#Social Media Anxiety

[teach-or-trav]

Im just here for the vibes…

Believe it or not yall I used to have serious social media anxiety.

As a black male educator it was easier to just conform and keep a low profile by either leaving social media alone, or only posting sporadically the achievements of my students or my self.

While it was a part if me, it was never the real me. Certainly not the parts of me that are authentically artistic.

To get over this stigma that I had of posting I just started to record myself all the time as I attempted to create, engineer, record myself, etc.

Welp, while I have been able to overcome that obstacle by just posting consistently.

Now I want my message to be clearer. I want to reach more people with my art. I want to create art that will move people and that will be undeniable.

Simultaneously working on my music business and upping my social media game is mentally taxing for the mind.

Then there js the fact that I have to get your attention with a hook and I only got 3-seconds to do it like wtf 😳

Sometimes, ya just wann vibe ya know. I have to if I want to get into my creative flow state.

Track: IM GONNA MAKE IT produced and remixed by me, teach_or_trav

[persy-r-bozo]

I wanna yap about silly dhmis heaccannons and interpretations.

Yet I haven't the bravery to be fully Cringe

Or should I say

☆Truly brave☆

I am upon thee trail yet the journey is long.

May my mind stop it's overthrowing and calm down back into its jesters place.

[mootmead]

I hate the fact that Instagram made me think that the likes I got are the judges of the worth of my work.

[anths-girl]

That moment when you do something you told yourself NOT TO DO about a million times...but then you do it anyway, and the result is, once again, disappointing and just makes you want to kick your own stupid ass for actually going to the effort of opening your mouth at all.

In other words, me, to me: DON'T POST SHIT ABOUT ANYTHING CONTROVERSIAL. Or hey, better yet, don't ever post anything ever. Stick to reblogging. Way safer for my anxiety ridden, Very Bad Brain to handle.

[mdrn0asis]

just started a new instagram and i'm scared....

[amaretto-mp4]

So… I never understood how to use Twitter as an artist; seems like you have to have a pretty solid userbase to start with, or hope one of your tweets blow up overnight - either that or interact a lot (or to some extent??) Especially as an oc artist, that’s really not gonna happen.

I much prefer and feel more comfy with IG and tumblr, with IG being where I share the bulk of my art and interact with friends and moots…

I think I’m finally just gonna give up the ghost on twitter and only browse others’ art on there from now on whilst going private - the fact alone that I can see the views stat on my pinned post ticking up makes me feel anxious ❤️‍🩹

[accesscounselling]

Experiencing Social Media Anxiety? Learn How Counselling Services in Dublin Can Help

In today’s digital era, social media isn’t just an application on a mobile device or a website on a computer. It has become a huge part of our everyday lives, keeping us endlessly connected to a virtual world. We scroll through newsfeeds, connect with friends and family, and curate online personas – all at our fingertips.

While social media offers undeniable benefits, it can also have a significant downside: social media anxiety. It is a growing concern, and if you’re experiencing it, counselling services in Dublin can help.

What Is Social Media Anxiety?

Not to be confused with general social anxiety, social media anxiety is a subtype that has garnered increasing recognition among mental health professionals. It specifically pertains to the fear, discomfort, stress, and anxiousness triggered by social media use.

It can manifest in various ways, including:

Fear of judgement and negative comments online.

Feeling pressured to maintain a perfect online image.

Constantly comparing yourself to others’ seemingly perfect lives.

Anxiety about posting content or interacting online.

Obsessive checking for notifications and likes.

It bears repeating that social media anxiety isn’t simply shyness or general social anxiety. It’s specifically linked to the online environment and the pressures associated with social media platforms. Additionally, studies show a correlation between increased social media use and mental health concerns, particularly among young adults.

Why Does Social Media Give You Anxiety?

Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook often present a curated display of people’s lives, focusing on their achievements and happiest moments. This portrayal can lead to unrealistic expectations and feelings of inadequacy among users as they compare their lives with these idealised online representations. For young individuals whose sense of self is particularly vulnerable, this can foster envy, feelings of inferiority, and a sense of isolation.

