Social media is a way to keep in touch with friends, stay up to date with trends, and find a laugh to brighten your day. However, mental health treatment programs are increasingly addressing the negative issues related to social media overuse.
There are both positive and negative effects of social media. When used thoughtfully, it can improve your life and the lives of others. However, it can also harm your mental health. If you’re experiencing symptoms of poor mental health, call Promises today at 844.875.5609 to learn about our evidence-based treatment programs.
The Effects of Social Media on Your Mental Health
The connections between social media and mental health aren’t all unhealthy. Social media can boost your self-esteem and provide valuable social connections. So what’s the problem? For every positive thing about social media, there is at least one negative counterpoint.
Lowers Self-Esteem
It’s easy to forget that the majority of photos you see on social media are carefully staged and don’t always reflect the poster’s real life. People who make their living as influencers are especially skillful at portraying a “brand” that looks happy, healthy, and wealthy all the time.
Comparing yourself to others who seem to be living charmed lives can erode your self-esteem and make you feel disappointed with your achievements. If you feel like everyone else is living a better life than you, remember that many (if not most) of the photos you see on social media are staged, filtered, and altered.
Interrupts Sleep
Restorative sleep is important for maintaining good mental health. A lack of sleep can lead to or worsen depression. Staying up late and scrolling through media accounts can cause you to go to bed later than usual and get less sleep.
There is also evidence that too much exposure to the blue light emitted by screens suppresses melatonin and affects your natural sleep/wake cycle.
Takes Time Away From More Fulfilling Activities
Spending time with friends in person, getting outside, exercising, and eating a healthy diet all contribute to good mental health. Spending too much time on social media can crowd out other healthy habits.
You don’t have to give up social media completely. Finding a balance between online activities and real-life activities is key.
Signs You’re Spending Too Much Time on Social Media
Social media overuse meets some of the criteria used to diagnose other behavioral addictions, such as video game or shopping addictions. However, there is no formal diagnosis for social media addiction.
These red flags may indicate you are spending too much time on social media or that it is negatively impacting your mental health:
- You feel depressed or irritated when you try to limit social media use
- You don’t feel “normal” until you have checked your social media accounts
- You suspect social media is harming you, but you continue engagement
- You neglect friends, family, work, schoolwork, or activities you once enjoyed to spend time on social media
- You are thinking about social media when you’re not using it
Minimizing the seriousness of your social media habits to yourself or others is also a sign of overuse.
Restore Your Mental Health With Treatment at Promises
Issues surrounding social media and mental health can be complex. It’s not always easy to change a habit, even when it’s affecting your well-being. When that habit worsens or leads to mental health concerns, controlling behaviors can be even more difficult.
Promises offers treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness training, and equine therapy to help people restore balance in their lives. Practicing good mental health habits is a crucial part of overall wellness for everyone, especially those who are recovering from substance use disorder. Call Promises at 844.875.5609 or use our online contact form to get started today.