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ImmortalZodd
I seek only the strong



Registered: 07/11/11
Posts: 433
Loc: USA
Last seen: 1 year, 9 months
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Breaking Away from Social Media for Mental Health 1
#27008542 - 10/28/20 02:20 PM (3 years, 2 months ago) |
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Earlier this year I found myself at a new mental low point in my life. I was overweight, depressed, dealing with severe anxiety and contemplating suicide despite being married to an amazing woman and having a supportive family who are unfortunately thousands of miles away from me. I live in Hawaii, and before you say "Why are you depressed? You live in paradise??" Please understand that paradise is subjective, and it is VERY expensive to live here and not be poor. Hawaii is notorious for its homeless population (which I am grateful to not be a part of as of this writing).
Long story short, I have dropped 30lbs, and I am in the best shape of my life at the moment and have a much healthier diet. I am focusing more on "putting good in to get good out" as far as eating habits BUT this also applies to my mental well being.
At the beginning of my journey back to good health, I made the choice to stop participating in all social media due to the way it was affecting my emotional balance. I found myself getting angry quite often, arguing with strangers over petty things, and getting depressed seeing photos of my family who live so far away.
I was amazed at how quickly I was able to "come back to reality" and surprised to see how much it had affected my daily interactions with those around me as well as my overall sense of well being. I would only ever look at YouTube (avoiding the comment section) and Shroomery. You can probably tell by my post count that I am a long time Lurker.
I would highly recommend abstaining from social media for those who are suffering from anxiety or depression; if only for a short period of time. Everyone is different, but I feel like the potential is there for healing if one is willing to commit to it. It has helped me focus on the here and now, and I'm sure it can help others do the same. Social media is not evil, but it undoubtedly has an impact on an individuals mental health as well as their perception of the world around them.
What are your thoughts? Have you ever taken a break from Social Media? Has its use helped your mental / emotional state or has it been a detriment?
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...the illegality of cannabis is outrageous, an impediment to full utilization of a drug which helps produce the serenity and insight, sensitivity and fellowship so desperately needed in this increasingly mad and dangerous world. Carl Sagan
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stzacrack
Stranger


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Re: Breaking Away from Social Media for Mental Health [Re: ImmortalZodd] 1
#27009346 - 10/28/20 09:40 PM (3 years, 2 months ago) |
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I watch youtube and google shit
I dont have fasebook or any of the others but I can imagine that shit being nerve wracking especially for young people
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Fridgedoor
Psssssst!



Registered: 09/13/20
Posts: 1,045
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Re: Breaking Away from Social Media for Mental Health [Re: stzacrack]
#27009429 - 10/28/20 10:43 PM (3 years, 2 months ago) |
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I agree. Since I quit social media I feel so much better. I use the time I used to spend on social media to create nice things now.
I also quit the news since 6 month. Try that and you'll feel like a new person.
Edited by Fridgedoor (10/28/20 10:44 PM)
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skOsH
Functionally dysfunctional



Registered: 07/03/19
Posts: 1,372
Loc: the PNW
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Re: Breaking Away from Social Media for Mental Health [Re: Fridgedoor]
#27015721 - 11/01/20 01:03 PM (3 years, 2 months ago) |
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Definitely no news media, you'll still be able to be informed, but most news is just meant to distract...also no social media, it will be amazing. You should definitely keep with it, you'll feel way better
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yeah


Registered: 02/08/09
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Re: Breaking Away from Social Media for Mental Health [Re: skOsH]
#27016555 - 11/01/20 10:56 PM (3 years, 2 months ago) |
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deactivated fb in august realized it wasn't making me happier or providing any meaningful social interaction
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birdeatingspider
Stranger in Paradise



Registered: 12/18/14
Posts: 2,988
Loc: so many roads
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Re: Breaking Away from Social Media for Mental Health [Re: yeah]
#27016975 - 11/02/20 07:46 AM (3 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
yeah said: deactivated fb in august realized it wasn't making me happier or providing any meaningful social interaction
After high school I opted for travel before college, and kept up with FB for a bit before deactivating in aprox 2008. Happiness level instantly improved. Also felt as if I were liberated from manacles.
There is no doubt an addiction that couples well with social media. The withdrawal is real.
On the flip side, when I moved to random spots, I would use social media to meet up with people, which led to forming social groups.
Sometimes I even notice I'm on Boomtown too often, it's always once I'm in over my head. Taking a break allows clarification.
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From all I may be, or have been before, To mingle with the Universe, and feel What I can ne’er express, yet cannot all conceal.
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yeah


