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What is the impact of social media on mental health, and how can we better care for those affected by it?

Lovell Leggon

Social media has undoubtedly had a significant impact on mental health. While it has provided us with a platform to connect with people globally, it has also brought with it a range of challenges that have affected our mental wellbeing.

One of the most significant impacts of social media on our mental health is a decrease in self-esteem and an increase in anxiety. Our social media feeds often present an unattainable version of reality, making us feel inadequate and unworthy. This constant comparison with others can lead to feelings of anxiety, intense pressure to appear perfect, and an inability to disconnect from our screens.

Social media has also contributed to feelings of isolation. While it offers us a window to the world, it can also create distance and a sense of loneliness, particularly if online connections come before those in our real-life community. This feeling of isolation can lead to depression and anxiety, and it's essential to recognize the significance of this issue.

Although social media poses many challenges, there are ways to ensure we take care of ourselves and those around us. It is crucial to take regular breaks from social media, even for a short period, to breathe, relax, and reconnect with the real world. This break can be a powerful way of reducing our dependence on social media and reconnecting with our emotional and mental wellbeing.

Moreover, mindfulness practices, such as meditation, can help us develop awareness and reduce anxiety. This technique can help us become more aware of our mind and thoughts, and it helps us reconnect with the present moment. It is so beneficial to our mental wellbeing and can alleviate the impact social media has on us.

As users of social media, we can also support our peers and loved ones by reaching out to them, offering help if they require it, and also by being conscious of how our own posts and comments impact others. We can improve their wellbeing by posting positive and uplifting messages for anyone that may be struggling, or we can acknowledge the importance of mental and emotional health and wellbeing more frequently.

To sum up, social media has impacted our mental wellbeing negatively by causing high levels of stress, anxiety, and isolation. It is crucial to take care of our mental and emotional wellbeing by taking regular breaks from social media, practicing mindfulness that will help lower stress and anxiety, and empowering peers and loved ones by offering positive and uplifting messages that contribute to their wellbeing. We can make a difference in the lives of those around us, and through even small changes, we decrease the impact social media has on our mental wellbeing.