Social media usage has surged since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thankfully, popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have been a saving grace for connection in these isolating times. And, as you can tell, we use these platforms to connect with our community. But for some people, social media usage can trigger mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.
With concerns mounting over the impact of social media and technology on our well-being, it’s important to ensure you are interacting in positive ways on-line. Watch out for these signs that social media might be negatively affecting your mental health.
You Are Often Envious of What Others Post
It seems like social media is more about portraying “the perfect life” than it is about connecting with others these days. People use filters, Photoshop, and staged backgrounds to create Instagram-worthy photos to gain likes and followers. But remember, what you are seeing on social media isn’t always the truth. At best, it’s a small snapshot of a story someone is trying to tell (or sell!).
If you find yourself envious of what others post on social media, take a moment to ground yourself in gratitude. Find three things in your life that you are thankful for and write them down. Develop a “glass half full” attitude to help shed some light on the beauty in your life- even if you don’t post about it on social media.
You Feel Inadequate In Comparison
It’s easy to fall victim to the comparison trap on social media.
….If only I could lose 10lbs
… I wish my house was that nice
… I’m embarrassed to drive a minivan
If scrolling through your social media feeds makes you feel inadequate in any way, it’s time to stop the scroll! It’s human nature to compare ourselves to others, but sometimes social media can take unhealthy comparison too far- especially in teens.
Negative comparisons can be detrimental to self-esteem, self-image, and well-being. Additionally, constant evaluation of oneself versus others can create a judgmental, competitive outlook.
If you fall victim to the comparison trap on social media, start by taking a step back. Think about why you are making those comparisons. Try to identify your triggers and avoid them. Focus your attention away from social comparisons and towards the real world.
You Find It More Difficult To Have Deep Or Meaningful Conversations
Social media is meant to provide connection but sometimes it has the opposite effect. Some people struggle with the technology behind using social media while others point out that it takes away from face-to-face conversations. The good news is social media doesn’t have to be the death of meaningful conversations!
Authentic, two-way conversations are built on active listening, empathy, and support. Whether on social media or over a cup of coffee, these three pillars are the key to meaningful conversations and connections.
Above all, make sure you are not allowing social media to define your sense of belonging in the world. It’s important to remember every day that we all belong to far more than our onscreen world. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety more regularly, you may have an anxiety disorder. Montana Psychiatry and Brain Health Center offers personalized, innovative treatments to help support you and relieve feelings of anxiousness.
At Montana Psychiatry and Brain Health Center, we offer innovative, cutting-edge treatments for many mental health conditions. Contact us today to schedule a consultation appointment and find out how we can help you be well. We are taking all precautions to help keep our patients and staff safe and healthy during COVID-19.
TMS
by Deb (age 64)
Category: generalThe hoops I jumped through in order to be evaluated were straightforward and efficient. I met with PA Kaitlin for about an hour to discuss my history and previous medications. Then Dr. Amato joined us to further discuss my history, the TMS treatment, and answer any questions. Myrna gathered all of the information and submitted it to my health insurance company to request coverage for TMS. Fortunately, insurance approved the treatment and I was able to begin the next week. I’m sure most people have anxiety about starting a treatment like TMS. No matter how many times it’s described to you, there are many unknowns. How will I feel during treatment? Is it painful? What if this doesn’t work? What if it works for a while but then stops? In all honesty, I was very uncomfortable during the first couple of weeks of treatment. The alternating two seconds of tapping sensation caused some pain during treatment, and at the end of the first week I thought about quitting. But I had sworn to myself that TMS was a last resort and I HAD TO complete the treatment and give it a chance to work. My technician, Heather, told me that some people don’t feel the tapping at all, they only hear it. Guess I wasn’t one of those people! But as the days went by, it became easier to tolerate the treatments. During this time I also saw Lauren weekly for CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). This is highly recommended for people undergoing TMS treatment, and it was a positive complement to my total of 100 minutes each week “under the helmet”. The weekend between weeks three and four, I started to notice subtle improvements in my mood, increased belief in my self-worth, and enthusiasm for simple things like going for walks, meeting friends for lunch, and taking on volunteer work in the community. I hesitated at first to believe that TMS was helping me. I was afraid that I was convincing myself it was working because I so desperately wanted it to! But now that I am past the treatment I can say with cert
TMS
by Barbie (age 68)
Category: generalI feel so blessed to participate in the TMS protocol at MT Psychiatry. After struggling so many years with depression and not getting significant results from medication, particularly of late, I noticed positive results in the first two weeks of treatment. TMS can literally give you back the beauty & joy in living as well as the courage to make positive life changes and improvements in your daily living situation. I heartily encourage anyone to put yourself into the hands of the amazing TMS team who so gently and graciously make this journey with you out of the black hole that is depression. It is my honor and privilege to give the TMS treatment the highest recommendation.
TMS
by Shayne (age 66)
Category: generalI am grateful for the support and caring I have received from Dr. Amato (and Heidi, Heather and Myrna) in my quest for mental health and a fuller more productive life. While the TMS results have been subtle, I feel more positive about my future and I would recommend this team absolutely. Thank you!
TMS
by Carrie (age 65)
Category: generalNot realizing how fuzzy my head was, I thought I was only going through severe anxiety and depression. Through the insight of Pat, I was able to go through TMS treatments which brought down the anxiety and depression immensely and has cleared up the fuzzy, far off substantially. All the personnel treated me with kindness and I’m sure their attitudes helped in my recovery.
TMS
by Bridget (age 47)
Category: generalThe first outcome of TMS I noted happened early in my treatment, at about the beginning of week two. I felt as though my “brain fog” had been chipped away. I wish I could report that I feel my mental health issues are in “remission”, but I can’t do so yet. My hope is that I will see improvement in the weeks to come, now that my TMS cycle has ended. I can say that my brain feels – in some way – different; I can’t explain exactly how. I continue to struggle at this point in time but sill have hope for more improvement.
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