized the way we share information and connect with friends and family all over the world. However, there is also growing concern about the negative impact that social media can have on our mental health.

Studies have shown that people who spend a lot of time on social media are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression than those who don’t. This is because social media is a “Fake Life” that distracts us from what is reality.

Ways Social Media Negatively Impacts Our Mental Health

Creates Anxiety about our appearance

When we constantly see images of perfect, airbrushed faces and bodies, it’s easy to compare ourselves to others and feel like we don’t measure up. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. However, it’s important to remember that social media is not an accurate representation of reality. People often only post the best versions of themselves, and even those images are often edited and filtered.

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

It’s normal to feel a little left out when you see photos of your friends having fun without you. But if you find yourself feeling isolated and depressed because of social media, you may be suffering from FOMO, or the fear of missing out.

FOMO can be a vicious cycle.

We see our friends having fun and we want to be part of it, so we spend more time on social media. But the more time we spend on social media, the more left out we feel.

Sadness and Depression

While it’s important to stay connected with friends and family, it’s also important to limit the amount of time spent on social media. This is because social media can have a negative impact on our mental health due to the lack of contact that we experience.

When we are spending time on social media, we are not interacting with people face-to-face, which can be damaging to our mental health. This is because human beings need face-to-face contact to be mentally healthy.

How to Disengage from Social Media-related stress

If you’re looking to reduce the amount of stress in your life, here are a few tips to help you disengage from social media.

First, value in-person interactions with friends and family as opposed to online. There’s nothing like quality time with the people you love to help you feel connected and supported.

Second, keep your phone or tablet away from your bedside at night. Avoiding screen time before bed will help you sleep better and feel more rested during the day.

Lastly, practice mindfulness. Focusing on the present moment can help you eliminate anxiety about what could happen in the future. By following these tips, you can start to reduce the amount of stress in your life and feel happier and more relaxed.

 

Jonas Hill Hospital & Clinic, a division of Caldwell Memorial Hospital provides our community with safe, dignified and integrated care for adult patients experiencing an acute mental health need. We provide hope, treatment, and healing through a holistic program of evidence-based psychiatric treatment, team-based medical care, and education provided by engaging and dedicated professionals in a safe and healing environment. Contact us today for more information. A safe space to heal.