Practical Self-Care in the Age of Social Media
In today's digital age, social media has become an omnipresent force in our lives, shaping how we perceive ourselves and the world around us. This week’s podcast episode titled "The Hidden Impact of Social Media on Mental Health and True Self-Care" dives deep into the intricate relationship between social media, mental health, and the essence of genuine self-care. Dr. Beth Trammell, a psychologist and professor of psychology, along with her guest, Jacque Tyrrell, an expert in workplace mental health, discuss these pressing issues with profound insight.
One of the central questions explored in this episode is whether social media influencers, despite their good intentions, might inadvertently worsen mental health issues among their followers. Dr. Trammell and Tyrrell discuss how influencers often pose thought-provoking questions aimed at encouraging self-improvement.
However, these questions can sometimes lead to self-deprecating thoughts, particularly among individuals grappling with perfectionism, people-pleasing tendencies, or low self-esteem. Context is important when addressing sensitive mental health topics online.
The pitfalls of relying on shallow social media self-help advice are laid out in this blog post from Jacque’s website. Many social media platforms present a superficial view of mental health solutions, which can be misleading and inadequate. Dr. Trammell and Tyrrell stress the necessity of taking actionable steps beyond merely consuming content. They advocate for deeper learning, seeking therapy, and applying self-help techniques in a practical manner. Therapy often involves being reminded of what we already know and being held accountable, a reality that is often glossed over on social media. Social media portrays an unrealistic view of self-care that often involves luxurious baths and shopping sprees.
Genuine self-care involves fundamental practices like eating well, maintaining hygiene, and effective communication with loved ones.
Consuming mental health advice from non-therapists on social media can be dangerous. Dr. Trammell and Tyrell share anecdotes that illustrate how well-meaning prompts from influencers can have unintended negative effects. For instance, a prompt encouraging followers to "love themselves more" might seem positive, but for someone struggling with perfectionism or low self-esteem, it can lead to self-deprecating thoughts like "Why don't I already love myself?" This underscores the importance of delivering mental health messages with caution and the need for professional guidance.
There are many misconceptions around therapy and the shallow nature of social media self-help advice often contributes to the problem. Many people expect therapy to be a quick fix, akin to the three-step solutions often promoted on social media. However, therapy is a deeper, more complex process that requires commitment and effort. The hosts emphasize that therapy is not always meant to feel good; it involves confronting uncomfortable truths and working through difficult emotions. This reality is often at odds with the polished, feel-good narratives presented on social media.
Dr. Trammell and Tyrell also address the unrealistic perfection often portrayed on social media and its negative impact on self-perception and mental health. Social media creates an illusion of perfection that can make individuals feel inadequate. It is important to remember that social media is a curated version of reality and to avoid comparing themselves to these unrealistic standards.
The episode concludes with practical advice for listeners on how to balance social media use and access valuable mental health resources. You can contact Tyrell through her website for more information on her courses and mental health resources. It is important to seek professional guidance and avoid the pitfalls of superficial self-help on social media.
~Thank you to my student contributor, Sarah Leis, for assisting with this blog post!