# data[].attributes.body
Mental and emotional well-being is so important in today's society. Life can get extremely draining, leading to worst moments in life. So many situations can break you apart in life but it is how you over come those situations that make you grow as an individual. This quote written beautifully by Rupi Kaur has always helped me during my tough times. I can re-read it anytime when I am feeling upset and I feel so empowered. Thoughtful words are powerful. It can save a life.

# data[].attributes.headline
Is Social Media Hurting Your Mental Health? | Bailey Parnell 

# data[].attributes.subject
Is Social Media Hurting Your Mental Health? | Bailey Parnell 

# data[].attributes.body
Top Three Diagnoses of University Students Relating to Social Media:
1. Anxiety
2. Depression
3. Stress
The real concept of how social media is hurting your mental health is based on your constant interaction with using the various social media platforms available for you to use. In this youtube video, Bailey discusses how you are dragged into thinking negatively about yourself. She discusses how highlight reels, social currency and fear of missing out triggers mental health issues. In my opinion, I highly agree on this talk. Viewing an individual's high light reel does affect one's mind thinking that they are not good or in other words, successful enough. It triggers an individuals mind on their self-esteem and self potential to succeed. Furthermore, social currency affects us immensely because we allow others to give ourselves value. Why should other people determine our self worth and overall value? No one has the right to determine your value but yourself. You should value yourself first before listening to other's opinions on you. Moreover, many individuals have a hard time disconnecting with social media because they fear of missing out. It is scary how one wants to be constantly apart of a discussion online when there is more to the world. Creating conversations face to face can be missed out on and that is a huge part of life.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Is Social Media Hurting Your Mental Health? | Bailey Parnell | TEDxRyersonU

# data[].attributes.headline
How Social Media Makes Us Unsocial | Allison Graham

# data[].attributes.subject
How Social Media Makes Us Unsocial | Allison Graham

# data[].attributes.body
To continue my previous discussion, individuals are so afraid of missing out on what is online. This talk done by Allison Graham, discusses how social media makes us unsocial. It triggers our ability to have real life meaningful conversations with people in our lives. We lose the ability to have conversations even when going out with friends because we want to update others on where you're going out with your friends for the night. For example, posting a SnapChat story so other people can stay updated with your life. This is so unhealthy for the mind because it constantly wants attention from other people to keep yourself happy as an individual.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How social media makes us unsocial | Allison Graham | TEDxSMU

# data[].attributes.body
Understanding how social media makes you unsocial is so important. Becoming unsocial can defeat the purpose of life by not having real life conversations with people around you. This post discusses how what you see on social media is a filtered version of reality. People might post certain things that make their lives look amazing, but in reality it is not. This can alter an individuals mind making themselves feel like they are not happy with their own lives because they are not doing the things other people are with their lives.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The utilization of social media such as Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat has increased dramatically in recent years. This has become especially intense among adolescents and young adults. A recent Ontario study indicates that 80 per cent of young people use social media on a daily basis, with almost 50 per cent using it for over two hours per day.

What is the impact of social media usage on the mental health of young people? This is a pressing question for psychiatric researchers, who have conducted rigorous studies on the topic.

These studies produce consistent findings: heavy utilization of social media is associated with poorer mental health.

For example, a large-scale University of Pittsburgh study of young adults indicated that heavy social media users are almost three times more likely to be depressed than occasional users. Another study of young adults in Michigan showed that recent Facebook use worsens "how people feel moment to moment and how satisfied they are with their lives..

Here in Canada, researchers at the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health analyzed data from over 10,000 adolescents. This analysis indicated that young people who use social media more than two hours per day are much more likely to rate their mental health as "fair" or "poor" compared with occasional users.

What you see on social media are heavily sanitized and filtered versions of reality.

Why is heavy usage of social media associated with worse mental health? Three inter-linked factors may be at play.

Firstly, heavy usage may negatively influence important aspects of physical health, which in turn affects mental health. For example, one study of adolescents indicates that social media usage can seriously disturb the quality and quantity of sleep. This study shows that many have difficulty logging-off and going to sleep. Others may deliberately wake up to check social media during the night. Sleep is crucial for the developing adolescent brain, and sleeping well has been consistently associated with good mental health.

