The Surprising Link Between Social Media and Depression

 October 28

Social media has become a huge part of how people interact with each other in the last decade. Some 77 percent of Americans are reportedly active on one or two social media platforms.

As much as limiting screen time is important, studies have shown that a person on average spends two hours a day browsing social media apps because they feel more connected to people. While social media is supposed to encourage connections, a report on Tech Crunch cited that the more people spend their time hooked up to their gadgets and looking on their social media profiles, the more they feel lonely and depressed about their lives.

If you are suffering from depression or if you know someone who does, don’t hesitate to consult our experts in depression treatment Palm Beach Gardens for medical help.

How Frequent Social Media Use May Trigger Depression

A study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology tested out this theory that spending more time on social media can increase a person’s risk for depression. The researchers learned that the group randomly assigned to use Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat under a limited time period had better mental health outcomes than the group that was on social media for more than 30 minutes a day.

Experts said that logging into social media tends to activate a person’s social comparison. A platform’s algorithm delivers “curated” facets of other people’s lives that forces people to question how they are stacking up against their peers.

According to a study in the journal Plos One, it is this social comparison that drives Facebook, Twitter or Instagram users, especially young adults, to frequently check their newsfeeds and stay online longer. This need to compare also generates a fear of missing out (FOMO), which has also been linked to depression and loneliness.

 

Other Ways Social Media May Lead to Depression

Social media also leaves users with a poor body image and sense of self. Coupled with a lack of sleep from being online, some users instead spend their time and energy thinking of how they can measure up to the lives of their friends, especially among users between the ages of 14 to 25.

Consequently, research published in the journal E-Clinical Medicine indicated that symptoms of depression or feelings of unhappiness, loneliness and restlessness are more prevalent among teenage girls than teenage boys. Experts say that this once again circles back to body image, self-esteem and self-perception. The effects tying social media to body image may be especially magnified with the prevalence of cyberbullying and body shaming on the internet.

Curbing Depression in the Social Media Age

To limit social media use is to reduce the risk of depression. The American Academy of Pediatrics leaves it up to the parent to teach their kids and teens to have healthy social media habits apart from monitoring their teenagers’ time on the internet. Among the recommendations include installing pop-up warnings and features that indicate when they have been on the app for too long or moving the phone charging station away from the bedroom so as not to disrupt sleep.

Parents of teens and young adults must also cultivate an environment at home where their children can freely express and create their sense of self or identity. They have to create a positive, supportive and loving home life, where the teens find structure and balance.

If the patient has already been diagnosed with depression, he will have to be seen by an expert in depression treatment for a medical intervention.

Where to look for an effective depression treatment in Palm Beach Gardens

Managing your depression can be a tough job. With the help of your doctor, family and friends, and your own willpower, you have a great chance of recovering from depression.

At Allay Health and Wellness, we offer the opportunity for individuals to begin the journey to a better quality of life. We are now able to help patients connect the dots as to what is happening in their turbulent subconscious. Most of us are unable to articulate the reasons why we do the things that we do. We are forever perplexed as to why we cannot find happiness, or achieve a lasting peace of mind.

If you would like more information about our ketamine treatment for depression, do not hesitate to contact us and schedule an appointment.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

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