Social media and mental health

While many of us enjoy staying connected on social media, excessive use can fuel feelings of anxiety, depression, isolation, and FOMO. Here’s how to modify your habits and improve your mood.

The positive aspects of social media:

• Communicate and stay up to date with family and friends around the world.
• Find new friends and communities; network with other people who share similar interests or ambitions.
• Join or promote worthwhile causes; raise awareness on important issues.
• Seek or offer emotional support during tough times.
• Find an outlet for your creativity and self-expression.
• Discover (with care) sources of valuable information and learning.
• The negative aspects of social media:
• Inadequacy about your life or appearance. 
• Fear of missing out (FOMO).
• Isolation.
• Depression and anxiety.

Modifying social media use to improve mental health 

Step 1: Reduce time online by using an app to track how much time you spend time on social media every day, disabling social media notifications and don’t bring you phone or tablet to bed.
Step 2: Change your focus: for example, next time you go to access social media, pause for a moment and clarify your motivation for doing so: are you using social media as a substitute for real life? Does social media leave you feeling inadequate or disappointed about your life?
Step 3: Spend more time with offline friends
Step 4: Do more physical activity and spend more time in offline interests.

Sources: Help Guide