For a long time, the crummy effect of social media on mental health has been discussed. Many people are convinced that social media does not affect one’s mental health.

Now, whether you accept it or not, social media does affect your mental health. It affects your mental health in ways you don’t even know about. The good feeling that you get while using Instagram is even comparable to the pleasures like sex, food, and partying.

The more you use social media, the more addicted you become to it. These platforms are designed to bind users to their platforms. However, we often neglect the consequences our mental health has to face because of it.

How social media affects mental health?

Here are the four main ways in which social media affects a person’s mental health. It has several negative impacts that you do not even realize.

1. Anxiety 

Out of all the negative consequences social media has on one’s mental health, anxiety remains the biggest. People are more connected on social media than in real life. When it comes to real-life interactions, people get more anxious and panicky

How to overcome anxiety?

Here are some ways you can use to cope with anxiety:

  • Limit your screen time to fixed hours. One of the prime reasons for your anxiety is the overuse of social media. Try to shorten your phone usage little by little.
  • Get a good night’s sleep. Sleeping on time and waking on time can help you cope with anxiety easily with a relaxed mind.
  • Eat healthy food and indulge in some physical exercise. You can opt for meditation, yoga, or outdoor sports like cycling, swimming, etc.

2. Depression

The reliance on social media has made us believe in a fake world where everyone is busy showing their perfections despite their real-life imperfections. People compare their lives to such people and feel depressed about the things they do not have. This kind of depression will only increase with time. It will be best for you to face the reality.

How to overcome depression?

Here are some ways to deal with depression:

  • Cut yourself from people and media that trigger your depression. It can be certain social media handles or some real-life people.
  • Do not hesitate in consulting a depression therapist. They will help you and guide you towards the right track.
  • Practice mindfulness activities like meditation or yoga.

3. Sleep Deprivation

Teens today have completely overshadowed the importance of sleep in one’s life. Let us be honest, one of the critical reasons for this deprivation in the sleeping pattern is the excessive use of mobile phones. What we see on social media persists in our minds for a long time, and it prevents us from sleeping.

Studies also say that using a mobile phone before bed impacts your sleep.

What are some sleep deprivation effects?

Sleep deprivation can have serious effects on a person’s health. These effects include:

  • Weakened immune system: Studies have proven that people who sleep less fall sick more quickly than people with good sleeping patterns.
  • The risk of heart diseases and diabetes increases due to increased blood pressure and inflammation.
  • Lack of concentration, creativity, and problem-solving ability is seen in sleep-deprived people.

4. Self-Esteem

What is self-esteem?

Self-esteem is the confidence you have in your own skin. It is the evaluation of your self-worth.

A person starts losing self-esteem when insecurities start hitting one’s mind. A person with low self-esteem does no good to himself or society. Some people might talk openly about their insecurities, while some might not.

Social media directly impacts a person’s self-esteem. Comparing yourself to other people by stalking their pictures, watching their lifestyle, and seeing what they have achieved creates a sense of self-doubt in the mind. This doubt slowly starts affecting our self-esteem in many ways. 

How to improve self-esteem?

To improve self-confidence, follow the following tips:

  • Learn where you are getting these self-doubt thoughts from. Once you identify these triggers, start working towards ending them.
  • Turn everything that you think is negative in you into a positive form. For example, instead of thinking, “I am too lean,” think, “At least I am not obese.”
  • Take up the challenges that you think make you feel bad about yourself. Do not be afraid to face your fears. Improve yourself with each challenge.

Mental Health Support

Social media today has caused a lot of unrealistic hopes and dreams among people. It has led to unhappiness and despair. The development of many mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or phobias is quite easily caused by the excessive or wrong use of these social media platforms.

You do not even realize how slowly you start feeling, thinking, and working according to the people you watch and follow. You might not be doing it consciously, but it is high time you preserve your mental health before it’s too late.

It is better to give up or limit the usage of these platforms to support your mental well-being. Start by fixing your social media usage timings. Within days, you’ll get over the habit of exploiting resources.

Comment below if you are among the very few people who don’t check social media before going to bed or waking up. 

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