Distorted and demeaning images of mental illnesses when presented to the public shapes their attitudes and, in turn, influences their behaviour
. When those images are unfavourable and inaccurate, as they often are, they contribute to the stigma and discrimination that represent barriers to treatment and recovery.
Using social media more often, though,
increases FOMO and feelings of inadequacy, dissatisfaction, and isolation
. In turn, these feelings negatively affect your mood and worsen symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.
How has the media contributed to the stigma of mental illness?
The media contribute to mental illness stigma
through the exaggerated, inaccurate, and comical images, they use to portray persons with psychiatric disorders as well as providing incorrect information about mental illness
.
How does Instagram affect mental health?
Studies have linked Instagram to
depression, body image concerns, self-esteem issues, social anxiety, and other problems
. By design, the app capitalizes on users’ biological drive for social belonging—and nudges them to keep on scrolling.
A 2016 study of more than 450 teens found that greater social media use, nighttime social media use and emotional investment in social media — such as feeling upset when prevented from logging on — were each linked with
worse sleep quality and higher levels of anxiety and depression
.
Young people are at particular risk for suffering from mental health issues due to social media.
Self-esteem can be severely affected when you’re constantly comparing yourself to others
. Checking the increasing likes and comments can produce dopamine in the brain, giving the user instant pleasure.
| ✅ Paper Type: Free Essay ✅ Subject: Media | ✅ Wordcount: 1780 words ✅ Published: 11th Aug 2021 |
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Stigma and discrimination can also make someone’s mental health problems worse, and delay or stop them getting help.
Social isolation, poor housing, unemployment and poverty
are all linked to mental ill health. So stigma and discrimination can trap people in a cycle of illness.
What impact does mental ill health have on health and well being?
Depression has been linked to many chronic illnesses
. These illnesses include diabetes, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis. Schizophrenia has also been linked to a higher risk of heart and respiratory diseases. Mental health conditions can also make dealing with a chronic illness more difficult.
What influences perception about mental illness?
Factors that may influence perceptions of mental illness include
personal experiences, ethnicity, and educational level
. These data continue to describe a present force in US culture and a continuing concern.
Opportunities to Empathize. Social media is often regarded as a singularly negative force in the lives of young women.
Social media platforms have been linked to bullying, encouraging eating disorders, and causing depression
.
A 2018 study suggests that
social media use could result in a fear of missing out (FOMO)
. FOMO could in turn lead you to compare your experiences with others, sometimes creating a sense of inadequacy. This inadequacy may turn into social anxiety symptoms if you feel like you don’t “fit in” in certain social situations.
How does the NHS help with mental health?
When you talk to your GP about your mental health they’ll listen, give you advice and introduce you to a mental health service they think will be most helpful to you
. These services may come from your GP surgery, a large local health centre, a specialist mental health clinic or a hospital.
Results:I
Individuals with increased levels of social media usage were shown to have a positive correlation with depression symptoms
, meaning as social media use increased, depression symptoms also increased. Conclusions:This study showed that social media use has the potential to affect individuals’ mental health.
On the other hand,
excessive use of social media is causing negative impacts on mental health like an increase in anxiety, depression, loneliness, and low self-esteem
. The purpose of the thesis is to promote safe social and motivate students to use social media platforms in a balanced way.
- Limit when and where you use social media. …
- Have ‘detox’ periods. …
- Pay attention to what you do and how you feel. …
- Approach social media mindfully; ask ‘why? …
- Prune. …
- Stop social media from replacing real life.
What are public attitudes to mental health and mental illness?
Results show significant increases in the proportion of people who say they would be: willing to continue a relationship with a friend with a mental health problem (4% increase); willing to work with someone with a mental health problem (6% increase); and willing to live nearby someone with a mental health problem (5% …
What are public attitudes towards mental ill health?
Public attitudes towards mental illness are
more rejecting than accepting
. Social rejection increases with increasing severity of disturbance in behaviour. Public attitudes towards the mentally ill are related to social class as measured by occupational status and to age of the respondent.
Mental Health and Social Relationships
Poor mental health influences people’s relationships with their children, spouses, relatives, friends, and co-workers
. Often, poor mental health leads to problems such as social isolation, which disrupts a person’s communication and interactions with others.
