You may have read the research or experienced it firsthand: Social media can negatively impact mental health. Seeing unrealistically positive representations of the lives of the people in your social circle may make you feel like you’re missing out on life. If you’re noticing that social media is impacting your mental health, try these tips:
Limit time on social media: There are apps that can help you be more mindful of the time you spend on social media. An app called Moment sends you notifications as your screen time accumulates.
Unfollow certain accounts: You know that one person whose life seems perfect? Try unfollowing them or blocking their content and see how that impacts your experience on social media.
Deactivate your accounts: If all else fails, it might be helpful to put social media on pause. Sites like Facebook and Instagram can easily be reactivated when you feel ready to re-engage.
Bethany Kriegel, LMHC, earned her master’s degree in mental health counseling from Boston College. She has experience working with adults in residential treatment settings, helping those struggling with eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder, among other issues.
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