Hosts: Neha Pathak, MD and John Whyte, MD, MPH
A podcast from WebMD 5/10/22 “Can Social Media Be a Tool for Mental Health?“
approximately 30 minutes of your listening time https://www.webmd.com/podcasts/20220512/can-social-media-be-a-tool-for-mental-health
Episode Notes
May 12, 2022 – Today, mental health struggles impact us more than ever. Many of us turn to social media for help and information. Clinical psychologist Seth J. Gillihan, PhD, who specializes in mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy, talks about the pros and cons of using social media, the harmful effects of consuming the wrong content, and the power of community.
Founder/Executive Director’s Thoughts
There are layers of mental health stigma that create barriers to addressing individual health needs. The U.S. healthcare system is fragmented and very compartmentalized. Each practitioner is a specialist and consult other practitioners. However, people are whole persons and it is important to regard them in that manner. Eliminating stigma is a necessary goal to ensure individuals, families, neighborhoods, and communities possess an adequate level of health.
Mental health is not some other type of health
Some solutions for adequate health are annual preventive health screenings, PSAs about mental health, increased access to services, clinicians in the primary care setting, the Trauma Informed Care approach in formal/informal settings, health insurance carriers providing education about mental wellness, check-in with loved ones, work with policymakers and legislators for wellness-oriented regulations and laws with community involvement, and creating safe spaces on social media.
This podcast is discussing the use of social media as a tool to address mental health. Honestly, it is a feasible method because access is expansive and less expensive than the traditional way. Humans are social creatures and require social interaction.
So, social media is a venue to network with others but beware of the dangers involved. Some of the dangers are exploitation, seeking attention, getting addicted, and being the only tool for connection. Talk to someone
Mental health is not mental illness
Stay on top of your mental health and work on it daily with affirmations, avoiding negative interactions, seeking out peaceful moments, etc.
Wellness Tools https://classroom.google.com/u/0/c/MTk1MTYyOTI0MDky