Likewise heavy users of social media often remain slumped on a chair, shut up in their room, glued to their screen. This sometimes means that they are skipping meals or staying sedentary for excessive periods of time. Again, this is worrying given that regular exercise and a healthy diet have both been linked to good mental health.

Secondly, some research shows that so-called "passive use" of social media may be particularly bad for mental health. Passive use refers to the practice of quietly observing other people's social media profiles and pictures -- sometimes known as "Facebook stalking." One study shows that this can lead to envy and resentment, while another indicates that passive use provokes and intensifies a negative emotional experience known as "FOMO" (Fear Of Missing Out). This can lower self-esteem and well-being.

It is easy to understand why such passive use can worsen mental health.

Most people on social media portray themselves and their lives in an unrealistically flattering manner. What you see on social media are heavily sanitized and filtered versions of reality. The fleeting irregular highlights are often presented as the norm, while the everyday humdrum struggles (common to all people) are carefully omitted. This leads some passive viewers to make faulty social comparisons, falsely concluding that others are leading much more fulfilling, exciting and happier lives. This can invidiously gnaw at the viewer's psyche, making them feel inferior and inadequate. Again, this can worsen overall mental health.

Thirdly, so-called "active use" of social media has been linked to poor mental health. Active use refers to the practice of regularly posting pictures, videos, status updates, comments or posts. In doing so, many young people engage in strenuous impression management, filtering reality with the purpose of seeking the approval and admiration of others. In psychology, this is known as searching for external validation. Elsewhere, it is sometimes known as "fishing for likes."

Let's not forget that social media is in many respects anti-social.

Some research indicates that feeling compelled to portray a "my fun-filled life" version of reality can come at a severe psychological cost. It can be very damaging to a young person's self-esteem if posts and photos receive few likes or comments. The whole process may lead young people to question their value to others, sometimes resulting in an unhealthy self-scrutiny of body image, physical appearance and general lifestyle. This can lead to self-doubt and self-loathing.

In worst case scenarios, active use can lead to ridicule or attack, rather than compliments or praise. Taken to extremes, this can result in the well-known phenomena of cyber-bullying, which has been associated with suicidal behaviour in recent years.

What can be done to mitigate the harmful effect of social media usage? First, more should be done to raise awareness of its potentially damaging effects so people can make informed choices regarding online behaviour. Second, adults can start positive discussions with youth about self-acceptance, noting the dangers of social comparison and approval-seeking. Thirdly, a literal unplugging might be necessary, with modems or devices switched off during certain periods of time, either self-imposed or externally imposed.

Finally, let's not forget that social media is in many respects anti-social. Let's ensure the real social world plays just an important part in our lives as the virtual social world.

This will lead to happy and healthy individuals, as well as a happier and healthier Canada.

Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook
MORE ON HUFFPOST:
More From Frame Of Mind:

Suggest a correction

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Here's Why Social Media Harms Your Teen's Mental Health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The utilization of social media such as Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat has increased dramatically in recent years. This has become especially intense among adolescents and young adults. A recent Ontario study indicates that 80 per cent of young people use social media on a daily basis, with almost 50 per cent using it for over two hours per day.

# data[].attributes.body
More girls and young women are highly targeted by social media interaction than boys. Not that boys do not get affected, more females are triggered towards higher risks of social media influences affecting mental health. When looking at statistics and research, girls face various scenarios affecting their mental health such as low self-esteem and insecurity about their body and their appearance. Studies show that many young girls try harming themselves because they are not satisfied with how they are. Social media perceives a certain way on how girls and young women should be in society. The norm, "Slim, clear skin and overall perfect life." This relates to my previous post with the "Filtered Version of Reality." Just because an individual posts something good about their life, does not mean that they are not going through any struggles or hardships in their lives.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Girls and young women are experiencing a "gathering crisis" in their mental health linked to conflict with friends, fears about their body image and pressures created by social media, experts have warned.

Rates of stress, anxiety and depression are rising sharply among teenage girls in what mental health specialists say is a "deeply worrying" trend that is far less pronounced among boys of the same age. They warn that the NHS lacks the resources to adequately tackle the problem.

