Social Media and Mental Health
/What is social media?
Social media refers to online interactive platforms in which users connect with others and share information and ideas.
What are the impacts on mental health?
Research was recently conducted to evaluate the effects of social media on irritability in U.S. adults. The results showed that higher frequency use of social media resulted in higher irritability scores, using the Brief Irritability Test, a self-report questionnaire, as the measure.
Significant increases were found from using X, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
The researchers determined that political discussions increased irritability.
Why does irritability matter?
Irritability can co-occur with other mental health concerns, like depression and anxiety. Compounded together, functional impairment may be observed. Functional impairment can create issues with the way you interact with other people (friends, loved ones, coworkers, clients) or change how you take care of yourself.
How irritable are you?
Below is the Brief Irritability Test, if you’d like to check your own irritability levels.
Okay, so I’m irritable. Now what?
The obvious is to limit your social media use, particularly if you engage in political discourse frequently. Try to set a time limit or only use social media a few days a week.
You can use the new-found time to do some other things: go for a walk, call a friend, watch a movie, or learn something new.
If you continue to struggle with irritability or impaired functioning, it may be helpful to talk to someone. Counseling can help you learn to process your emotions and learn better ways to manage. Medication can also be helpful with managing mental health concerns. If you would like to talk to someone about options, please feel free to reach out to us at Wright Wellness, 682-777-4325, https://wrightwellness.me/).
Written by Karalee Landers-Oliveira, NP
https://emotivity.my/wp-content/uploads/How-Irritable-are-You-Brief-Irritability-Test-BITe.pdf