A Positive Look at Mental Health & Social Media
It’s a common idea and conversation that social media is bad for our mental health. Given the light that social media has been portrayed in as of late, it’s understandable why people would believe that.
But I’ve learned from personal experience lately as a mental health advocate on social media, that there are plenty of ways in which social media can actually contribute positively to our wellbeing and happiness.
So today, we’re going to dive into details about what I’ve discovered in relation to the positive connection between mental health and your favorite social media platforms.
Building A Community
First and foremost, I want to talk about the building of mental health communities. On both Instagram and TikTok, I’ve been very fortunate to have the opportunity to connect with so many like-minded individuals who also deal with depression, anxiety, and ADHD on a daily basis. I’ve been able to connect with so many people that I’ve never met before in my life.
Through these connections, people on a mental health journey, like myself, can build support networks and find people who understand them in ways that their family or friends may not be able to. This feeling of connection and belonging is crucial for a person’s mental health. It can even do wonders for one’s self-esteem, as well as reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
This is the point in the blog where I shout out all of my VBRZ! For those of you who don’t know, VBRZ are my family and friends online. VBRZ are people who follow me on any social media platform or subscribe to me on Patreon or Instagram Subscriptions. THANK YOU SO MUCH for your support!
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Staying Connected
“Staying connected” can mean different things for different people. Maybe you don’t get to see your best friend from high school very often anymore, but you stay in touch on Facebook or Instagram. Or perhaps you live far away from your family back home, but you still want to be involved in their lives, and them involved in yours. Either way, social media makes it way easier than ever before to keep up with those we care about, even when physical distance makes it impossible to stay close all the time.
Personal Expression
Don’t forget about the joys of personal expression either! There are so many creative outlets available now – gamers make videos and stream online, writers share their stories, photographers display their beautiful work, and so much more! These social media platforms allow everyone a chance to show off their talent and interests, all while gaining recognition from strangers across the globe.
This recognition, along with constructive feedback from other professionals in those fields who also call social media a home, help to provide a healthy dose of self-expression. This can have an incredibly positive influence on mental health by boosting confidence levels and providing much needed motivation during tough times.
Amazing Support Systems
Finally, and possibly most importantly, there are whole communities out there dedicated solely to supporting each other through difficult times – whether it’s managing ADHD, depression or anxiety; addiction help; eating disorders; advice for parents; etc. These groups serve as invaluable sources of comfort and guidance where members feel safe enough to be vulnerable without judgment from outsiders. I can tell you from personal experience that allowing someone access to this kind of understanding is essential for good mental health outcomes over time!
In Conclusion…
While some parts of social media may unfortunately lead us down darker pathways occasionally – such as cyberbullying – there is no shortage of positive aspects associated too! So don’t be afraid to scroll on through – you may find solace in surprising places.
