Have you ever been searching for something online and, a few clicks later, you look up and wonder how you even landed on this page? It’s so easy to get sucked into the mindless scroll and lose track of your focus. Not only does this interfere with your productivity, but it can really impact your mood.
In addition to mindless scrolling, the comparison trap is also so easy to fall victim to!
Why does my neighbor have a bigger house than me?
I’d be so much happier if I looked like that!
She’s so lucky – I wish my life was that flawless!
People have been comparing themselves to others on social media for as long as social media has been around. Yet, social platforms themselves are not what cause the self-deprecating thoughts that follow when we compare ourselves to others. Whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, or even LinkedIn, these social sites only make our unhealthy comparison habits more accessible.
These days it’s almost as if these social sites should come with a disclaimer: the content shared on your feed represents the user’s perspectives and does not necessarily intend to alter the views you have of yourself.
When we choose to participate in social media, we must do so with the understanding that what we see doesn’t change who we are. We must remember that the way we see things has a greater impact on our mental health than what we see. But it’s up to us to realize that impact, know our triggers, and steer clear of them.
With a little more mindfulness, purpose, and intention behind our social scrolling, we can support others without bashing ourselves. Here is how to stop comparing yourself to others on social media:
Curate your feed
Our minds have more influence on us than any influencer we come across on Instagram. And while we cannot control everything we see, we can do our best to avoid what triggers us.
For instance, some people may share messages that don’t resonate with you or bring value to your life.
There may be some people who make you feel inferior based on what they share. And while deep down you know you aren’t getting the whole story, it’s easy for you to start creating false stories in your head anyway. If you are someone who struggles to remember that their success is not your failure, you might just need to unfollow them.
Most people do not share content to make you feel bad about yourself, but it’s okay to admit if they do anyway.
Do a social media detox
Sometimes the best way to gain insight on how something makes you feel is to see how you feel without it. Set aside the social media for a few days or even weeks and notice what shifts. Has your mood improved? What about your levels of confidence?
When you spend a period away from comparisons and self-criticism, you get a sense of how good life can feel without it. A social media detox may encourage you to spend more time away in general. If nothing else, it can give you perspective, inspiring you to be more aware of your thoughts when you return.
Remember why you started
If you catch yourself falling into the comparison trap, remember that it’s called social media for a reason. Are you there to share, engage, inspire, or uplift others? Or has it all turned to mindless scrolling? (Only, not so mindless that what you see still gets the best of you).
It is up to us to control the content we see, as well as how we engage with it. If your intention with social media is to connect with others, but it only leaves you feeling isolated, ask yourself, why? Remember what these platforms are for and contribute to your social community rather than compare.
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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