Why Social Media Might Be Damaging Your Mood

Social media is everywhere we turn. It’s become such a significant part of our lives that it's hard to imagine how we would function without it.

Even if we don’t use it, businesses connect using the power of social media.

Friends unite and set up parties and events using it, and it does feel like the whole world is connected.

It can, however, also be quite damaging. Social media can be a gift, but it also needs to be managed and monitored.

If you’ve been spending a lot of time scrolling through your social media accounts and you’ve found your mood has inexplicably plummeted during this activity, there may be a very legitimate reason why.

Let’s look at why your low mood might be linked to your social media account.

Social Media Can Be Negative

Social media can be used for bullying or harassment purposes.

Similarly, what may seem like a simple, harmless comment from a friend could be interpreted as nasty and malicious by the recipient. It can be hard to recognize tone and context over a message.

You could be in a group chat with friends, and you could find yourself moving from a positive, upbeat mood to feeling bad about yourself.

Though your friends may not realize they have upset you, it is easier for them to ignore your feelings if you are all behind screens.

You May Compare Yourself To Others

Social media often presents a seemingly picture-perfect snapshot of someone’s life.

You could be having a positive day until you log onto social media and see what appears to be someone else’s perfect life.

Perhaps your friend has gone away for the weekend or they're preparing for a party.

Instantly, you may feel rejected and as though your plans and activities aren’t as interesting.

You may start to wonder if your friends are fond of you, and you may question every party, gathering, or get-together you see on social media that doesn’t include you.

But remember, social media is not an indicator of real life, it is a carefully curated moment in time that can be manipulated to look much better than it is.

By staying off social media or being aware of these issues, you can continue to feel good about your lifestyle and avoid comparing yourself to others.

You May Be Wasting Your Time

We’ve had the experience of scrolling through social media, and before we know it, an hour has passed.

It’s far too easy to get into a social media cycle where you look online, feel inadequate, worry you’re missing out and before you know it you’ve spent valuable time worrying yourself.

You could spend the time pursuing your activities, interests, and living in the moment.

You May Get Into Unnecessary Arguments

The issue with social media is that everyone seems to have very strong opinions.

Engaging with these opinions can sometimes provide healthy debate but can also cause people to respond to each other in antagonistic ways.

Sometimes it’s best to avoid commenting or avoid social media altogether!

Social media can be a powerful tool, but it can also damage your mood. Whether it's arguments, fear of wasting time, bullying, or a fear of missing out.

It really can cause us unnecessary stress and anxiety, and sometimes it's worth taking a step back and appreciating the world in front of us, rather than seeing the world through a screen.

Related Reading: How To Do Mindfulness - Free Online Self Help Guide





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5 Choices That Support Mental Health

When a person suffers from a mental health illness, such as depression or anxiety, the first-line treatments are usually mental therapies and medicines.

What isn't always talked about are the variable lifestyle choices that affect our mental health.

According to Psychology Today, "That’s a lamentable oversight because lifestyle changes—things as simple as nutrition and exercise—can have a significant impact on quality of life, for any of us, but especially for those dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

They can also help minimize the development of risk factors that can lead to conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension, all of which are seen at higher rates in those with mental illness, the study noted."

Making beneficial life choices can be uplifting. While time and financial constraints may restrict a few people's capacities to make such choices, we all can make small but significant changes.

Here Are Five Lifestyle Choices To Get You Started:

Make Healthy Diet Choices

According to studies, our diet can impact our mental health, both positively and negatively.

According to new research from the University of Warwick, fruits and vegetables are associated with improved mental health.

This is significant because mental well-being—feelings of enthusiasm, joy, self-esteem, and resilience—can help to safeguard not only against mental health issues but also physical illnesses.

Cut Back On Your Vices

Managing problem drinking or substance abuse is a no-brainer in terms of both mental and physical health.

People with alcohol and drug problems are more likely than the general population to suffer from a mental illness, and their health outcomes are far worse.

According to the Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA,

• In 2020, 50.0% of people aged 12 or older (or 138.5 million people) used alcohol in the past month (2020 NSDUH)

• Among the 138.5 million people who were current alcohol users, 61.6 million people (or 44.4%) were classified as binge drinkers and 17.7 million people (28.8% of current binge drinkers and 12.8% of current alcohol users) were classified as heavy drinkers (2020 NSDUH)

According to the WebMD, side effects of alcohol consumption include:

• Worsening of mental health after the calm feeling fades
• Hangovers including headaches and nausea and vomiting
• Post-alcohol anxiety and/or depression

Spend Time In Quiet

We live in a noisy world. When we are outside, we are encircled by cars honking and public noises created by individuals, and the general hustle and bustle of the surroundings.

When we are inside all day, such as at a desk, we are encircled by sounds from dialogues, texting, cell phones, office equipment, and so on.

We also have noises from TVs or radios inside our homes. Our phones are always buzzing, with notifications and of course the very loud call of social media.

Getting some quiet private time can do wonders for our mental health. This will result in more focused thoughts throughout the day. You can even try meditation, which promotes mental health.

Use Stress Reduction Methods

Mental illness sustains stress, and stress sustains mental illness. Taking measures to reduce stress in your life can help to break this destructive cycle.

According to LifeHack, "There are many forms of stress. People do not even realize they suffer from stress.

Still, the buildup of small and regular negative thoughts and energy could negatively impact your mental and even physical health.

Stress can cause poor mental health in various disorders such as depression and anxiety, personality changes, bipolar disorder, problem behaviors, cognitive (thinking) problems, etc."

Effective Stress Management Techniques
• Yoga
• Meditation
• Rest and relaxation
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation
• Deep Breathing
• Eliminating sources of great stress
• Distractions
• Tai Chi
• Unplug
• Spend time doing things that bring you joy

Discuss Your Problem With Someone

If you have things or an issue on your mind, getting it off your chest can help you a lot. It is important to remember that desiring assistance implies strength, not weakness.

It has been said that an issue that is partially shared is an issue that is half solved.

When you suppress negative or hurtful thoughts, such as frustration, your mental health suffers. You will feel stressed and tense, and you may not get enough sleep at night.

These emotions accumulate quickly, resulting in a somewhat desperate state that you cannot resist, such as depression or stomach ulcers.


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Related Reading: How To Do Mindfulness

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