New NHS data obtained by the Guardian reveals that the number of times a girl aged 17 or under has been admitted to hospital in England because of self-harm has jumped from 10,500 to more than 17,500 a year over the past decade - a rise of 68%. The jump among boys was much lower: 26%.

Cases of self-poisoning among girls - ingesting pills, alcohol or other chemical substances - rose 50%, from 9,700 to 14,600 between 2005-06 and 2015-16. Similarly, the number of girls treated in hospital after cutting themselves quadrupled, from 600 to 2,400 over the same period, NHS Digital figures show.

Rising levels of "body dissatisfaction" - insecurity and low self-esteem about their appearance - have been identified as driving the unprecedented levels of mental turmoil in young women.

"There is a growing crisis in children and young people's mental health, and in particular a gathering crisis in mental distress and depression among girls and young women," said Dr Bernadka Dubicka, the chair of the child and adolescent faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists. "Emotional problems in young girls have been significantly, and very worryingly, on the rise over the past few years."

Increasing numbers of academic studies are finding that mental health problems have been soaring among girls over the past 10 - and in particular five - years, coinciding with the period in which young people's use of social media has exploded.

So many girls are now seeking help that NHS children and adolescent mental health services cannot cope, warned Dubicka. "Over the past few years we have seen overwhelming demand from young girls presenting with emotional distress and self-harm. We don't have the resources to meet the demand."

Government-funded research last week showed that one in four (24%) girls aged 14, and 9% of boys the same age in the UK are beset by such negative emotions - including loneliness, self-hatred and feeling unloved - that they are depressed. That was double the 12% rate of depression seen in girls, and 5.5% in boys, a decade earlier, said Dr Praveetha Patalay, the lead author of the study.

From the age of 11 or 12, many girls start to worry intensely about their appearance and perceive pressure to be thin. Photograph: Bubbles Photolibrary/Alamy

Previous work by Patalay found that "a significant increase in emotional problems in girls" aged 11-13 occured between 2009 and 2014. Those years saw a jump in the number of girls that age facing such issues from 13% in 2009 to 20% in 2014. However, the same study of 3,366 secondary-school pupils in England also found "a decrease in total difficulties in boys in 2014 compared to 2009".

The mounting evidence of low self-esteem among British girls reflects a trend in many other countries in recent years of more and more young females suffering from anxiety and depression.

Girls aged 11, 12 and 13 displayed a "gender-specific vulnerability", triggered by the onset of puberty, which made them much more likely to worry, sometimes intensely, about their appearance around the time they started secondary school, added Patalay, a lecturer in population mental health and child development at Liverpool University.

"Body dissatisfaction is seen in about 10% of girls at primary school but really jumps in early adolescence, as puberty is starting. During this period girls tend to self-objectify more than boys, experience more teasing around weight and shape and perceive more pressure from friends and family to be thin," she wrote in a 2015 paper.

Evidence suggested girls could start to internalise anxieties about their appearance from the age of 11, which about a year later emerged as mental health problems, she added.

About half of 15-year-old girls in England and Scotland and a quarter of boys the same age think they are too fat, the World Health Organization found last year.

"Many of the teenage girls we work with tell us that they face a huge range of pressures. In particular, the rise of social media means they need to always be available, they may seek reassurance in the form of likes and shares, and they are faced with constant images of 'perfect' bodies or 'perfect' lives, making it hard not to compare themselves to others," said Sarah Brennan, chief executive of the charity Young Minds.

Dr Helen Sharpe, an expert in youth body image and lecturer in clinical psychology at Edinbugh University, said: "In girls, body dissatisfaction is associated with higher levels of dieting, unhealthy weight control behaviours like skipping meals and smoking cigarettes, and also lower levels of physical activity."

Social media such as Snapchat and Instagram "can be damaging and even destructive" to girls' mental wellbeing, said Dubicka. "There's a pressure for young people to be involved 24/7 and keep up with their peer group or they will be left out and socially excluded."

Use of social media was also contributing to a growing culture of sleep deprrivation among young people, which could both be a symptom of mental illness and also increase the risk of one developing, including depression, she added.

Girls' tendency to worry more than boys, and their greater sensitivity to criticism have also been pinpointed as potential triggers for distress.