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Re: Breaking Away from Social Media for Mental Health [Re: birdeatingspider] 1
#27017022 - 11/02/20 08:14 AM (3 years, 2 months ago) |
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It sucks being totally isolated in my personal life and not having anyone to talk to but I just realized that fb wasn't really a meaningful substitute. I had added a bunch of people who shared memes I thought were funny and shared similar values but in time it became apparent that it was all a bunch of histrionics and validation seeking where no one was really interested in anyone and just scheming for reacts/attention.
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birdeatingspider
Stranger in Paradise



Registered: 12/18/14
Posts: 2,988
Loc: so many roads
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Re: Breaking Away from Social Media for Mental Health [Re: yeah]
#27017065 - 11/02/20 08:48 AM (3 years, 2 months ago) |
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Exactly- Regarding the validation piece. The hook, line, and sinker.
Feel ya on the isolation, already lean towards antisocial- covid was the cherry on top.
Have my core group of long time friends, only because I looped around and eventually returned home.
Making like-minded friends is doable, and I keep in touch with a handful throughout the country. But at some point I missed the people who grew up, went through, and know where I come from.
When I was elsewhere, despite the meaningful relationships, I felt like I was a mere version of myself. There was always an uncomfortable ghost, haunting the back of my mind.
What I will say, is once I began looking at this forum as social media, I went from being super sleuth to invested in certains, along with their personal life. A gathering with others in the region solidified a bond that a group uniting only once formed.
Some of my friendships I have with people on here run deeper than flakes irl, despite never meeting in person. Would attribute that to similar lifestyle/values.
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From all I may be, or have been before, To mingle with the Universe, and feel What I can ne’er express, yet cannot all conceal.
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TheEschatologist
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Registered: 02/22/18
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Re: Breaking Away from Social Media for Mental Health *DELETED* [Re: birdeatingspider] 1
#27018581 - 11/03/20 01:14 AM (3 years, 2 months ago) |
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Post deleted by TheEschatologist
Reason for deletion: .
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RJ Tubs 202



Registered: 09/20/08
Posts: 6,016
Loc: USA
Last seen: 5 minutes, 9 seconds
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Re: Breaking Away from Social Media for Mental Health [Re: yeah]
#27018599 - 11/03/20 01:52 AM (3 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
yeah said:
It sucks being totally isolated in my personal life and not having anyone to talk to but I just realized that fb wasn't really a meaningful substitute.
I'd trade 15 minutes of face to face interaction for 20 hours of online communication - of any sort.
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birdeatingspider
Stranger in Paradise



Registered: 12/18/14
Posts: 2,988
Loc: so many roads
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Re: Breaking Away from Social Media for Mental Health [Re: TheEschatologist]
#27018757 - 11/03/20 06:24 AM (3 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
TheEschatologist said: If you find yourself questioning the purposes/effects of social media, I highly recommend watching "The Social Dilemma". It's an eye opener about how these things are purpose built to exploit our psychology and all the negative effects that that entails
The best part- They use the surplus of 'selfies' to help train their facial recognition.. They even sell them and export to (china) other countries- some of which are renown for human rights violations.
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From all I may be, or have been before, To mingle with the Universe, and feel What I can ne’er express, yet cannot all conceal.
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ImmortalZodd
I seek only the strong



Registered: 07/11/11
Posts: 433
Loc: USA
Last seen: 1 year, 9 months
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Re: Breaking Away from Social Media for Mental Health [Re: RJ Tubs 202]
#27023010 - 11/05/20 10:29 AM (3 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
RJ Tubs 202 said:
I'd trade 15 minutes of face to face interaction for 20 hours of online communication - of any sort.
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...the illegality of cannabis is outrageous, an impediment to full utilization of a drug which helps produce the serenity and insight, sensitivity and fellowship so desperately needed in this increasingly mad and dangerous world. Carl Sagan
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Loaded Shaman
Psychophysiologist



Registered: 03/02/15
Posts: 8,006
Loc: Now O'Clock
Last seen: 28 days, 4 hours
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Re: Breaking Away from Social Media for Mental Health [Re: ImmortalZodd]
#27044838 - 11/18/20 04:17 AM (3 years, 2 months ago) |
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Simply avoiding Reddit and/or Facebook for a prolonged period will immediately boost your mental clarity.
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  "Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance." — Confucius
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