Navigating social media can be overwhelming for many individuals, especially when it comes to maintaining positive mental health. As a therapist in Nashville, TN who specializes in anxiety therapy, I have seen firsthand the impact that social media can have on our well-being. Seeing all the negative news, comparing ourselves to others, and experiencing shallow communication can all contribute to feelings of anxiety and unhappiness.
It's important to remember that social media is a tool. When used in moderation and with boundaries, it can serve as a positive influence on our lives. However, we must be mindful of how much time we spend scrolling through negative content and allowing it to impact our mental health.
Don't Look at the Doom and Gloom
It's easy to fall into the trap of "doomscrolling". This term is talking about the endless scrolling through negative news and content that only serves to increase our anxiety. For instance, constantly checking the news or social media for updates can leave us feeling overwhelmed and anxious. But we must remember that this constant exposure to anxious things and bad news is not healthy.
It's not healthy for our physical or mental well-being. We need exposure to real-life moments, relationships, and problem-solving in the present. Even though social media can be a great tool to stay connected with others, it's important to set boundaries and curate our content carefully. It's important to regulate our social media usage and not rely on it as a coping mechanism.
Using It Be Positive
Social media can have a positive impact on our lives, but only if we curate our feeds carefully. Follow accounts and pages that make you feel good and inspire you. You can also use the screen time notifications and limits to help regulate your usage. Also, as a therapist or other professional, using the internet to drive traffic to your website or provide support and resources can be a powerful tool for creating positive change in the digital world.
Have Boundaries, Take Breaks, and Do Social Media Cleanses
Setting boundaries is crucial when it comes to using social media. Communicating through likes, comments, and messages is not the same as having real conversations with people in person. It's important to maintain those connections with others outside of social media. This can play a huge part in feeling isolated, disconnected, and unhappy. Depression? Anxiety? It can all be exasperated by social media usage when it's not balanced with real-life experiences.
It's a shallow and surface level of connection that can leave us feeling unfulfilled. This is where taking a break from social media to engage with the world around us can be beneficial. Going on a social media cleanse for a week, or even longer, can help us. It can help to detox from all the negative and anxious components of these platforms. You might even notice that you feel more present, mindful, and content with yourself and your life.
Regulating Ourselves Through Other Means
When we rely on social media as our main coping mechanism, it can actually make us more anxious. Instead of learning healthy ways to deal with stress and regulate ourselves, we are only feeding into the cycle by using negative material. It's actually dysregulating and can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Why does the media allow such negative news and unhealthy material? Because it sells.
Just like how the news can be more popular when it's negative, social media platforms thrive on our attention and engagement. Our parents and their parents before them did not become anxious after watching the news. Why? Because they were only exposed to it for 30 minutes whereas we are exposed to it for 10+ hours a day. The constant bombardment of negative news and unhealthy content is not something our minds and bodies were designed to handle.
When Social Media Bloomed, So Did Anxiety
Around 2012-2014, the rates of anxiety and depression skyrocketed with the rise of social media platforms like Facebook and the widespread use of smartphones. We are constantly connected to our devices. Therefore, we are connected to a constant stream of information that can be damaging to our mental health. For instance, we are constantly comparing ourselves to others, feeling the pressure to be perfect, and seeing only the highlight reels of others' lives.
Plus, as it becomes more acceptable for children and teens to use social media, it becomes more influential on their developing minds. This is why it's crucial for us to not only regulate our own usage but also guide and educate the younger generations on healthy ways to navigate social media. It's already hard for us adults, so we really need to be mindful of how much we expose our children and younger siblings to these platforms.
Seeking Support for the Anxieties of Social Media
If you find yourself struggling with the negative effects of social media on your mental health, know that you are not alone. Anxiety therapy in Nashville, TN, and other cities is available to help you develop coping mechanisms and set boundaries for your social media usage. As a therapist in Nashville, TN, I specialize in anxiety therapy and offer online therapy options for those who may prefer virtual sessions.
When you go through anxiety therapy, whether it's in person or via online therapy in Nashville, you can learn healthier ways to cope with social media. You can learn ways to manage the anxieties it may bring. Whether it's curating a positive feed, setting boundaries, or taking breaks and doing social media cleanses there are options to help you find balance and peace in the digital world. Remember, it's not about completely avoiding social media altogether, but rather learning how to use it in a positive way that benefits your overall well-being. So don't hesitate to reach out for support if you need it.
REDUCE SOCIAL MEDIA ANXIETY WITH ANXIETY THERAPY IN NASHVILLE, TN
Don't let social media control your emotions and well-being. Take back control by seeking support from a therapist in Nashville, TN. With anxiety therapy, you can learn healthy coping mechanisms and set boundaries for your social media usage. You deserve to experience the positive impact of social media without it causing unnecessary stress and anxiety in your life. With the support of a therapist in Nashville, TN, you can find balance and peace in the digital world. At Vitus Counseling, Stu Cook knows how to help you navigate the challenges of social media and develop a healthier relationship with it. What are you waiting for? Follow these simple steps:
Contact me at stucook@vituscounseling.com or (615)-709-5779.
Set up a free consultation call and learn more about my approach to counseling.
Don't Let Social Media Rule Your Life!
ADDITIONAL COUNSELING SERVICES OFFERED AT VITUS COUNSELING
At Vitus Counseling, I offer a range of counseling services to support you in your journey toward improved mental health and well-being. At my Tennessee practice, I offer a variety of therapy and counseling services to ensure you or your family has all the support you need. I specialize in therapy for trauma or PTSD, as well as for anxiety and depression. Additionally, I provide addiction treatment for those seeking support for substance abuse. Vitus Counseling is located in Brentwood, TN outside of Nashville. However, I also offer online counseling to anyone in the state of Tennessee. You can use social media as a tool for connection and positivity, not just a source of anxiety. So don't hesitate to reach out for support and start your journey towards healthier social media habits and improved mental health today!
