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Social Media: The Impact on Mental Health

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Social Media: The Impact on Mental Health

By: Maria Koutsothanasis


Social media plays a significant role in shaping how we connect, communicate, and even view ourselves. While social media has its benefits, it can also have a detrimental impact on mental health. Social media can negatively affect our mental well-being through constant comparisons, unrealistic expectations, and exposure to harmful content. By being intentional about what we engage with, we can use social media as a tool to enhance our lives and protect our mental well-being.

One of the main drawbacks of social media is the tendency to compare ourselves to others. Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok are often filled with images of people’s “perfect” lives, highlighting their achievements, beauty, and happiness. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, especially when we find ourselves measuring our lives against these unrealistic portrayals. Social media comparison can lead to symptoms of anxiety, depression, and even body image issues. The more we focus on the idealized versions of others’ lives, the more likely we are to forget that what we see online isn’t always an accurate reflection of reality.

The positive aspect is that we can decide what content we engage with. By intentionally following accounts that promote positivity, self-love, and well-being, we can counteract the negative effects. Following fitness influencers who focus on health rather than body perfection, or mental health advocates who offer advice and share stories of resilience, can create a more positive environment. By engaging with content that aligns with our values, we can shift our mindset toward growth and self-empowerment.

Social media often highlights negativity, which can significantly affect our mental well-being. Platforms frequently highlight drama, conflicts, and extreme opinions, contributing to constant criticism and judgment. Posts that focus on problems, such as failed relationships, mental health struggles, or societal issues, can evoke anxiety or feelings of hopelessness. Viral content that spreads negativity, such as gossip or inflammatory comments, often gains attention, while positive messages may not receive the same recognition. This constant exposure to pessimism can leave individuals feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from the positive aspects of life.

While social media has its negative aspects, it’s possible to transform how we interact with it to protect our mental health. By being mindful of the content we consume and consciously seeking out positive, uplifting posts, we can create an online environment that nurtures our well-being. Social media can be a powerful tool for connection, education, and personal growth if used intentionally. Ultimately, it is important to remember that we control our social media environment and can shape it to support our mental health.

If you or someone you love is struggling with depression or anxiety, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling and Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/. 


UC Davis Health. (2024, November 27). Social Media’s impact on our mental health and tips to use it safely. health. https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/social-medias-impact-our-mental-health-and-tips-to-use-it-safely/2024/05

Depression: Impacts on College Students

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Depression: Impacts on College Students

By: Maria Koutsothanasis

College is where many students are excited about independence, opportunities, and new experiences. Some students may experience challenges with change and experience feelings of depression. Balancing academics, social life, and financial difficulties can bring anxiety onto a student. These challenges can significantly impact mental health and lead to depression. Depression not only affects a student’s emotional well-being but disrupts all other aspects of their life.

The Impacts

  1. Academic Struggles

      Depression can disrupt a student’s ability to focus, retain important information, and meet deadlines for assignments. Symptoms such as fatigue, lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating, and hopelessness can lead to poor attendance and a decline in grades. Without the proper environment and support, depression can consume a student’s daily life and cause academic struggles.

      2. Social Isolation

        Depression can impair a student’s social life and cause them to lose the strong support systems they previously had. The withdrawal from social interactions can worsen symptoms of depression and lead students to feel alone. Depression can consume a student, making it difficult to get out of bed and engage in social activities that other students would enjoy.

        3. Long Term Consequences

        Without the proper support, environment, and treatment, depression can cause long-term effects. Academically, depression can lead students to fail courses and drop out of school which can impact the opportunities that are presented to students in the future. Untreated depression can lead to long-term physical health issues such as heart disease, chronic stress, and unhealthy coping mechanisms.

        Coping and Support

        1. Utilize Campus Resources

          Many colleges offer a wide range of support systems to help students cope with their depression. Counseling services, support groups, clubs, and mental health and wellness workshops are resources that can support students during difficult times.

          2. Establish Healthy Habits

          A routine such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and consistent sleep can improve mood and energy levels. Incorporating mindfulness is a way to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. Students can use creative tasks and different outlets students can use to reduce stress and enhance their emotional well-being.

          3. Build support

          Building a strong support system and a positive environment is a way to decrease feelings and symptoms of depression. Reaching out to people who will provide you with the support you need is important. Staying connected with friends and family provides emotional support and stability.

          Depression among college students is an issue that needs awareness and actions to reduce stigma. By prioritizing mental health students can overcome mental health challenges that are constantly experienced. By accessing resources provided by colleges, establishing healthy habits and regular routines, and building a strong support system, students can develop resilience and improve their mental health.

