By Julia Hasou '21
Mental health is one of the most important factors in living a happy and healthy life. Sadly, millions of people around the world struggle with mental illnesses, especially with the increasing presence of social media in our lives.
Everyday, teenagers are affected by the standards society sets. This is particularly true on the internet. Teens tend to compare themselves to others, which can take a significant toll on their mental health, increasing their anxiety and lowering their self-esteem.
In a survey of the Royal Society for Public Health, 14-24 year-olds in the UK were asked how social media platforms impacted their health and well-being. The results found that Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram all led to increased feelings of depression, anxiety, poor body image and loneliness.
Although the media plays a big part in our lives, it is helpful to keep focusing on ourselves rather than making comparisons with what we see on social media, especially because what is on our screens is not realistic, and it only captures a person's best moments. It is crucial to always remember that the ideal images shown on media platforms do not change the fact that
we are all beautiful and worthy.
Struggling in school, in social life, in a sport or at home does not mean you should give up. It can be difficult to not compare yourself to a classmate who can grasp a topic faster, or to a teammate who stands out during every game, but we must remember that we all have different qualities that make us unique. Life can be overwhelming and it can be challenging to block out others' opinions, especially as social media constantly forces us to criticize ourselves through unattainable standards. Nonetheless, it is essential to acknowledge our own strength and abilities. Through self-care, a positive mindset, proper rest, and an overall healthy lifestyle, it is possible to feel empowered and stable.
However, a good lifestyle is not always enough. For millions of people globally, mental health issues make it almost impossible to feel in control of one's emotions. Illnesses like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, PTSD and bipolar disorder affect our friends, our family members, our mentors, and even those who seem to have the 'perfect life' on the Internet. Mental health disorders do not discriminate, and they can affect anyone. Social media can be one of the numerous triggers that affects us all, but in some cases (especially with cyber bullying) things can truly get out of hand. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for help. There are several options out there: therapy, medication, counselors, meditation techniques and helpful hotlines are among the most common. Some more accessible and cost-effective options can be even found on your phone, by downloading apps that incorporate proven techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Some of these apps include What’s up, Mind shift, and Mood Kit.
Help is out there, never hesitate to ask.
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