Posted by HUED Admin in General on May 24th, 2022
According to research, as of 2021, about 4.2 billion people utilize social media, roughly 58.4% of the global population. According to Merriam-Webster, social media is “a form of electronic communication where users can share videos, messages, and ideas with their curate community.” This encompasses platforms such as Instagram, Tiktok, YouTube, and even Pinterest. As social media usage skyrockets, so do the rate of mental health illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
In 2020 the National Alliance of Mental Illness released the impact on mental health:
Social media allows us to curate the life we want virtually; between filters and editors, you can be whoever you want to be very quick. However, does the impact of trying to obtain a certain status on these platforms outweigh what it is doing to our minds? Studies have shown that Americans spend around 4 to 6 hours daily on their smartphones, with some experiencing phenomena such as Phantom Vibration Syndrome.
Phantom Vibration Syndrome is when you believe your phone is vibrating. One study found that 89% of undergraduate students experienced phantom vibration and did not see it as concerning. Others, however, have been very transparent that they may have an unhealthy, even an addictive, relationship with their smartphone.
Another phenomenon is Social Media Anxiety Disorder, often referred to as FOMO, which is the constant need to check on your online friends and followers to ensure you are not missing out. Unfortunately, these individuals are also more likely to lie about how much time they spend using their phones and experience severe withdrawal symptoms when unable to use social media.
Individuals are also experiencing numerous forms of violence linked to social media usage. The Pew Research Center’s 2018 survey of U.S. teens showed that one in six teenagers had experienced at least one of six different forms of abusive behavior online:
There is also a correlation between body dysmorphia and social media in young adolescent girls, and some organizations are going as far as banning filters for their product promotions. As social media grows, so does our need to create checks and balances to have a healthy natural world life and an online presence. Below are some ways to protect your mental health from the downside of social media.
Tips on balancing social media usage:
Social media has its ups and downs, but it has proven influential when creating community and connecting across platforms. However, we have to keep in mind that social media can create moments of depression and anxiety, and in a time when you almost need to be interconnected, make time for yourself.
Stay connected to us on Instagram @HUEDCO
Site content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Posted by HUED Admin in General on March 31st, 2022
One component of having good physical health is ensuring that our mental health is not forgotten. Frequently we forget that even the changes in the weather can have a significant impact on our mental well-being. Anxiety, for example, is a mental health illness that impacts nearly 19% of US adults and 7% of children aged 3-17. It is estimated that about 30% of people will experience anxiety at some point in their life. With a growing number of people being diagnosed with anxiety, it is becoming more beneficial to understand what it is and how it impacts your health.
What Is Anxiety Exactly?
Anxiety disorder is an umbrella that holds multiple forms of anxiety and symptoms; according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, these include:
Generalized Anxiety:
It is characterized by chronic anxiety, exaggerated worry, and tension, even when there is little or nothing to provoke it.
Obsession Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
It is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) such as hand washing, counting, checking, or cleaning.
Panic Disorder
It is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms, including chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress.
Social Anxiety/Phobia:
characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations.
How Does It Impact Our Health?
Anxiety disorder or a moment of anxiety can cause rapid heartbeat, chest pain, and stomach issues. Children often cannot communicate their feelings of pressure, so it manifests in stomach pain. This stress being put on the body for prolonged periods can lead to an imbalance in hormones and impact the body’s central nervous system.
These attacks on the nervous system lead to higher stress levels which can cause heart attacks, stroke, sleep issues, digestive problems, and temporary memory loss. Research also shows that anxiety disorders can make the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus shrink in size if left undiagnosed. The shrinking of this part of the brain can add to feelings of hypervigilance and distress of the brain.
How To Manage Your Anxiety?
Yoga: Yoga allows your body to reduce stress and have a better flow of breathing. Yoga can be done by yourself or in a class setting. Yoga outside in nature also for a better connection with nature and the sun.
Thought Stopping: Practicing thought-stopping techniques and breathing allows you to control negative thoughts when they appear. Thought stopping can be done by listening to music, talking to friends, or verbally stopping your thoughts. Allowing your thoughts to spiral will continue to create stress which will harm your physical health.
Nature: Seasonal depression and anxiety have negatively impacted about 10 million Americans. Spending time outside allows the body to get the necessary vitamins and minerals it may be missing while sitting inside.
Seeking a Providor: Seeking a provider to help navigate both the emotional and physical impact. Visit the HUED directory to learn more about finding a provider for you.
Living with anxiety can put a lot of stress on the body, but having a precise diagnosis and managing tools will help you on your navigation journey.
