Social media does have its advantages, which we all love so much. However, it also has its disadvantages, which we tend to overlook and not pay attention to at times. During this World Teen Mental Health Day, I must remind you again how vital it is to pay attention to what our youth do on social media as they interact, engage, and socialize in this digital environment. It is necessary to consider how logging on can affect them mentally, emotionally, and socially. Understanding this concept, you must encourage your teens to perform a wellness check regularly. You may ask them to step away from the screen for a brief period, so they can perform a self-check and ensure that they can reconnect with reality.
In the times that we live in, it is more important than ever that we recognize and acknowledge the problems facing our youth. In the past few decades, mental health issues have become more prevalent among this age group, and many tend to dismiss their behavior as the result of normal adolescent development. Have you taken the time to listen and pay attention to what your teen is saying, experiencing, and going through? The stigma of mental illness should not prevent you from taking a closer look at this issue, asking the right questions, or even reaching out to someone who can assist you. Here are a few signs you may want to pay attention to, as well as some questions you might want to ask your teen about how social media and digital culture may affect their mental health:
- Do you spend more time with your online friends or your real-life friends?
- Are you spending countless hours curating your photos for social media because you dislike your appearance or because you want people to think your life is exciting, exciting, and rewarding?
- Are you comparing yourself to others on social media, and does this make you feel self-conscious?
- Is being on social media taking up a lot of your time, causing you to lose sleep, and preventing you from doing other tasks?
- When you cannot check your social media accounts, do you experience anxiety, stress, sadness, or loneliness?
- Do you check your social media accounts as soon as you wake up? Do you check your social media just before going to sleep?
Mental health matters. It is so incredibly crucial to raise awareness of mental health. It is not uncommon for students to suffer from low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, fear, or worry due to peer pressure. Engage your youth in a conversation about their feelings. Encourage them and let them know they are not alone in their struggles. We can teach them how to care for their minds, bodies, and souls by starting the conversation.
For anyone struggling with a crisis and in need of immediate help, call 911; Or, If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or committing suicide, please call #988 Now.