The relationship between social media and mental health is quite a complicated one. On one hand, the former can help people’s mental well-being by enabling them to reach individuals and groups nearly all over the world; on the other hand, it can create unrealistic expectations, for example, set by influencers and other well-known figures.
“There has been a lot of research into the link between social media use and mental health, and there isn’t a clear consensus,” Professor at the School of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Ottawa, Ian Colman, told Bored Panda. He noted that there seems to be a public perception that social media use is bad for mental health, but some of its uses, such as connecting with friends and people who support you, might actually be very beneficial.
Professor of Communications at Syracuse University, Makana Chock, seconded the idea that there are two sides to this coin. According to her, social media can have certain adverse effects, as it can be a contributing factor in feelings of depression and anxiety. “Posts about people’s perfect lives can fuel damaging social comparisons. The very nature of social media, dependent on others liking and responding to your posts, can contribute to feelings of rejection, isolation, and anxiety.
“However, social media platforms also provide ways for people to find others with similar problems and concerns. It can help individuals to realize that they are not alone, that others struggle with similar challenges,” she suggested in a recent interview with Bored Panda.
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“Online communities can definitely be helpful with regards to mental health,” Prof. Colman said. “Social support is a key protective factor for mental health, and some people can find that support through online communities, especially if they are part of a minority group and may struggle to find others like them in their local communities.”
Another benefit of being part of an online community, according to Prof. Chock, is the fact that they provide access to valuable mental health resources and information. But she emphasized that even though online communities can offer individuals support in dealing with mental health, they should not become a substitute for professional treatment.
“[Online communities] pose potential risks in that the information shared in these communities is not always accurate or helpful. In some cases, they can reinforce existing problems or lead to individuals misdiagnosing and treating their mental health problems,” she pointed out.
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Both experts agree that with or without the help from online communities, the topic of mental health is increasingly more spoken about. “Talking about mental health more openly is definitely becoming more and more common. Stigma around mental health still exists, but there have been big reductions in such stigma in the past two decades,” Ian Colman suggested.
“This is really good news, because it means that people are more willing to talk about their mental health, and consequently people are more willing to seek out help if they are struggling with their mental health.”
“There has been a significant increase in the willingness of people to openly discuss issues of mental health online,” Prof. Chock added. “For many years, people kept their mental health problems secret, afraid of stigma or discrimination. Now, we’re seeing open discussions on social media about a range of mental health issues including depression, bipolar disorder, and social anxiety.”
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Online communities and pages such as ‘Mental Health Memes’ can in no way replace professional treatment; but they can help get the ball rolling when it comes to people being more aware of different conditions or understanding that they’re not alone facing certain difficulties or emotions. That in itself can have a positive impact on social media users, not to mention the power of laughter some of the online content evokes.
If the latter is what you seek, continue to browse Bored Panda’s list of mental health memes, provided by another online account with a similar mission. If you’re looking for some relatable content, check out these wholesome comics about mental health and everyday life or view these adorable illustrations based on the topic.