Today, we’re going to talk about something that affects many of us: social media. While it can be fun and a great way to connect with friends, it can also have a big impact on our mental health. Let’s dive into how social media affects Gen Z and how counseling, like the services offered at 3H Well Hub, can help.
Social media has become a huge part of our lives. In fact, about 50% of Gen Z spends more than an hour on social media every day. While it can be entertaining, too much time on social media can lead to some serious mental health issues, such as an imbalance of Dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical in our brain that makes us feel happy. When we get likes, comments, or new followers on social media, our brain releases dopamine, making us feel good. However, constantly seeking this rush can lead to an imbalance. Over time, we might need more and more likes and comments to feel the same happiness, which can be unhealthy.
Next, screen addiction yes you read that right. Screen addiction happens when we spend too much time on our phones or computers and feel like we can’t stop. This can interfere with our daily lives, affecting our sleep, schoolwork, and relationships. If you find it hard to put your phone down or feel anxious when you’re not online, you might be dealing with screen addiction.
Finally, spending too much time on social media can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. Seeing other people’s perfect lives online can make us feel like we’re not good enough. We might compare ourselves to others and feel bad about our own lives. This can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and even depression.
How Counseling Can Help
If you’re struggling with the effects of social media, counseling can be a great way to get support and learn how to manage your screen time. At 3H Well Hub, we offer individual counseling where you work one-on-one with a counselor to talk about your feelings and develop strategies to reduce screen time and improve your mental health.
Tips for Managing Social Media Use
Here are some tips to help you balance your social media use and take care of your mental health:
- Set Time Limits: Use apps to track and limit your screen time. Aim to spend no more than an hour a day on social media.
- Take Breaks: Make sure to take regular breaks from your phone. Spend time doing other activities you enjoy, like reading, exercising, or hanging out with friends in person.
- Be Mindful: Pay attention to how you feel when you’re on social media. If you notice that certain apps or activities make you feel bad, try to reduce your use of them.
- Prioritize Real-Life Connections: Make an effort to spend more time with friends and family in person. Real-life interactions are important for your mental health.
- Seek Help: If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or screen addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Counseling can provide you with the support and tools you need to feel better.
At 3H Well Hub, we’re dedicated to helping you navigate the challenges of social media and take care of your mental health. Our counselors are here to support you with personalized professional advice and strategies to improve your well-being. Social media can be both fun and challenging. While it’s a great way to stay connected, too much time online can hurt your mental health.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that you’re not alone. Counseling can provide you with the support you need to manage your social media use, or other things creating negative emotions. It is important to take care of your mental health. At 3H Well Hub, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
