Social Media And Depression

[MrRoy8810]

Recent studies show that the increasing use of social media platforms are becoming a major cause of depression and anxiety. Today's generation is highly equipped with all the electronic gadgets and they have all time access to the internet and hence they tend to spend more time on that instead of interacting and connecting with their peers in person. This creates a gap of emotional connect between them. After some time they feel isolated because they could not find any one for them with whom they could be emotionally connected with to share their feelings and hence slowly and gradually they move towards depression.

What are your thoughts about this link between increasing use of social media and depression ?

[talkhealth]

Hi MrRoy8810,

Thank you for your post. At talkhealth we work collaboratively with a number of NHS Trusts. Please find below a few articles from the NHS about social media and depression:

https://www.nhs.uk/news/food-and-diet/i ... en-survey/

https://www.nhs.uk/news/lifestyle-and-e ... -isolated/

Kind regards
talkhealth

[hundalmarck@gmail.com]

Yes, social media is affecting mental health.

[facultymisd@gmail.com]

Depression and social media can have a complex relationship. On one hand, social media can provide a platform for individuals to connect and support each other, potentially reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common symptoms of depression. On the other hand, social media can also contribute to negative mental health outcomes, such as increasing comparison and negative self-image, perpetuating a false sense of perfection, and amplifying negative emotions.

It is important to recognize that social media is just a tool, and how we use it can greatly impact our mental health. Taking steps to limit exposure to negative content, practicing self-care, and seeking support from trusted friends and family members can help mitigate the negative effects of social media on mental health.

[MissCandyGirl]

Depression and social media can have a complex relationship. On one hand, social media can provide a platform for individuals to connect and support each other, potentially reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common symptoms of depression. On the other hand, social media can also contribute to negative mental health outcomes, such as increasing comparison and negative self-image, perpetuating a false sense of perfection, and amplifying negative emotions.

It is important to recognize that social media is just a tool, and how we use it can greatly impact our mental health. Taking steps to limit exposure to negative content, practicing self-care, and seeking support from trusted friends and family members can help mitigate the negative effects of social media on mental health.

I agree 100% with this post.

I have always used social media: for over 25 years, in fact. There are good points and bad points to everything. But I like to believe social media connects me to others across the globe and also gives me a creative outlet. I feel LESS lonely and LESS depressed by using social media. But you do need common sense when using the Internet: and young people can be vulnerable and not fully realize the dangers of the online world.

This is where parents - or carers - guide young people and show them how to use social media safely. Even schools need to have such classses. The Internet can be a dangerous place but that is where education comes in.

I'd advise anyone who is having problems with their social media websites to talk to someone who knows the score and can help and advise you. The Internet does NOT need to be avoided: but it does deserve respect. It is a massive platform and no one wants the short end of the stick.

[hundalmarck@gmail.com]

Hi,
There is evidence to suggest that using social media can be associated with depression, but it is important to note that the relationship is complex and not fully understood. Here are a few key points to consider:

Social comparison:

One way social media may contribute to depression is through social comparison. Users may feel inadequate or unhappy with their lives when they see others sharing highlight reels of their own lives on social media. This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and depression.

Cyberbullying:

Another way social media can contribute to depression is through cyberbullying. Online harassment and bullying can be particularly harmful because it can happen at any time, and they can be difficult to escape from. Victims of cyberbullying may experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.

[felizabrunt]

Yes, I can relate to this situation. Inpast, I used to think that social media was a part of my life. I wanted the things that I posted liked by others and talked about that. But when people didn't like things I posted about, I was depressed and anxious over it. It became very serious for me and I didn't talk to anyone. A few months back I consulted with a doctor. My doctor helped me to get out of that depressive stage and made me confident now. Through my video counseling, One thing I have learned is that social media is all a lie. People post the best versions of themselves on social media. The truth is when you see them in real life. So I want to suggest that don't give social media importance, so it creates unnecessary feelings of depression and anxiety.

[vividose]

Unfortunately i have no one to talk to about my problems. I even do not talk about them with my parents

[MissCandyGirl]

Yes, I can relate to this situation. Inpast, I used to think that social media was a part of my life. I wanted the things that I posted liked by others and talked about that. But when people didn't like things I posted about, I was depressed and anxious over it. It became very serious for me and I didn't talk to anyone. A few months back I consulted with a doctor. My doctor helped me to get out of that depressive stage and made me confident now. Through my video counseling, One thing I have learned is that social media is all a lie. People post the best versions of themselves on social media. The truth is when you see them in real life. So I want to suggest that don't give social media importance, so it creates unnecessary feelings of depression and anxiety.

There is so much truth to this post: social media isn't reality and people do big themselves up on it.

Your post struck a chord with me. It is like I see Mariah Carey as this perfect person: but she is still human. She still gets into arguments. She still needs to use the loo. She still sleeps at night. She still has bad hair days.

Reality is always perfect in social media. Although I am a fan of social media I live in the real world, too.

[louiseone006@gmail.com]

Yes, I can identify with this circumstance. I once believed that social media was a component of my existence.
Social media use has been linked to an increased risk of depression, as excessive time spent on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can contribute to feelings of loneliness, negative self-comparison, and reduced self-esteem. It is important to be mindful of one's social media usage and maintain a healthy balance between online and offline activities to protect mental well-being.