Do the words of this girl echo your own feelings about social media too. When asked by mental health psychologists, she said:
I use social media but that just makes me more depressed
Overall, 35,244 of the counselling sessions held by a mental health service in 2014/15 were related to low self-esteem and unhappiness, because the pressure to keep up with friends and have the perfect life online is adding to the sadness that many young people feel on a daily basis.
One 13-year-old told a counsellor:
I hate myself. When I look at other girls online posting photos of themselves it makes me feel really worthless and ugly. I am struggling to cope with these feelings and stay in my bedroom most of the time.
And a 12-year-old added:
I feel like crying all the time. I am constantly worried about what other people are thinking of me and it’s really getting me down.
I use social media sometimes but that just makes me more depressed as I hardly have any friends online and no one likes my posts/photos.
Do these comments reflect your feelings? But you don’t have to let them, not if you can heed these nuggets of wisdom:
1. Understand that on social media, everyone puts their best and brightest smiles forward
Its like the red carpet, you rarely will see tears. Facebook is not the representation of a LIFETIME! They are just pictures taken from specific times of living. They are just smiles posed for a camera moment. You do not really know whether they are happy on the inside or not. On average we live 80 years, and there are many ups and downs challenging us during that time. In the end life is not fair, get over it, and do it now!
2. Remember this, no one can MAKE you feel anything. REPEAT THAT
Your feelings are how you interpret the world based upon how you filter and CHOOSE to feel about all that is happening.
From the baby born in the slum who is happy, to your favourite stars and celebrities whose life behind the scenes is unfulfilled, none of us is exempt from having tough times. No one’s life is perfect, despite what appearances may tell you!
3. Quit watching and get living
You may be depressed over your life because you haven’t put forth the effort to be CREATIVE in enjoying it. It’s your job to make it fun for you and the people around you. If you are sitting all day wasting hours looking at other people pictures, and dreaming; you will be depressed!
Go live your life and make your own great photographic moments or not. Your best memories are in your head. The greatest ones you have may never even make it to Facebook or Instagram.
4. The Grass is NOT Greener on the other side
Its easy to get fooled on social media by the “grass is greener on the other side” element. Many people think that all those gushing guys chasing them online in comments will turn out to be fantastic partners when you finally meet them. Most likely they are in the relationship trying to chase the “grass is always greener” the same way as you too!
So in the end, keep your perspective, be the best version of yourself, and live your life. Put the WORK in to make your own dreams come true. Quit watching and start doing.
See Also: 21 Most Used Acronyms By Teens On Social Media. Do You Use Any of These?
Facebook, Twitter And Other Social Media Shortcuts Worth Knowing
Is Social Media Making You Sad? Take Back Your Life With These Tips
Do the words of this girl echo your own feelings about social media too. When asked by mental health psychologists, she said:
Overall, 35,244 of the counselling sessions held by a mental health service in 2014/15 were related to low self-esteem and unhappiness, because the pressure to keep up with friends and have the perfect life online is adding to the sadness that many young people feel on a daily basis.
And a 12-year-old added:
Do these comments reflect your feelings? But you don’t have to let them, not if you can heed these nuggets of wisdom:
1. Understand that on social media, everyone puts their best and brightest smiles forward
Its like the red carpet, you rarely will see tears. Facebook is not the representation of a LIFETIME! They are just pictures taken from specific times of living. They are just smiles posed for a camera moment. You do not really know whether they are happy on the inside or not. On average we live 80 years, and there are many ups and downs challenging us during that time. In the end life is not fair, get over it, and do it now!
2. Remember this, no one can MAKE you feel anything. REPEAT THAT
Your feelings are how you interpret the world based upon how you filter and CHOOSE to feel about all that is happening.
From the baby born in the slum who is happy, to your favourite stars and celebrities whose life behind the scenes is unfulfilled, none of us is exempt from having tough times. No one’s life is perfect, despite what appearances may tell you!
3. Quit watching and get living
You may be depressed over your life because you haven’t put forth the effort to be CREATIVE in enjoying it. It’s your job to make it fun for you and the people around you. If you are sitting all day wasting hours looking at other people pictures, and dreaming; you will be depressed!
Go live your life and make your own great photographic moments or not. Your best memories are in your head. The greatest ones you have may never even make it to Facebook or Instagram.
4. The Grass is NOT Greener on the other side
Its easy to get fooled on social media by the “grass is greener on the other side” element. Many people think that all those gushing guys chasing them online in comments will turn out to be fantastic partners when you finally meet them. Most likely they are in the relationship trying to chase the “grass is always greener” the same way as you too!
So in the end, keep your perspective, be the best version of yourself, and live your life. Put the WORK in to make your own dreams come true. Quit watching and start doing.
See Also: 21 Most Used Acronyms By Teens On Social Media. Do You Use Any of These?
Facebook, Twitter And Other Social Media Shortcuts Worth Knowing