Additionally, the platforms are designed to be addictive, encouraging constant engagement and creating a cycle of dependency rooted in the need for validation. This, combined with the potential for anonymity that facilitates cyberbullying, significantly impacts psychological well-being. The fear of missing out (FOMO) and the pressure to stay constantly connected further exacerbate these feelings, disrupting sleep, focus, and real-life functionality, thereby contributing to a pervasive sense of anxiety.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Social Media Anxiety?

If you find yourself experiencing some of the following, you might be struggling with social media anxiety:

Feeling anxious or stressed after spending time on social media.

Obsessively checking your phone for notifications and updates.

Feeling the need to present a perfect image online constantly.

Avoiding social media interactions or posting content out of fear of judgment.

Withdrawing from social activities or neglecting hobbies due to social media use.

These symptoms contribute not only to a decrease in self-worth but also amplify feelings of loneliness and disconnection from reality. Social media can create an illusion of connection while fostering isolation and a distorted view of the world.

How Do You Stop Social Media Anxiety?

If the signs and symptoms mentioned earlier sound familiar, you’re not alone. Social media anxiety is a growing concern, but there are steps you can take to manage it and reclaim control of your online experience.

Here are some strategies to consider:

Become Mindful of Your Social Media Habits

The first step is awareness. Track how much time you spend on social media each day. Are you surprised by the results? Identifying your usage patterns is crucial for making changes.

Set Boundaries and Limits

Once you’re aware of your social media habits, set boundaries. This could involve allocating specific times for checking social media, using apps to limit your daily usage, or scheduling social media detox breaks. It is also best practice to turn off non-essential notifications to reduce the urge to check your phone constantly.

Curate Your Feed, Curate Your Mind

Be selective about who you follow and the type of content you engage with. If certain accounts or pages trigger anxiety, unfollow or mute them to create a more positive online experience.

Mindful Engagement

Before posting or responding to content, take a moment to reflect. Ask yourself if the action is necessary or if it adds value to your well-being.

Digital Detox

Regularly schedule breaks from social media, where you disconnect for a day or even a weekend. Use this time to engage in activities that rejuvenate you, such as reading, exercising, or spending time in nature.

Ground Yourself in the Present

Engage in mindfulness practices that keep you rooted in the here-and-now, shifting focus away from the digital world and onto your immediate environment and sensory experiences.

Practice Self-Compassion and Self-Care

Social media often showcases unrealistic portrayals of people’s lives. Remember, everyone has their struggles and imperfections. Focus on self-acceptance and challenge negative thoughts about yourself. Additionally, invest in activities that promote relaxation and reduce stress, like meditation, yoga, or a hobby that brings you joy.

Prioritise Real-Life Connections

Social media can’t replace the value of face-to-face interaction. Make time for activities and connections that bring you joy in the real world. Nurture relationships with loved ones and engage in hobbies you enjoy.

Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried these strategies and social media anxiety continues to impact your life significantly, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Counselling services in Dublin can provide valuable support and equip you with additional tools and techniques to manage your anxiety and develop a healthier relationship with social media.

How Can Counselling Services in Dublin Help With Social Media Anxiety?

Seeking professional help from a qualified anxiety counsellor in Dublin can be a powerful step towards reclaiming control of your online experience and improving your mental well-being. Here’s how Dublin counselling services can equip you to manage social media anxiety:

Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms

A qualified counsellor can help you identify the specific triggers and thought patterns that fuel your social media anxiety. Through techniques like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), they can equip you with healthy coping mechanisms to manage these anxieties effectively. Additionally, therapists can teach relaxation techniques like mindfulness meditation and deep breathing exercises that can be used in the moment to manage anxiety when triggered by social media use.

Setting Boundaries and Building Self-Compassion

Anxiety counselling can provide a safe space to explore your relationship with social media and identify unhealthy patterns of usage. A counsellor can guide you in setting realistic boundaries around social media use. This could involve establishing specific times for checking social media, creating “phone-free” zones in your home, or even taking digital detox breaks to disconnect entirely for a period.

