The trouble with online mental health advice
It's so easy to fall into so many different traps on social media, but one that I want to talk about is one I think that wouldn't come to mind initially for a lot of people. This idea came to me whilst reading an article online once- it was about positivity promoting social media mental health accounts that can actually have an opposite effect for people. Everything that they spoke about made sense, and though it induced a panic attack first, after that it inspired this article to help you.
So, actually getting to the point.
On social media, it's so easy to find so many accounts promoting positivity and mental wellbeing and it's so easy to get sucked into it all. And sometimes, when you're feeling low it can be really beneficial to read a little positive quote to help you feel better- but, as with everything, moderation is so important. Because, sometimes it can so easily become toxic positivity and you can try and force yourself to sugar coat your emotions, eventually feeling so much worse. So, instead, by limiting the amount that you take in, you can actually reap the intended benefits.
As well as this, often when you come across mental wellbeing accounts you can often feel the need to do everything that they suggest. And this pressure, especially if you are living with a mental health condition already or struggling to maintain your mental health, can become debilitating. It can often make your mental health feel worse by feeling like you're not doing enough.
For me, sometimes I feel like I have to do absolutely everything if I want to maintain good mental health. Everything I see is essential because otherwise I'm going to spiral out of control. But, that is not the way to look at it.
Remember, social media is not therapy. It can be beneficial, really beneficial at times but you have to use it the right way. If not, it can just have the complete opposite effects to what everyone intended.
How to stop yourself from being affected:
Don't take everything that you see online to heart, remember that most of the time these are just normal people who care and want to give advice. However, that is all it is, it is just advice. Remember to take it as that, and not overwhelm yourself thinking that other people's words are the be all and end all.
If you are looking at actual psychologists, therapists or even pages you just like- pick only a few things that they might suggest and that you want to do for yourself. Don't try to do everything that they suggest because it's just not feasible. See what kind of things work for you and use those- don't put so much pressure on you.
Moderation!! Take everything in a limited amount. Too much of anything is never beneficial and with too much even kind words can lose value. Don't force happiness and positivity upon yourself, take what goodness you can in moderation.
It may seem kind of counter intuitive of me to write an article like this considering the whole purpose of my blog. But, my main aim from this is to actually help people and make a small difference to people's lives and this is something that I think needs to be shared to do that.
Remember that anything you find online is never a substitute for true mental health advice. Its people that want to help you, but professional help should be sought if necessary.
People want to provide positive reminders but if you're not taking anything positive from it, then its time to take a step back for a moment.
Is this something you've experienced? Let me know- contact details on the website!
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