Social media is a huge part of daily life for the average household. From adolescence through adulthood, most of the population utilizes one platform or another. What brings families together and makes communication for long-distance relatives can also be a heavy burden on a person’s shoulders.
Studies show that social media can significantly impact an individual’s mental health. Through complex social interactions, disorders like anxiety, depression, and many others can be negatively influenced. Because of this connection, social media can be a negative factor perpetuating mental health disorders as well as worsening existing ones.
Understanding the Connection
Social media platforms provide a variety of communication methods. People can directly interact with one another. They can scroll their main page to see what their friends and families are up to with a quick glance, and even news and upcoming events. However, sometimes, being able to see into the lives of others or what they want people to see can be of more harm than good.
A 2013 study on young adults showed that, because of the ability to view other people’s lives in a personal way, there was a common tendency to compare themselves to those on social media. It is never healthy to compare yourself to anyone. We are all unique and in different stages of life.
Depression and Social Media
When used in excess, social media has been shown to lead to heightened depressive levels and symptoms. One study also linked feedback received on social media to a higher risk of depression. The more posts published, the more feedback and negative feedback can cause emotional distress. In addition to time spent and online feedback, the number of platforms used also plays an important role in depression.
At Avalon Malibu, we take great care in providing our clients with the support they need to heal from their depression as well as prevention modalities that serve to break the depressive cycle. We take a full-circle holistic approach to mental health treatment focusing on not just mental healing but physical wellness and spiritual health as well.
Anxiety and Stress
Much like depression, anxiety can also be perpetuated by excessive social media use and negative online feedback. Worrying about what people will say to your posts or even fearing that no one will read them at all can lead to higher stress levels. Not only is stress a concern, but studies have found significant proof that it can lead to anxiety.
Inside our Grand House, we empower our clients to view their anxiety as a doorway to freedom. Healing is done by peeling away that which makes us afraid and anxious in order to reveal our true inner selves. With the help of our highly trained and passionate therapists, clients are able to change the negative patterns of anxiety and stress into a new default reaction of peace and serenity.
Social Interactions Onscreen and Offscreen
Increased time spent online will ultimately decrease the amount of time spent interacting with people face-to-face. A phone or computer screen cannot replicate authentic time with people in person. By having fewer interactions with family and friends, there is a higher risk of feelings of loneliness which can ultimately lead to depression and other mental health concerns, as well as an increased risk of suicide.
Social Media and Cyberbullying
Connecting to other people has never been easier than it is today. With easier communication comes easier bullying. Adolescents are not the only targets of cyberbullying. Adults are affected every day by others that hide behind their keyboards and phone screens. This cyberbullying can be in the form of harassment, false rumors, emotional attacks, and many other hurtful acts.
We don’t lose our feelings when we become adults. Everyone feels, and words can be just as harmful online as they are in person. Research has shown the presence of cyberbullying among adults and its link to conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance use. Face-to-face bullying in adults may be the greatest concern, but cyberbullying still poses a significant threat to mental health in adults.
Seeking Healing Through the Power of Positivity
Social media isn’t always bad. It can be a powerful tool to uplift yourself as well as those around you. Whether you are looking to ditch the screen time altogether or find a healthy balance, healing comes first. When mental health disorders are left ignored or untreated, they can worsen over time and lead to more serious concerns like substance use disorder (SUD) and even an increased risk of suicide.
By pursuing treatment that heals your mental, physical, and spiritual health, you are ensuring a healthier, happier future for yourself and your loved ones around you. Look deep within yourself. You deserve the best, and Avalon Malibu can give you that and more. Put the days of harmful screen time behind you and harness the power of positivity.
Social media can drag you down in the worst of ways. At Avalon Malibu, we can help you harness the power of positivity and develop happy, healthy hobbies while healing from disorders like depression and anxiety. Maybe you don’t want to give up social media entirely. That’s okay! Through our evidence-based therapeutic modalities, we can help you identify negative thought patterns and behavior so that you can break the harmful cycle. You will be able to take control of your happiness and turn what once was bad into a joyous healing experience. Let us uplift you so that you can uplift those around you. Call Avalon Malibu today at (844) 857-5992 for more information and to get started.
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