There is no stopping the internet in today’s generation. Everything about a person’s life is, in fact, visible on social media. Almost all individuals post and share their stories with the hope of influencing others in society. There is nothing wrong with that, though. Anyone can do whatever they desire as long as they are happy with what they do. Unfortunately, despite the benefits of other platforms’ engagement in social media, a lot of individuals are getting more affected emotionally and mentally. This isn’t because they are not active in social interaction or anything, but because too much time is spent on platforms like Facebook and other social media sites, and not everyone can handle it, leading to depression and negative mental health outcomes.

Social media has been a place where people’s problems build up. There are insecurities, jealousy, rejection, impulsiveness, violence, cyberbullying, emotional torture, lies, and too many expectations that can lead to depression and other challenges. With all those negative things going around, people’s mental health has a hard time keeping up with what genuinely matters in real life – true happiness.

Behind The Captivating Uploaded Stories And Pictures

As we all can agree, not all the things we see on social media are, in fact, the truth. Some are fake content, and people are only using such different platforms to gain fame and money. Some use social media to gather attention, while others rely on its availability for the sake of validation. But what is more damaging is the effect of social media on those individuals who have already put their lives on it. Those are the people who cannot identify reality from fantasy. It is such a shame that social media has become one of the main sources of emotional and mental health problems despite bridging the gap between people (such as friends as well as family members).

The Impact Of Social Media And Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the world, ranging from mild to severe, with a potentially devastating effect on those who suffer from it. Social media, which connects young adults in unprecedented ways, can have both positive and negative consequences for individuals experiencing symptoms of depression.

On one hand, social media serves as a platform for social interaction, offering comfort and connection to some individuals. They can express themselves and share their stories with the world, fostering a sense of belonging. However, it can also be a double-edged sword, creating a false sense of connection and belonging. People often find themselves comparing their own lives to others, leading to unrealistic expectations, self-doubt, inadequacy, and sadness.

On the other hand, online communities can also be a great way to find support and understanding. People tend to reach out to one another and find a community of people who understand what they’re going through. It can be a great tool for connecting with mental health professionals and finding mental health resources to help with depressive symptoms, fear of missing out, body image concerns, and the time spent on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

No matter how the internet is used, it is important to recognize the potential risks associated with it. It can be a powerful tool for those struggling with mental health issues, but it can also be a source of negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is important to be aware of the potential effects of internet use and to be mindful of how it is impacting your mental health.

Coping With The Mental Health Condition

There are many ways to cope and stay connected with others. It is important to find activities that bring joy and comfort and to reach out for help when needed. It is also important to take breaks from the Internet and to find other outlets for expressing oneself. Taking time to reflect on one’s mental health and practicing self-care is essential for those struggling.

It is important to remember that social media does not define our worth. We are not defined by the number of likes or followers we have. Everyone is worthy of love, support, as well as understanding, regardless of how big their online presence is. What matters the most is to make your mental health a priority and then reach out for help when needed. 

A Word Of Advice About Online Platforms Use

Social media is a powerful tool and can be used for great things, but it can also be a source of anxiety and depression. Be mindful of how it is impacting our mental health. We should take care of ourselves. We should strive to find balance in our lives, to find activities that bring us joy and comfort. We should also remember to reach out for help when needed, as there is no shame in seeking help for mental health challenges. Social media can be a great tool to stay connected, but it should not be the only source of happiness. With the right tools and resources, we can all find a way to manage it in healthy, positive aspects. One should have healthy internet use in place.

How Does Addiction To Online Platforms Cause Mental Illness?

Using social media more often causes a lot of mental health-related challenges. Teenage and young adult users substantially experience unbalanced emotional and mental health, including feelings of dissatisfaction, inadequacy, and isolation. In turn, these feelings negatively affect their mood, which aggravates symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Based on a daily dose of high expectations and out-of-reach life standards, social media is killing people’s happiness in life. It ruins satisfaction and contentment by somehow promoting lies and deception.