"Girls do have a tendency to ruminate - to worry extensively - more than boys about things of concern, like their friendships, their appearance and fallouts, often in groups. This worrying is a risk factor for depression and may help explain the high prevalence of depression in 14-year-olds," added Dubicka.

In the UK the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international suicide helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Stress and social media fuel mental health crisis among girls

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Girls and young women are experiencing a "gathering crisis" in their mental health linked to conflict with friends, fears about their body image and pressures created by social media, experts have warned. Rates of stress, anxiety and depression are rising sharply among teenage girls in what mental health specialists say is a "deeply worrying" trend that is far less pronounced among boys of the same age.

# data[].attributes.headline
Social Media and Adolescent Eating Disorders 

# data[].attributes.subject
Social Media and Adolescent Eating Disorders 

# data[].attributes.body
Body image is huge in the social media platforms. Many young individuals are harmed by how they are supposed to be in society to please the individuals around them. Many young adults are not satisfied with themselves as their brains are still developing to understand the world around them. There are high risks of developing an eating disorders in todays society. Most commonly, anorexia nervosa which is a eating disorder with the results of attempting to lose weight. Young adults are not happy with their bodies based on what they see on social media. Obviously, there are other reasons why individuals have an eating disorder for example, genetics. The most common reason why young adults are triggered towards this eating disorder is highly due to social media.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
Thanks to greater research, awareness, and advocacy in the eating disorder field, we understand many of the different factors that interplay in the development of these mental illnesses. While many stigmas still remain about eating disorders, educating about the truths of eating disorders can help break many of the stereotypes that still exist, break shame, and encourage individuals to seek out help for these psychiatric illnesses.

One of the common misunderstandings about eating disorders is that social influences are to blame for these illnesses. While environmental factors certainly play a part, they cannot be solely responsible for the development of an eating disorder. However, for individuals who are biologically susceptible to these psychiatric illnesses, social influences can trigger and perpetuate the progression of an eating disorder.

Social media has evolved into one of the greatest communication sources of our time, and there is no doubt that the presence of the internet has changed the manner in which we interact and engage with one another.

Social media sites allow today's youth the opportunity to connect with others in multiple platforms and venues. Because engaging in various forms of social media has become a routine activity for adolescents today, it is important to consider how this can potentially impact an adolescent susceptible to an eating disorder.

It is important to understand that adolescent's are still in a phase of brain development and emotional regulation and often susceptible to peer pressure. Reading of dieting or frequently being exposed to images that may provoke body image concerns can potentially be provoking among adolescents, particularly those who are predisposed to developing an eating disorder.

While it is not possible to filter everything, this is an opportunity for parents and caregivers to understand the power of social media as to have meaningful conversations with loved ones about unsafe practices and self-destructive behaviors.

Social media interactions are often an extension of an adolescent's life, so being aware of online use as well as the issues that children today may be facing online is an important part of parenting.

If you are a parent of an adolescent, what are some of the ways in which you engage your child about their online use and social interactions via social media?

Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals. We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help. Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on January 24, 2016
Published onEatingDisorderHope.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Influence of Social Media on Adolescent Eating Disorders

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope Thanks to greater research, awareness, and advocacy in the eating disorder field, we understand many of the different factors that interplay in the development of these mental illnesses.

# data[].attributes.headline
Instagram Being the Worst Social Media for Mental Health

# data[].attributes.subject
Instagram Being the Worst Social Media for Mental Health

# data[].attributes.body
Based on a survey 1,500 teens and adults agree that Instagram is one of the worst social media networking affecting one's mental health. Instagram is a great platform where individuals can post photos expressing themselves as an individual. Although, the downsides to this platform is that it triggers depression, anxiety and high rates of bullying. Instagram has the ability to change how a mind thinks. It has a scroll of constant images that triggers the brain to think a different way. Dopamine in the mind affects the mind to think a certain way about themselves affecting their overall mental health.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why Instagram Is the Worst Social Media for Mental Health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Instagram and Snapchat are the worst social media networks for mental health, according to a new survey of teenagers and young adults.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The best way to be able to care for others is to start with caring for yourself. Self-care is essential to your mental health and wellness, and taking time to listen to what you need and address it doesn't make you selfish, it makes you strong. Some days, getting out of bed is a feat. Sometimes anxiety and depression can be crippling. Sometimes something terrible happens that you have little or no control over, but it rocks you to your core. In these moments, or hours, or days, you should take measures to care for yourself - mind, body, and heart. Everyone is unique, so their version of self-care can of course differ, but here are some general tips for taking the time you need to heal.

