You may have heard the term “Facebook depression.” It is a condition worth considering if you, or someone you know, is struggling with feelings of depression and tends to spend regular, possibly excessive, time perusing facebook.
Theodore Roosevelt is quoted to have said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” And while, by sheer human nature we are all inclined to make comparisons, doing so repeatedly, especially when comparing ourselves, our circumstances and our possessions against the typically most favorable presentation of others, can be depressing. Long term exposure to this can begin to have a negative effect on one’s feelings of satisfaction with one’s self, one’s life, one’s relationships and one’s things, leading to mild, or even severe, depression.
If you, or someone you know, might be suffering from “Facebook depression,” here are a few ideas that might help in setting more healthy boundaries with the social media use.
- Set realistic time limits, and then try to stick to them. Sometimes using an actual alarm for your “ending time” can be a helpful way to transition to doing something different.
- Seek balance in your activities. Set aside time for other activities you enjoy, such as reading a book, playing music, cooking, crafting or exercise, and leave your phone or other connection to social media in a different room while you enjoy that activity.
- Consider using non-social media means to connect with others-give someone a call, write a letter, meet up with someone for coffee.
- If there is a particular person or group in your network that consistently evokes anxiety, frustration or jealousy, consider “unfollowing” that person, or setting a 30-day snooze on them in your news feed.
If you find your struggle with depression is not getting better after employing some of these more healthy boundaries, or you are currently overwhelmed with feelings of depression, please call our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our counselors or psychologists.
