Social Media & Mental Health

Just thought I’d drop a little social media mental health reminder this morning.

I think if we’re honest with ourselves, most of us (myself included!) get a bit too wrapped up in the likes/shares/comments aspect of social media. Whether you’re sharing professional content, personal content, or both- the dynamic is pretty similar.

We post something we really believe in, and then wait and see who else likes it. The amount of likes can impact our confidence and mood, and sadly, can make us doubt our message. Getting others approval is a really powerful force.

Why? Why do strangers approval over our truths hold so much power and influence over us?

I think to a large extent, it boils down to our egos- the part of our psyche that likes to be right, noticed, and feel important.

Our egos are tricky little (or sometimes big! 😅) things. They can shake our perspective on things...slanting us to misinterpret situations in ways that are completely unhelpful.

This is what happens with ‘likes’: Our ego REALLY likes the likes. It affirms we have important things to say, and other people finding value in our words/pictures makes us feel like we are worthwhile.

Only- here’s the thing: (all caps Bc it’s important):

YOU ARE ALREADY WORTHY.

You carry inherent value and importance. No amount of likes will ever touch that. Even though the ego makes you feel otherwise.

Can we start a healthy social media movement please? One where we separate out the ego-driven icky stuff from the wholesome goodness that permeates this space?

Who’s with me??

I think it starts with an intentional shift in how we relate to our individual social media experience. It starts from setting limits on how much weight we give other people, the likes, the judgement, the not-likes- and physically, how much we’re actually allowing ourselves to pay attention to the likes and numbers. So maybe don’t refresh or check as often. Set a schedule for when you check. Train yourself to not notice the numbers as much. Things like that.

I’m making the choice to set limits here to protect my mental health. Will you join me?

Lots of love!!

Leah 💗