What Percent Is Caused By Online Platforms?

In several recent studies, social media causes negative effects on a person’s well-being, particularly jealousy, depression, and anxiety. There is a 13 to 66 percent or even higher rate of reported mental health problems than those who spend less time spent with social platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

How Do Online Platforms Help Mental Health?

Social media is an excellent platform that offers people the chance to connect with others despite being far away from each other. Often, it serves as an outlet for those with mental illnesses to express themselves without revealing their identities. There is enough anonymity that takes away the stress, pressure of judgment, as well as criticism of others. These platforms allow individuals to develop their self-awareness while also improving self-expression.

Looking thoroughly, social media intends to end perceived social isolation. But unfortunately, some individuals are using it the other way around. Instead of taking advantage of its purpose for self-expression, it becomes their escape from hiding what they genuinely think and feel.

Do Online Platforms Contribute To Mental Health Struggles In Youth?

While social contributes to a certain number of benefits, too much of it still damages mental together with emotional health, particularly in youths. Usually, the online space makes teenagers live in a different world. They tend to experience feelings of self-doubt, insufficiency, discontentment, and isolation. These emotions trigger the warning signs and often lead to self-inflicting harm, sometimes even suicide.

Which Country Has The Highest Rate?

The World Health Organization (WHO) listed Ukraine, Colombia, the Netherlands, along with the United States as the country with higher prevalence estimates of depression. Meanwhile, Asian countries, particularly Japan, are considered the least depressed country with a diagnosed rate of individuals of less than 2.5 percent of the whole population.

How Is Internet Use Bad For You?

With the booming of new technology, there is still little research to establish and determine the long-term consequences of too much technological use, particularly with internet use. That is because multiple studies show a strong link between heavy usage of social media and an increased risk of mental illness such as loneliness, anxiety, depression, self-harm, or even suicidal thoughts.

Honestly, from a wider perspective, social media is not that bad. There are tons of benefits to using it. However, to some people dealing with mental health challenges, social media can be dangerous as it can trigger even unnoticeable depressive symptoms.

How Does It Affect Your Brain?

Research shows that social media affects the brain differently. A good example is the brain chemicals stimulation when a person posts a picture and then gets positive feedback. There is the release of dopamine that rewards own behavior and carries on social media habits. Thus, this particular increase in brain chemical levels results in much the same way that addiction works with things like shopping, alcohol, drugs, and gambling.

Does The Internet Make Us Lonely?

Few pieces of data link social media to loneliness. That is among heavy social media users, particularly teenagers who often think their lives are not as perfect as others. Social media can change how people integrate their decision-making skills into their lives, impacting isolation as well as loneliness. These may include online spaces that are often oriented to status, and performance, along with exaggerating favorable yet unrealistic qualities. Why is social media bad for teens?

Too much use of social media can be dangerous as well as unhealthy for teens. The habit has been linked to feelings of inadequacy, envy, and less satisfaction with life because of some unrealistic representation of what life should be all about. Teens are more concerned with what other people think, making them even more susceptible to mental health conditions. Social media’s negative impact on teens usually ends up with an increased level of self-doubt, a possible implication of self-harm, and constant thoughts of suicide.

How Long Do Teens Spend Time Browsing Online Platforms?

American teenagers usually spend an astonishing nine hours a day with their digital devices. These kids entertain themselves by listening to music, streaming videos, playing games, or watching movies. But more than half of 54 percent of teens, particularly 12- to 15-year-olds, spend too much time on their cellphones browsing social media platforms like Instagram & Facebook. These teens are the ones that are twice as likely to experience loneliness, anxiety, isolation, anti-social behavior, and other mental health struggles.

What Is Healthy Screen Time Per Day?

Expert encourages teens and young adults should spend at least two hours a day an acceptable amount of screen time. No screen time or digital use should be given to children under two years old,  while limiting only an hour a day for kids 2 to 12 years old.

Source: pixabay.com

 What Are The Symptoms Of Too Much Screen Time?

