How Social Media Affects Your Mental Health and Leads to Anxiety

Pros of social media

Social media can be beneficial to people, even those with social anxiety. It all depends on how you use the available social media platforms for communication. Also, it is important to see the role that social media plays in your life and how long you use it every day. Here’s a look at the pros or benefits of social media:

1. Helps establish social connections:

People with social anxiety often find it easier to establish connections on different social media platforms. If you are unable to meet friends, acquaintances or new people due to work or family commitments or transportation issues, interacting with people on social media can prevent loneliness.

2. Promotes interaction:

Some people find it difficult to interact offline or in person. Social media can be a boon in that case as it helps you practice social skills and boosts your confidence levels.

3. Helps you stay connected

Different social media platforms help you stay connected with your family and friends around the world. You can also make new friends on social media.

4. Helps you join different communities

There are many communities on social media. So, you can find the ones that interest you, communicate with others in the same community and work together on your interests and ambitions. You can also share your creative ideas and learn many things from other members.

Cons of social media

While different social media platforms promote easy connection and interaction with people around the world, they have certain drawbacks as well. Some negative consequences of social media are:

1. Mood disorders:

One main drawback of using different social media platforms is suffering from mood-related disorders. People who end up spending many hours online often suffer from social media addiction, anxiety, stress, and depression. According to experts, face-to-face contact is better and more important for yourmental health. Social media addiction and stalking are also a cause of concern, especially among young adults.

2. Low self-esteem:

Even when you know that most images shared on social media are edited, you probably tend to feel insecure about your own appearance or life. You may also compare your lives with others, and this may worsen things. Social networking sites often make people think about the things they are missing in their lives.And this may make you feel worthless and anxious. Apart from that, you may feel jealous, dissatisfied or irritated.

3. Loneliness:

Studies have shown that people who spend more time on social media start feeling lonely after some time. Conversely, reducing social media usage and spending more time with family, friends or at the workplace can make you happier.

4. Need to stay connected always:

Some people with FOMO or the fear of missing out instinct may feel the need to go online every few minutes. Excessive use of social networking sites to check updates often triggers stress and anxiety.

5. Worsens mental health:

If someone is suffering from mental health issues already, spending more time on social media can make things worse. It can lead to depression, addiction and other mental health issues.

6. Sleep issues:

Checking social media before going to bed can disrupt your sleep. Lack of restful sleep at night can lead to mood swings, anxiety, depression, obesity, and several health issues.

How to modify social media usage for better mental health

Here are some tips to limit social media usage and improve your mental health:

• Reduce your online or screen time by:

- Switching off your phone before going to bed

- Disabling social media notifications or new message alert

- Removing certain social media apps from your phone

- Using an app to track your social media usage

• Focus on something else, by:

- Spending more time with offline friends

- Goingto movies, shopping, picnic, and other outings with family and friends

- Finding a hobby

- Joining a fitness club

• Feel and express gratitude, by:

- Practicing mindfulness and living in the present

- Maintaining a gratitude journal and being grateful

- Helping others and givingthoughtful gifts to your loved ones

Conclusion

Unhealthy or excessive social media usage can affect your daily life. If you check social media as soon as you wake up in the morning, you must make a conscious attempt to break this habit. Start your day by being grateful for the good things in life. You can also meditate for a while or say a small prayer first thing in the morning. Make sure you follow a morning routine and do not use your phone till you are done with it. Also, turn off social media notifications on your phone and delete certain apps to prevent addiction. These small steps in the right direction can help promote your mental health and stay awaysocial media addiction, anxiety, and depression.

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on November 11, 2021