Title: Social Media and Mental Health: What You Need to Know | SoCal Sunrise Recovery
Headings: Social Media and Mental Health: What You Need to Know
Social Media and Mental Health: What You Need to Know
Table of Contents
Social Media’s Positive Impacts
Social Media and Mental Health Problems
Negative Self-Perception
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
Loneliness and Isolation
Cyberbullying
Depression and Anxiety
Suicidal Ideation
Signs Social Media Is Affecting Your Mental Health
#1: You Feel Sad, Drained, or Stressed
#2: You Constantly Compare Yourself to Others
#3: You Find It Difficult to Stay Off Social Media
#4: Likes Directly Impact Your Self-Esteem
Tips for Improving Your Relationship with Social Media
Refine your feeds:
Limit your daily usage:
Establish no-phone zones:
Take an extended break:
Engage in beneficial activities:
Fostering Healthier Online Interactions During the Pandemic
Communicate regularly with loved ones:
Continue to engage in a healthy lifestyle:
Schedule fun virtual activities:
Mute and unfollow triggering content:
References

Content: Online harassment is common among adolescents — approximately 47% of young people have received threatening messages over the internet. 4 Utilizing social media to spread lies and abuse other people can damage a victim’s mental well-being. Depression and Anxiety
Depression and anxiety are common mood disorders that affect millions of people across the United States. There is a correlation between time spent using social media and depression and anxiety symptoms, but it is unclear whether social media is the cause of these issues. 5
Because social media may foster feelings of FOMO, isolation, and low self-esteem, using these platforms may exacerbate symptoms in people who already have these conditions. Stepping away from social media may improve these symptoms. People who deactivated their Facebook reported fewer depression and anxiety symptoms, and saw increases in their overall happiness levels after just one month off the platform. 6
Suicidal Ideation
Social media can be a very unhealthy place for people struggling with suicidal ideation. Cyberbullying and online harassment may trigger feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and instability, and when combined with pre-existing stressors, can increase a person’s risk for suicide. 7
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, you are not alone and help is available.