1. Take time to identify the activities and actions that make you feel good.

2. Find somewhere quiet and meditate as needed.

3. Reread one of your favorite books.

4. Avoid triggers.

5. Watch shows that are funny or comforting.

6. Take time to yourself, away from others.

7. Get a full night's sleep regularly.

8. Check in with yourself.

9. Put on fresh, comfortable clothing.

10. Light a candle and fill your home with your favorite scent.

11. Take a hot bath.

12. Visit your favorite spot in the city you live in.

13. Don't feel guilty turning down invitations or canceling plans.

14. Take a day off of work if you need to.

15. Write down a list of things you are thankful for.

16. Remind yourself that this too shall pass.

17. Read inspiring quotes.

18. Spend time outside.

19. Listen to your favorite band or song on repeat.

20. Ask for help if you need it.

21. Do not force yourself to do anything you don't want to do.

22. Eat a balanced diet, but treat yourself to your favorite guilty pleasure.

23. Write down what you're thinking and feeling.

24. Breathe in and out.

25. Unplug from social media.

26. Exercise.

27. Listen to a calming playlist.

28. Pet an animal.

29. Do yoga.

30. Turn off your phone for a day.

31. Splurge a little.

32. Schedule an appointment with a therapist.

33. Watch your favorite movie or TV show from childhood.

34. Take a nap.

35. Do something that inspires and motivates you.

36. Make future plans for a trip or event you're excited about.

37. Spend time with a close friend or family member.

38. Remember that self-care is not optional, it's essential.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Rima Brindamour
Product Credit: NOMIA jumpsuit, Tibi sweater // France & Søn Moduline sofa

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
38 Simple Ideas For Taking Care of Yourself When You Need It Most

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The best way to be able to care for others is to start with caring for yourself. Self-care is essential to your mental health and wellness, and taking time to listen to what you need and address it doesn't make you selfish, it makes you strong.

# data[].attributes.body
It is inspiring that individuals on Twitter are empowering positivity in finding ways to reduce mental health issues. It is important to be aware of the things around you and uplift individuals who need your help. Silence can be dangerous and it is important to value others around you and make them feel worthy.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.text
Spend time with people who are good for your mental health.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.original_text
Spend time with people who are good for your mental health.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
Spend time with people who are good for your mental health.
— Jeanette Jenkins (@JeanetteJenkins) December 17, 2017

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props_source.data.text
Spend time with people who are good for your mental health.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.original_text
Spend time with people who are good for your mental health.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.text
Spend time with people who are good for your mental health.

# data[].attributes.body
Huge businesses such as Dove, created a Self-Esteem project where they target this campaign towards young girls to unleash beauty as source of confidence. Social media is a great way to create awareness on these mental health issues. Just how social media can affect individuals mental health, it is also an amazing way to create awareness because many individuals are on various social media platforms throughout the day. It is very easy in today's generation for information to spread virally. Social media can have its negative affects but also can educate individuals on various topics, in this case mental health.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Since 2004, Dove has been building self-esteem in young people - and by 2020, we'll have helped 40 million through our educational programmes.

# data[].attributes.body
Bell has contributed towards changing and helping individuals who go through various mental health issues around the world. The hashtag #BellLetsTalk has become viral around the world. Every time an individual tweets, texts, Instagram posts, snapchats a geo filter, Bell will donate 5 cents towards mental health initiatives to create awareness around the world. No one is alone in this process, there are many individuals who experience symptoms of mental health every single day. Next year, on January 31st, 2018, Bell will be having their next #BellLetsTalk to raise awareness on mental health around the world. Make a change by participating, it can save a life.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Bell Let's Talk is a wide-reaching, multi-year program designed to break the silence around mental illness and support mental health all across Canada.