Too much screen time’s negative side effects include physical strain on your eyes and body, increased risk of obesity, sleep deprivation, and impaired socializing skills. It also contributes to chronic health conditions, weakened emotional judgment, as well as delayed learning in young children. In some instances, it also leads to attention problems, anxiety, and other mental health problems.

 Is Screen Time Linked To Depression?

Youth’s increasing depressive symptoms can be associated with many things. However, increased screen time is generally linked to progressively inferior psychological well-being. Rather than alleviate negative thoughts and feelings, an individual often feels more anxious, depressed, or lonely after spending time or too much attention on social media.

 Does Screen Time Affect Mental Health? 

A study found that the relationship between screen time and mental health diagnoses, particularly depression and anxiety, occurs in young people who spend seven hours or more a day on their screens. These kids are more likely to get easily distracted, become less emotionally stable, often experience difficulties finishing important tasks, and find it difficult to make friends.

 Why Is Technology Bad For Your Mental Health?

Technology itself is not bad for people’s mental health. Instead, it is the usage that makes things more complicated. The relationship between technological use and both physical and mental health outcomes relies solely on digital addiction. Therefore, if individuals do not notice emotional, physical, and mental strain, things can lead to a severe overall health condition.

How Does Internet Use Impact Depression?

How Does Online Platform Use Affect Mental Health Negatively?

Do People With Mental Health Problems Use Social Media?

Will Getting Off Online Platforms Help With My Mental Health Problems?

Will I Be Happier If I Delete My Online Accounts?

 

I have been in the digital marketing industry for more than six years now. I started as a content writer for an agency that created websites for different companies. After a couple of years, I applied to another agency to become a social media manager. A few years later, I felt like I had the necessary connections and knowledge to open my own digital marketing firm, and I did it.

Many people praised my decision to do so. Most of them said that it would mean an addition to the handful of lady bosses in the industry. After all, even though it was about marketing products and services, it was still a male-dominated career. Some folks admired my guts, considering I did not have formal training as a digital marketer. They were correct about that – I learned everything through experience. Others would even jokingly ask me, “How can I be like you, Andrea?”

I would smile in reply and talk about the importance of having a competitive team to back you up to all these. It was mostly true – I might have gotten nowhere if I hired people who did not know what I asked them to do. As for the last question, when it was only my husband and me, I would answer, “Try dealing with depression and using digital marketing to save your butt.”

Opening My Version Of Pandora’s Box

It was in middle school when my sleeping and eating patterns began to shift. My parents maintained that I should sleep at nine o’clock on school days so that I would look – and think – my best in the morning. I followed that rule like any obedient daughter would for a few months. However, the more rigid my lessons became, the harder I found it to fall asleep quickly. Because of that, I turned to read my favorite book series – Harry Potter. 

Whenever my parents would close my bedroom door, I would keep my eyes closed until I heard theirs close as well. Then, I would jump out of my bed to get a book from the series and read until three o’clock in the morning. I could sleep for three hours after that before Mom would wake me up to prepare for school. 

I did that secret routine up to high school. By that time, I was already a fast reader to the extent that I could finish a 300+-page book in less than six hours every night. When I got slightly bored with the Harry Potter series, I moved on to the Twilight Saga, which is supposed to be a long read, too. My friends envied me for having such skills and not getting caught by my parents once.

When I went off to college, I agreed to take up Chemistry, even though I wanted to take up Communications. I excelled at sciences, and I honored my parents’ words that I could still go to writing workshops if I wanted to be a writer later. As expected, the more semesters I dealt with, the more challenging my classes became. In my third year, I had already lost complete interest in Chemistry and asked my parents if I could shift courses, but they said no. “Finish Chemistry first, then we’ll talk about that,” Dad said firmly.

