#REFLECTREALITY
Social Media and Your Mental Health
We all love Social Media, and we all wish we would use it just a bit less. Data suggests that we’re checking our phones an average of 150 times every day, and around 30% of the total time spent online is dedicated to Social Media.
Excessive Social Media use is more than just a bad habit — it’s a matter of mental health. Use of Social Media has been linked to several mental health issues through a multitude of research, and can distort our self-image and our perception of reality. Here are a few examples:
SOCIAL MEDIA IS ASSOCIATED WITH NEGATIVE BODY IMAGE AND EATING DISORDERS
Research in The International Journal of Eating Disorders has linked Social Media use to higher rates of disordered eating, and further research has shown an association with distorted body image.
SOCIAL MEDIA IS LINKED WITH SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION
A 2012 study found a significant relationship between negative Social Media use and increased symptoms of depression.
SOCIAL MEDIA CAN IMPACT ANXIETY LEVELS, RELATIONSHIPS & EVEN SLEEP
Anxiety UK found that Social Media can cause anxiety, and can negatively impact personal relationships. 25% of participants in the study reported having relationship and workplace difficulties because of online confrontations, and 2/3 also reported difficulty with sleep after using Social Media.
Introducing Social Media Dependency Therapy
Talkspace has developed Social Media Dependency Therapy, the first program of its kind designed to help you manage your use of, and response to, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and more. Through our 12 week program, you will work with a licensed Talkspace Therapist who will teach you individualized strategies to deal with Social Media’s impact on your mental health.
Like other Talkspace plans, you can message your therapist anytime and anywhere, from your smartphone or web browser. Yes, we’re using technology to solve problems created by similar technology. Call it poetic justice.
Here's What People Are Saying About Talkspace
Over 300,000 people already feel happier with Talkspace
“I’m so glad I gave this a chance… The advantage of this format is that I truly do not feel alone. At any time or any place I’ve got my therapist in my phone just a message away.”
“My therapist gets back to me quickly and with good advice that I can reread at any time. Highly recommend!”
“Talkspace has been a godsend. They matched me with an amazing therapist who genuinely seems interested in me and my problems.”
SMDT in the News
Talkspace in the News
“The process was identical to what I had experienced in traditional therapy, except I had access to it anytime I pulled out my iPhone.”
“It’s really like texting. It’s easier to write out my feelings, rather than when you’re sitting in a room with someone and it’s hard to explain things.”
“Roughly 46 million Americans had a mental illness in 2011 but only 39% sought treatment. Barriers to seeking treatment include the cost, stigma, and time commitment. Talkspace aims to erase those barriers.”
“By keeping users anonymous, Talkspace hopes to alleviate the stigma that currently prevents 28 percent of people who need mental health care, but don’t receive treatment, from finding a therapist.”
“I spent 7 days with a therapist who only knew me via text message and I might never go back to traditional therapy again”