Social Media and Mental Health

Mental health and social networks - how do they go together?

Do Facebook, Instagram & Co. make you depressed? Or can they help you feel better? We spoke to experts

Many people can hardly imagine life without Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. But how does this constant analysis of other people's lives affect the psyche?

What is World Mental Health Day?

World Mental Health Day (October 10) was launched in 1992 on the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) to highlight the importance of mental health and the growing number of people with mental health problems. In more than 150 countries, sufferers and experts are trying different ways to draw attention to mental illnesses and their major effects on people's lives worldwide.

Nowadays, in addition to increasing stress, the focus of Mental Health Day is above all on the many changes in life caused by digitization. It is also about the psyche of young people, which is often particularly stressed by digital change. Social media in particular, and its effects, are under the observation of psychology.

How can the use of social networks have a negative impact on the psyche?

The interaction of mental illnesses and the use of social networks has long been discussed. Studies show that looking intensely at Facebook posts or Instagram pictures of beautiful and happy people is counterproductive for the constitution when people are in a depressed phase. This increases the feeling of many: "Everyone is super and happy, only me not." Psychologists warn of the pulling effects of this media and advise people to stay away from the colorful network world and to look after themselves in acute psychological problems.

Psychotherapist Lena Kuhlmann says: "Contacts on social media can never completely replace real encounters: laughing together, eye contact, hugs and touches, swinging together - all of this is important for the psyche.

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In addition, the psychotherapist warns of content that can be disturbing: "Although these contributions are usually given a warning by their authors, nobody is really protected." If such a contribution appears in your own chronicle, it can leave its mark on the viewer.

There is the possibility to report them, but unfortunately they have already been published and can only be deleted afterwards." In the time until deletion, all of these posts can be seen.

How can social networks be used for mental health problems?

In addition to scary news, there are also completely different experiences. There is a friendly, supportive side of the social network that justifies its name: On the one hand, there are the many thousands of people who share their experiences and experiences with each other in Facebook groups on the subject of depression and fears, who support and encourage each other.

Other people affected report hundreds of thousands of followers daily via their Insta feed about how they are doing. B. have freed themselves from depression and give sufferers the courage not to give up, to seek help, to continue. They create a public awareness, new German: "Awareness", for this topic and help to ensure that it does not fall under the table in the beautiful glittering world of the net.

 It's pretty motivating and a nice feeling of community. There are also mindfulness tips, literature and film recommendations or encouraging sayings - there is something for everyone."

The therapist even uses the social networks for educational work. I can reach a lot of people relatively easily via Instagram and Facebook." There she also experiences how being on the road helps those affected: "Some users share their feelings and thoughts in an artistic way in pictures and text. This can be relieving and helpful for other people affected."

What do psychologists advise about using Facebook, Instagram and Co.?

Some experts warn against the use of social networks in times of psychological stress and in the case of a previous stress such as depression. Ultimately, it is always a question of which situation in which individual uses which networks and in which way. There is nothing that we can say everything is  "only good" or everything "only bad".

Rather, the question arises: is it just lonely, passive consumption - or is it an active, communicative, mindful behavior? The latter also includes going offline in moments of greater stress and taking care of yourself, your own life and not that of others.

Lena Kuhlmann says about dealing with social networks: "It is difficult to give a general advice about something because we are all different and mental illnesses can always have different effects. The first step may be ourselves and what is good for us to watch and take care

Instagram plans to incorporate this option for self-monitoring as an integrated function. The operators of the large networks are also aware of the possible problems and are trying to ensure that "the time people spend on social networks is conscious, positive.

For sensitive topics, there are, for example, tips for self-help, contact with telephone counseling and the opportunity to contact friends. Counter-productive contributions, such as calls for self-harm, are removed by the operator when these are reported.

Ultimately, however, users must find the ideal form of use for themselves.