Being stuck in classes that I did not care for and resenting my parents for not listening to what I wanted to do in life caused me to slip into depression. I lived in the dorms, so it was easy to skip classes or pretend I was in one when Mom or Dad called. I would still go to class sometimes, but that’s only to take exams. This new routine went on even to the next semester, though I didn’t go to classes at all. I also shut my friends/classmates out and didn’t answer calls from anyone.

I isolated myself because I was feeling so stressed out and pressured. At that time, all I knew was that being away from the crowd and not mingling with others was the solution that could save me from despair. However, I didn’t know it would be the start of more destructive habits.

How did I not end up killing myself, you might ask?

The Warning Signs

I was on the verge of doing that, frankly speaking. I would not sleep or eat for as long as I could. It’s not that I did not want to sleep or eat; it’s just that the voices inside my head were somewhat paralyzing. I would try to decipher them in the morning, and then I would eventually realize that the day had passed me by already. The only way to lessen the noise was to write my problems in a notebook until they stopped. 

I was becoming unreasonable, and with the depression, my situation got worse sometimes; even if I openly wrote about my struggles and feelings, it didn’t help. And even if I try to re-focus and work on the things that will make me feel better, such as listening to music, making art, and painting, these things do not work. I am not okay, and I know that. I acknowledge the fact that I am mentally and emotionally unstable, and I lack the confidence to deal with my issues accordingly.

After doing that self-destruction for a couple of weeks, I began to struggle mentally and emotionally extremely. This is when the warning signs of depression become more apparent.

When I couldn’t find a way out, I told myself that it was about time that I sought help. I found the courage to talk to my parents about everything. I expected them to disown me, but I was surprised when they both hugged me and apologized to me for going through that on my own. I shed buckets of tears that day, too, since I felt a heavy weight lifted off my chest. Then, when they asked what I wanted to do, I said that I wanted to try writing for a living. As people said, the rest became history.

Talking About Depression

I still find it challenging to talk about depression in person, but I would love to use this chance to write about it instead.

What Is The Most Reliable Symptom Of Depression?

 Among the most reliable symptoms of depression is hopelessness. 

What Are The Four Major Causes Of Depression?

• The risk of depression is in your genes.
• You have experienced some form of abuse.
• You are dealing with chronic physical illness.
• A loved one passed away.

What Are The Early Warning Signs In Mental Health?

• The dramatic or constant change in your sleeping, thinking, and eating patterns
• Lack of interest in activities or people you used to be unable to live without
• Significant performance slump
• Poor concentration or logic
• Getting hurt by everything
• Thinking that everyone is against you
• Lack of sense of reality
• Peculiar behavior

What Are The Signs Of Poor Mental Health?

• Excessive worrying
• Poor decision-making
• Easily overwhelmed
• Easily distracted
• Increased sensitivity

What Are The Five Signs Of Mental Illness?

• You get paranoid and worry too much about everything.
• You feel sad or irritated for an extended period.
• Your mood hits the extremes often.
• You withdraw from your friends, family, and society.
• Your sleeping and eating patterns have been erratic.

What Are The Four Types Of Depression?

• Bipolar disorder
• Major depression
• Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

What Is The Biggest Cause Of The Mental Illness?

 Abuse is the primary cause of depression.

Does The Mental Illness Count As A Disability?

 Yes, depression counts as a psychiatric disability.

What Are The Seven Types Of Mental Disorders?

• Anxiety disorders
• Eating disorders
• Mood disorders
• Personality disorders
• Psychotic disorders
• Post-traumatic disorders
• Dementia

What’s A Mental Breakdown?

 A mental breakdown is a term that people use to describe when a person succumbs to emotional or psychological stress. 

How Do I Know If I’m Bipolar?

Bipolar disorder symptoms are divided between mania and depression.

Manic Signs:

• You feel “high” for hours or days, even if you have not taken substances.
• You do not feel the need to sleep at all.
• You talk as quickly as your mind races.
• You want to act on every idea that comes to mind.
• You cannot focus on a specific activity.
• You get too confident.
• You welcome risky – borderline life-threatening – activities.