          If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or other mental health issues, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychiatric Services. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

          Kristen Bowe, A. (2023, August 22). College students and Depression. Mayo Clinic Health System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/college-students-and-depression

          Luo, M.-M., Hao, M., Li, X.-H., Liao, J., Wu, C.-M., & Wang, Q. (2024, January 25). Prevalence of depressive tendencies among college students and the influence of attributional styles on depressive tendencies in the post-pandemic era. Frontiers in public health. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10850216/

          WebMD. (n.d.). How common is depression among college students?. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/depression/what-to-know-about-depression-in-college-students

          Depression: What is dysthymia?

          GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

          Depression: What is dysthymia?

          By: Josette DeFranco

          Dysthymia is mild but has more long-lasting symptoms than major depression. Dysthymia is also known as persistent depression disorder because it is continuous and long-term. There is no exact cause of dysthymia but biological differences, brain chemistry, life events, and inherited traits can play a role. It has been demonstrated that those with depression don’t have any family history of this disorder and those with a family history of depression don’t struggle with this disorder.

          Some noticeable symptoms of dysthymia:

          • Loss of enjoyment of regular activities
          • Sadness or depressed mood
          • Lack of motivation
          • Tiredness
          • Sleep problems
          • Problems with decision-making or concentration
          • Restlessness and impatient
          • Low self-esteem
          • Overeating or eating very little
          • Suicidal thoughts
          • Substance misuse
          • Relationship difficulties
          • School or work hardships

          Some ways to help prevent dysthymia:

          • Reach out to friends and family
          • Seek medical professional help
          • Work on reducing stress
          • Be patient
          • Be kind to yourself
          • Practice self-care
          • Don’t self-medicate

          If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ, or Manhattan, NY offices at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to schedule an appointment. For more information, please visit https://aristapsychiatrypsychotherapy.com/

          Resources:

          https://www.webmd.com/depression/chronic-depression-dysthymia

          https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/persistent-depressive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20350929

          Depression: Postpartum Depression

          GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

          Depression: Postpartum Depression

          By: Josette DeFranco

          Postpartum depression is a vulnerable time for a woman’s health. Many women are experiencing mood changes and are expected to have an amazing transition into motherhood. However, many women struggle with mental health issues after giving birth. It’s important to spread awareness and show support to the women who are struggling with postpartum depression.

          Postpartum depression symptoms start to occur four to six weeks after giving birth and can gradually decrease as time goes on. Nonetheless, depression can reoccur within three years after pregnancy or giving birth. Some common symptoms of postpartum depression can be intrusive, unwanted thoughts and postpartum rage.

          Here are some ways to help someone you know or who is struggling with postpartum depression:

          • Seek help from a licensed mental health professional
          • Look for a community to help you in both emotional and practical ways
          • Practice mindfulness and relaxation therapy
          • Use positive affirmations and be more kind to yourself
          • Practice skin-to-skin care which can help with reducing the stress hormone cortisol
          • Avoid alcohol or recreational drug use
          • Eat healthy
          • Prioritize rest for yourself
          • Gaining more knowledge about postpartum depression

          If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ, or Manhattan, NY offices at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://aristapsychiatrypsychotherapy.com/

          Resources:

          https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/parenting-translator/202306/how-to-improve-postpartum-mental-health

          Depression: Do Genetics Play a Role in Depression

          GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

          Depression: Do Genetics Play a Role in Depression

          By: Josette DeFranco

          Major depressive disorder is a condition that affects many individuals. Major depressive disorder can range from being clinically mild and short-lasting to recurring over and over again, to being highly chronic and treatment-resistant. Depression is known to run in families indicating that there are genetic factors. It can be a combination of life experiences and environment. Genetics plays a mild role in depression. Also, families with certain genetic patterns lived eight years shorter than average. As depression may range from transient to debilitating it is expected that many different sets of genetic alterations are involved. Some genes are associated with weight and body, neuron development, and brain inflammation and another group is associated with proteins that tell the immune system which cells are friendly and which are not. This means that our genetics can not only influence our physical characteristics but also how our brain functions and our immune system interacts and identifies with different cells in the body. Your environment can modify the genetic factors that play a role in depression.

          If you are concerned about a strong history of depression in the family and are scared about it affecting you or your future children a study suggests that even with a high tendency for depression, psychotherapy or behavioral activation therapy can reduce it. Individuals need to understand the life-changing impact their environment can have on their mental health. Our emotions are generated by our thinking which may serve as an influence on our behaviors. You may have had genetic roots of depression, a difficult upbringing, or a terrible tragedy that has currently occurred but if you change your thinking then your emotions will change as well.

