Mental Health (Depression)

The mental health is health disorder identifiable through loos of interest on various activities or persistent depressed mood that contribute to significant impairment on someone’s life. To illustrate, the above characters have higher chances of bringing about various behavioral or physical signs relating to depression (O’Hara, 2009). In particular, depression may be associated with numerous factors including changes in appetite, sleep, concentration, energy level, self-esteem and daily behaviors (Deacon, 2013). Indeed, this essay focus on offering contrasting discussion revolving around the depression. 

The second question aims to investigate if social media is related to depression. Evidently, the researchers offer varied ideas concerning social media and depression, hence, indicating that this technology can either affect people negatively or positively. To be specific, there are many factors showing that social media contribute to depression since it makes some individuals feel being isolated and mistreated (O’Reilly et al., 2018). For instance, the young adults and teenagers using most of their time on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube among other platforms record the highest rate of depression than those spending less time on social media (O’Hara, 2009). Still, the above sites can also act as a catalyst for destructive behaviors such as approval-seeking and cyberbullying, the things that in turn contribute to depression (Patel & Saxena, 2014). 

Moreover, social media can contribute to depression since it depletes the self-esteem. The research indicates that people have tendencies of sharing their information and life experiences on the media (Deacon, 2013). At this point, some individuals normally compare themselves who seem to have a better lifestyle compared to them based on pictures and information they post on social media (O’Reilly et al., 2018). In consideration with the above statement, it occurs that majority people who interact with people having a good life compared to the end up being more conscious, a thing that in turn affect their self-confidence in an adverse manner.  

  Besides, social media is also reducing human connection as well as making some people spend their time online rather than sleeping. To be specific, it is essential for people to be able to forge a personal relationship and communicate with each other. Otherwise, it is challenging to interact effectively because of digital friendship instead of communicating with real-life persona (Deacon, 2013). Conversely, this aspect hinders the process of sharing emotions, hence, leading to depression among other psychological based diseases. Still, many people are addicted to social media to the extent of failing to doze in order to browse (O’Reilly et al., 2018). The above trend is affecting the online users in a negative manner both mentally and health-wise. 

Dissimilar to the above argument, social media is also seen as a platform that boosts healthiness by reducing depression. In this case, online users normally apply social media for purpose of entertainment, consultation, and relaxation, hence, being able to reduce the stress and depression. Indeed, people should use social media in a wiser manner, thereby, being able to fight depression (Deacon, 2013). Besides, the individuals encountering lots of challenges in their lives are using the social media to share feelings and emotions with their peers. During the course of interaction, these individuals sometimes find persons who have gone through the same problem and they encourage each other (O’Reilly et al., 2018). In consideration with the above information, the social media seems to play a vital role of helping people to heal from depression. 

References

Deacon, B. J. (2013). The biomedical model of mental disorder: A critical analysis of its validity, utility, and effects on psychotherapy research. Clinical psychology review, 33(7), 846-861.

O’Reilly, M., Dogra, N., Whiteman, N., Hughes, J., Eruyar, S., & Reilly, P. (2018). Is social media bad for mental health and wellbeing? Exploring the perspectives of adolescents. Clinical child psychology and psychiatry, 1-32. 

O’Hara, M. W. (2009). Postpartum depression: What we know. Journal of clinical psychology, 65(12), 1258-1269.

Patel, V., & Saxena, S. (2014). Transforming lives, enhancing communities—innovations in global mental health. New England Journal of Medicine, 370(6), 498-501.