Depressive Signs:

• You feel sad, hopeless, and discouraged for a long time.
• You refuse to meet your loved ones.
• You no longer enjoy your favorite activities.
• You either overeat or don’t eat at all.
• You always feel exhausted.
• You cannot recall or decide on anything.
• Your mind gets preoccupied with suicidal thoughts.

What Is Stage 4 Mental Illness?

Reaching Stage 4 of any mental illness entails dealing with severe symptoms that most likely affect your functioning and relationships. At this level, one may be diagnosed with a major depressive disorder or other severe mental conditions.

Is Overreacting A Mental Illness?

 No, overreacting is technically not a mental illness but a symptom of one – particularly bipolar disorder.

What Is Poor Mental Health?

Poor mental health is characterized by an individual’s inability to process situations without feeling tired, angry, sad, unhappy, or stressed. This can lead to various mental health problems, such as depression.

Final Thoughts

The takeaway from this blog is that depression is supposed to be seen as a life challenge, not the end of everything. If I managed to find success in life, anyone could do it. The key is to be honest about your mental health to the people you love.

It only takes a couple of motivations and dedication to get past the mental health dilemma. As long as you are open to talking about your situation, there will be some ways that can help you cope. Also, if you can’t seem to handle your depression or mental or emotional health struggle, you can always seek professional treatment. A therapist, counselor, or psychologist knows what to do. They can assist you with your mental health needs, provided that you are honest with what you are dealing with.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Five Major Indications Of Depression?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlined the following as the five major signs of depression:

• Persistent feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, and sadness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in things and activities once enjoyed
• Loss of appetite or weight
• Sleep disturbances (excessive sleeping or insomnia)
• Noticeable fatigue

Other signs of depression include difficulty remembering, concentrating, and making decisions, intense feelings of guilt, and worthlessness.

In severe cases, a major depressive disorder can also cause recurring thoughts of death or suicide and suicide attempts.

Experiencing some or combinations of these symptoms in more than two weeks is considered a depressive episode. However, only a professional healthcare provider can accurately diagnose and prescribe the right treatment for the condition.

 

How Is This Mental Health Problem Confirmed?

Depression is confirmed after a thorough assessment by a health care professional, usually a psychiatrist or psychologist. They use a comprehensive evaluation of the symptoms, medical history, and psychological factors of the patient. They use the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria (as mentioned previously) to determine whether the symptoms meet the qualification for a depressive disorder. They use standardized screening tools and questionnaires to gather detailed information about their patient. With that said, to get an accurate diagnosis of the condition, it is crucial to be open and honest during the evaluation process and the right treatment plan.

What Are The 3 Ps Of This Mental Health Issue?

The 3 Ps of depression stand for Persistent, Pervasive, and Personal. These are used to understand the nature and impact of the mental health condition.

Persistent means the depression symptoms are enduring, typically for at least two weeks.

Pervasive means the symptoms affect various aspects of a person’s life, including behaviour, mood, thoughts, and overall function.

Personal refers to the subjective experience, which is unique to each individual but influenced by multiple factors, such as perceptions and circumstances.

What Test Is Used For Diagnosing This Mental Health Problem?

It is important to note that there is no single specific test used by all healthcare professionals in the world that can definitely diagnose depression. Rather, psychiatrists, psychologists, etc., use a combination of different methods to assess whether the mental health condition is actually depression.

The combination of tests includes a thorough evaluation of the symptoms, medical history, and psychosocial factors. Clinicians often use standardized questionnaires or scales, such as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) or the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), to assess the severity of the symptoms. For a more accurate diagnosis, healthcare professionals use these assessments as screening tools, not as a standalone diagnostic test.

What Is The Top Cause Of This Mental Health Problem?

Moreover, specific triggers vary from one person to another. Significant life events, such as financial difficulties, chronic stress, relationship problems, etc., can all contribute to these factors. Moreover, brain chemical imbalances (dopamine, serotonin, etc.) and genetic predisposition can increase the risk of depression.