Social media

It has plenty of purposes, but it can be abused just like anything else.

I'd dare to say that some people abuse social media to a point where it actually causes them to feel even more lonely. They measure their happiness based on how many online friends or how many likes their posts get.....that's a bit sad if you ask me.

For example, my fiancé happened to be in New York city with one of my family members last week (by coincidence). When they got together for dinner, my fiancé was trying to show her around, but she was more concerned with editing her Instagram pictures than to take the time to appreciate the scenery....what kind of a life is that where you're so worried about what others think that you forget to make yourself happy?

I use social media for two things: following news stations so I get my news as quick as possible, and sharing stupid pictures with my friends that otherwise serve no purpose.

samantha13 said:

What's everyone's opinions of social media?

I've said on here before how I suffer depression/anxiety and have been seeing a CBT counsellor. She has been encouraging me not to use it as often as apparently it triggers anxiety with a lot of people.

I use Facebook, instagram, snapchat and then this forum.

On one hand I think she's right (with me personally at least) but on the other hand I'm afraid I'll miss something or feel lonely without them?!

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Sorry to hear of your depression and anxiety, although I don't suffer with either I do sympathise greatly. I have many friends and family that suffer with these and they can be devastating.

I believe when it comes to interaction be it in person, via phone or even social media it's who you allow yourself to be associated with.

Social media can be a good place but also can be a dangerous place.

However, social media you can pick and choose your followers, and pretty much control what you see/read depending on what/who you follow...

Can you not join a local group like fitmums and friends, they do weekly running/walking events from as little as 1 mile walking and they run social event bingo and the likes which can be great fun and they are so welcoming...

Just an idea... And to be fair this forum is probably one of your greatest assets for me from joining it's been a great help in every aspect for me... Even just reading some posts without not even taking part has answered questions or relieved some nerves regarding certain subjects so I believe it's who/what you surround yourself with that has a lot to answer for...

I hope I haven't just rambled rubbish mind!

I'm sure there are lots of people on here willing to speak at the drop of a hat should you feel the need to just talk...

Izzy

An article her you might find interesting @samantha13,

The Anxiety of Facebook.
Although there are many benefits, it is important to remember the possible downsides of social media sites and their use in order to help people who are vulnerable to mental health problems, such as anxiety disorder or depression, to not develop or exacerbate existing problems due to use. The best way for anyone to take advantage of the benefits of these sites while minimizing the downsides is to moderate his or her use and maintain a level of detachment.

http://psychcentral.com/lib/the-anxiety-of-facebook/

Social media is a great way of connecting. I try not to take it too seriously but having said that I'm on every network going!
Catch me on Twitter as @groovydaz39. Maybe we should start a #DCUK hashtag or something....

I only use social media when I have to or really want to, If it was all taken, it wouldn't worry me. Maybe it's because I'm older and remember the days when people communicated via telephone, or letters, postcards, face to face, or the old way of slate and chalk or a chisel and hammer
If people want to or need to use social media, it's their choice and often it's a means of feeling wanted, involved, unburdening thoughts and feelings, so, not so alone.
Take care @samantha13, keep your chin up

Hi Sam. I also have depression/anxiety, I've had it my entire life.

I choose not to use Facebook, or any of the others. While there is some decent stuff on there (my OH uses it), the majority seems to be dross. It also seems to bring out the worst in people, and if you're vulnerable moodwise, can draw you in and affect you before you realise it. Truth is, do you really think you aren't part of whatever is going on unless you are glued to your phone? If that's the case, just think how shallow it all is..

Limit the time you're on, do something else. It honestly is just a habit. What I find really sad (digressing for a sec, sorry), is the amount of young mums I see (and know) that are so engrossed on what their friends are doing on social media, they have little time to notice what their kids are doing. On public transport, playgrounds, school playgrounds - I think its really sad.

I only use Facebook for a little game I have got addicted to playing. Some aspects of facebook are good ie my family 'finding' me after being renegade for so many years. That comes with its own share of problems though for example reading about the ins and outs of my cousin's marriage. It can make me feel down reading that so I have often contemplated deleting him.

My eldest daughter, she's nearly 27, is obsessed with Facebook.. Her phone is constantly in her hand and she is often messaging someone somewhere. She does miss out on a lot of the developmental stages of my grandaughter (she's nearly 7)

I think anything in moderation is benficial to us, when it borders on obsessive not so good.

I assume you're in the UK, if you are get in touch with MIND and see what groups they run in your area. Might help with your anxiety etc. Then again not so good if you have social anxiety

samantha13 said:

What's everyone's opinions of social media?

I've said on here before how I suffer depression/anxiety and have been seeing a CBT counsellor. She has been encouraging me not to use it as often as apparently it triggers anxiety with a lot of people.

I use Facebook, instagram, snapchat and then this forum.

On one hand I think she's right (with me personally at least) but on the other hand I'm afraid I'll miss something or feel lonely without them?!

Click to expand...

Sorry to hear that you suffer from Depression and Anxiety I do know what that is like as i myself suffered a Nervous Breakdown in the past and made a full recovery over a course of 5 years.

Social Media is good for certain things it allows you to have a social life which is something i dont have outside of home as im a full time carer for my disabled wife i dont get the chance to get out to the pub etc and socialise that way. Facebook has been my rock ive made some fantastic friends but on the other hand you have to be very careful about what you post on their. I certainly wouldnt share personal information on there.
Id feel lost without it now. In your case your CBT counsellor is right you do need to use it often to form friendships etc.
Good luck and i hope we can all help you to recover from the Depression and Anxiety. You arent alone on social media