          If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://aristapsychiatrypsychotherapy.com/

          Sources:

          https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201603/depression-new-research-shows-genetics-are-not-destiny

          https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psychiatry-the-people/201804/massive-study-clarifies-genetic-risks-major-depression

          https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-three-minute-therapist/202007/overcoming-genetically-based-depression

          Drug Overdose: Frequency of Non-Substance Related Mental Health Disorders Among Drug Overdose Deaths

          GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

          Drug Overdose: Frequency of Non-Substance Related Mental Health Disorders Among Drug Overdose Deaths

          By Madison Gesualdo

          Fatal drug overdoses in the United States have been on the rise in recent years, with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reporting nearly 108,000 drug overdose deaths in 2022. However, a new study by the CDC suggests that screening and treatment for non-substance related mental health disorders, which frequently exhibit comorbidity with substance use disorders, may help lower the rate of overdoses in the United States.

          The CDC found that approximately one in five individuals (22%) who died of a drug overdose in 2022 had a co-occurring, non-substance-related mental health disorder, with depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorders being the most prevalent. Additionally, it was reported that nearly 25% of these individuals had at least one opportunity for intervention with these disorders shortly before their death, including but not limited to visits to emergency departments and the locations where they were actively being treated at for their substance use disorder. With respect to this data, the CDC emphasizes the importance of integrating more screening practices for non-substance-related mental health disorders during interventions in individuals suffering from substance use disorders in order to improve mental health among these individuals and, potentially, decrease the amount of fatal overdoses.

          Help and treatment are available to individuals with substance use disorders. Below are some of the many resources available to assist individuals with the screening and treatment of these disorders:

          If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction and abuse or with mental health, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

          References:

          Dinwiddie, A.T., Gupta, S., Mattson, C.L., O’Donnell, J., & Seth, P. (2024, August 29). Reported non–substance-related mental health disorders among persons who died of drug overdose — United States, 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024;73:747–753. http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7334a3

          Drug Enforcement Administration. (n.d.) Recovery resources. United States Drug Enforcement Administration. https://www.dea.gov/recovery-resources

          High Functioning Depression

          GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

          High Functioning Depression By: Nicole Sanchez

          High-functioning depression, also known as dysthymia, is a type of depression that can be described by persistent feelings of sadness, low energy, and a lack of pleasure in activities. People that have high-functioning depression may experience a wide range of symptoms, such as feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, low self-esteem, sleep disturbances, and/or a lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. One of the main differences between high-functioning depression and other forms of depression is the severity of symptoms. Individuals with major depressive disorder may experience highly intense feelings of hopelessness and despair; however those with high-functioning depression may have a more subtle experience of these symptoms. Those with high functioning depression may still be able to fulfill their responsibilities such as work or school, and maintain their relationships, but they may constantly battle with feelings of emptiness and sadness. Another difference has to do with the perception of others. People with high-functioning depression are oftentimes misunderstood and since they appear to be functioning well, others may minimize or dismiss their issues or attribute their feelings to mere moodiness.

          Psychotherapy is an effective treatment approach for high-functioning depression. By working with a therapist to identify and transform negative thought patterns, people are able to improve their wellbeing by exploring healthy ways of managing emotions and stress. In some cases, medication may be part of the treatment plan for high-functioning depression. Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being.

          https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/October-2023/The-Reality-of-High-Functioning-Depression

          If you or someone you know is having mental health difficulties and/ or experiencing symptoms of depression, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our offices at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

          Depression vs. Grief: Are you depressed or are you just grieving?

          GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

          Depression vs. Grief: Are you depressed or are you just grieving?

          By, Maro Mikhaeil

          Did you experience a loss of some kind, whether it was a loved one, a job, a pet, or even a relationship? Often times, individuals will think that they are experiencing depression when that may not be the case at all. In fact, depression does not solely occur when a traumatic event has occurred but may occur due to genetics or even your environment. However, it may be hard for individuals to distinguish grieving from depression due to the similarities. This is why psychologists or psychiatrists will often ask for your history to determine treatment. Grieving and depression are both characterized by intense feelings of sadness and may have the same cause of trauma and loss. Some individuals may experience both depression and bereavement, commonly known as a process of grief, which causes significant symptoms and functional impairment and is worse than either depression or bereavement alone.

