How often do you scroll through social media and see posts about narcissism, gaslighting, obsessive-compulsive disorder, mental health days, self-care, etc? I know I see this often. Social media can serve as a great platform to destigmatize mental health, but what happens when the message isn’t accurate?
Conversations about mental health on social media have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, reflecting a significant shift in public awareness and attitudes. Terms like self-care, anxiety, depression, and mindfulness are now part of everyday vocabulary, often used in posts, hashtags, and discussions. Social media platforms have become both a source of support and a venue for raising awareness, as users share their personal experiences, coping strategies, and seek advice from like-minded communities. Yet, there have also been conversations around the accuracy of the messages and whether the messages may be harmful, especially for children and teens.
The term self-care is frequently mentioned and emphasizes the importance of taking time for oneself to manage stress and maintain mental well-being. It can range from simple activities like taking a walk, practicing meditation, or engaging in hobbies, to more structured routines like therapy and counseling. This concept encourages individuals to prioritize their mental health and recognizes that taking care of oneself is not selfish but necessary. While self-care is vital and should be practiced, I want to stress that self-care practices may vary from person to person and should ultimately focus on self-compassion.
Clinical terms such as anxiety and depression are now openly discussed, breaking down the stigma previously associated with mental health issues. Social media has allowed for a more transparent conversation, where people share their struggles and victories, creating a sense of community and support. However, it’s important to approach these topics with sensitivity and accuracy, as misinformation can lead to misunderstanding or trivialization of serious conditions. This is often common with personality disorders that have been minimized on social media, such as narcissism. Being selfish does not necessarily mean someone is a narcissist. Nor is someone a narcissist simply because they do not agree with you. Terms used in clinical settings do not always have the same meaning when used amongst the general public.
Let’s look at anxiety as an example. I may see three different individuals who report anxiety as their reason for counseling. One may present with anxiety that is caused by work-related stress, and through identifying changes that can be made in the workplace, the anxiety lessens. A second person may present with frequent worries about many things that have been ongoing for many years. Through counseling, we discovered that this client struggled to learn healthy coping skills as a child, having had a very anxious parent. The third client presents with panic attacks and hypervigilance, and through several sessions we were able to determine the anxiety is a trauma response, having experienced a traumatic event several years prior. I share this because all three clients report anxiety, but how they present, their insight, and how they manage anxiety varies.
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have also started to offer resources and support links for users who may be in distress, further promoting a culture of awareness and assistance. Yet, if you are struggling, do not be afraid to seek professional help. Counseling may provide a different way of understanding what you are experiencing and provide support to get through difficult times. If you are interested in more information about the practice or want to schedule an appointment, visit the website.