          The Differences between Depression and Grief

          Depression is characterized by a variety of depressive disorders, such as disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, major depressive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, substance-induced depressive disorder, medication-induced depressive disorder, and other unspecified and specified depressive disorders. Major depressive disorder is the most common and known type of depressive disorder, as it is the classic condition amongst all the other depressive disorders. It is characterized by depressive episodes that have been occurring for at least 2 weeks and/or longer, which is longer than the grieving process. Major depressive disorder is also more persistent and has more obvious characteristics because individuals will be feeling depressive symptoms everywhere, as opposed to bereavement, which is more of a fluctuating state and varies from person to person. Bereavement entails this grieving process where these negative feelings are accompanied by positive feelings, and as time passes, the wave of negative emotions will spread further and further apart. The grieving process and the associated feelings will also come to an end as the individual fully visualizes their loss through a good recollection rather than a more devastating one.

          Treatment options

          Despite the differences between the two, major depressive disorder and bereavement are both treatable. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can definitely treat both major depressive disorder and bereavement. Antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics can also target the symptoms of major depressive disorder, and people find them useful in conjunction with psychotherapy.

          All in all, it’s important to be mindful of all the similarities and differences and to take action when needed. Your mental health is just as important as your health; you should not let it derail your life, as there is a way out. Remember that you are not alone, as individuals all over the world are experiencing what you may be experiencing right now.

          If you or someone you know is experiencing grief or depression, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com

          Sources:

          https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2691160/#:~:text=Most%20bereaved%20individuals%20experience%20intense,both%20bereavement%20and%20major%20depression.

          https://www.verywellmind.com/grief-and-depression-1067237

          Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition by the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV)

          Depression: What Does Your Messy Room Say About You?

          GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

          Depression: What Does Your Messy Room Say About You?

          By, Maro Mikhaeil

          Are you struggling with maintaining a clean room? A messy room may represent a disorganized mind and high stress levels. FMRI scans have shown that disorganization and clutter negatively impacts the way our brains work. Some may even go as far to say that it can be seen as a depressive episode. Depression has been shown to make it hard for individuals to take care of themselves physically, especially when it comes down to cleaning their bedrooms. Individuals with depression also demonstrate lack of motivation doing their daily tasks. It can take significantly more energy and effort to accomplish even the smallest tasks.

          What exactly is depression?

          Depression is characterized as a mood disorder that causes one to feel constantly low or sad and may even affect your interest to do certain activities. Symptoms in depression can vary from mild to severe and there are psychological scales that can assess the severity of the illness. Depression can affect anyone even children and adolescents and risk factors ranges from brain chemistry to genetics to environmental factors and even to personality. For instance, you can experience extreme lows, which may lead to depression if you receive a poor score on an exam for which you have been studying and expected a higher score.

          Is depression treatable?

          Depression is in fact treatable and can be treated by the following ways:

          1. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy in which focuses on one’s feelings and past experiences. It may help to talk to someone about your low moments.
          2. Medications like antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics may help with symptoms
          3. Hypnotherapy, also known as hypnosis which puts you in a trance-like state to relax you and helps reduce anxiety and stress

          And more!

          Although cleaning one’s room may be difficult for individuals who are depressed, there is certainly a way through it. Perhaps try cleaning just a small part of your room each day until the entire space is clean. Having your room cleaned might help your depression even more, since a clean environment is proven to improve mood and reduce stress.

          If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or mental health, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

          Sources:

          https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression#section_2

          https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/what-does-clutter-do-to-your-brain-and-body

          https://www.webmd.com/balance/ss/slideshow-clutter-affects-health

          Motivation: How to Complete your To-Do List in the Midst of a Depressive Episode

          GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

          Motivation: How to Complete your To-Do List in the Midst of a Depressive Episode

          By, Dyami Efroimson

          A major symptom of depression that can make life difficult for those experiencing it is the loss of motivation. Activities one may have enjoyed in the past, no longer bring joy and everyday responsibilities feel impossible to accomplish.  

          What Causes This?

          With depression, there is a severe lack of dopamine which is responsible for the rewarding feeling we get when we complete at task. This chemical imbalance in conjunction with other factors like lifestyle choices, genetic predisposition, and medication causes a decrease in one’s motivation. The thought of doing any activity can feel overwhelming, causing those struggling with depression to be unable to push themselves to complete even simple tasks.

          How does one deal with this lack of motivation?

          The key thing is: be patient with yourself. Do not beat yourself up for not being able to do seemingly “easy” tasks. Break the task making you feel overwhelmed into smaller parts that seem a little more doable. For example, if you’re having trouble getting out of bed, start with just sitting up if you are lying down. Or if you need to clean your room, just focus on picking up one piece of clothing off the ground, then another, then another, until you have no clothes left to pick up. By breaking your projects down into simpler tasks, the larger items on your to-do list become a little more manageable. As you complete these bite-sized tasks, your motivation will slowly make its way back as you build healthy habits, and your to-do list will get smaller and smaller.

          If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling and Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

          Depression Motivation: A Brief Guide