Furthermore, therapy can address the underlying issues often linked to social media anxiety, such as low self-esteem or perfectionism. Through counselling, you can develop self-compassion, learn to accept yourself with all your imperfections and build resilience against negativity encountered online. Counsellors can also help you explore why you seek validation on social media and guide you towards healthier ways to build self-worth.

Developing Alternative Ways to Connect and Fostering Balance

Social media can create the illusion that it’s the primary way to connect with others. Through counselling, you can explore alternative ways to connect meaningfully with friends and family. This could involve scheduling regular in-person meetups, joining clubs or activities that align with your interests, or volunteering in your community. Ultimately, a counsellor can help you create a healthy balance between online and offline interactions, ensuring your social needs are met in a way that promotes your well-being.

Finding the Right Anxiety Counselling Services in Dublin

If you’re considering therapy for social media anxiety, you have a variety of qualified professionals in Dublin to choose from. As mentioned, different counselling approaches are available, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapy. A counsellor can discuss these options with you and help you find the best approach for your needs.

The importance of selecting the right anxiety therapist cannot be overstated, as the effectiveness of therapy often hinges on the relationship between the counsellor and the client. A good fit means that you feel understood, respected, and safe to express your thoughts and feelings openly. This therapeutic alliance is a cornerstone of successful therapy, fostering a conducive environment for healing and growth.

When choosing an anxiety counsellor, it’s crucial to consider their qualifications, experience, and areas of specialisation to ensure they align with your specific concerns. Moreover, it’s beneficial to research or inquire about a counsellor’s specific experience with social media anxiety, as this can provide added reassurance that they understand the nuances of your situation.

Initial consultations or meet-and-greets can be instrumental in gauging comfort levels and compatibility. Additionally, many therapists in Dublin now offer online counselling sessions, providing flexibility and ease of access. This can be particularly appealing for individuals dealing with anxiety related to digital platforms.

In conclusion, confronting social media anxiety is a step towards regaining control over your mental health and overall well-being. While the digital age brings undeniable benefits, recognising its pitfalls allows you to navigate its waters more mindfully.

In Dublin, numerous counselling services are dedicated to addressing the spectrum of anxiety disorders, including social media anxiety. Taking the step to reach out for help is commendable. Finding the right counselling service can be a transformative journey towards reclaiming your well-being in the digital age. Remember, the aim is not only to manage the anxiety but to thrive beyond it, establishing a balanced and healthy relationship with social media.

Does social media leave you feeling overwhelmed and disconnected? Consider exploring the range of counselling services in Dublin dedicated to tackling social media anxiety. Call us today on 015240708 to schedule a consultation with our compassionate anxiety counsellors.

[lindsaycanada]

Understanding Gen Z's Social Anxiety: A Parent's Guide | Reset Counselling & Psychotherapy in Barrie, ON

Unlock the secrets of Gen Z's social anxiety and Social Phobia with expert counselling and psychotherapy services in Barrie, ON. Our specialized approach delves deep into the complexities of social anxiety disorder.Also helps teens countering with mental health

[pagerunner-j]

I can tell I'm in a mood when I fuss for several minutes over writing something, I post it, and then in five minutes or less I go "...nope" and nuke it from orbit.

Was it important? No. Did every cell of my body suddenly go "it is not worth getting into this" anyway? yep

[desultory-suggestions]

If you are doom scrolling, do me a little favor. Take a big deep breathe. Take two more. Look up and at your surroundings. Pay attention to the light, the objects, the sounds. You are here in this moment. The infinite world accessible through your phone is simply too much for your mind to handle all the time. You deserve peace of mind and soul. Bring yourself back to the present, and set your phone down.

[tinylittlelilac]

don’t get your hopes up, a simple slip up

.

I may have a favorite trope and it’s definitely not both of them being flustered about what one of them did. That’s not a common theme in my art at all what are you talking about haha I don’t even draw what are you saying ur crazy

First part actually happened btw the rest is my very real-in-my-heart extrapolation ^^

.

Sorry it’s been quite a while!!! I’ve been in the process of getting a new laptop and I had some very rare commissions for irls.. but I’m glad to be back and mdyz pilled as always o7

[echoes-of-courage]

👉👈 🥺 Hiiiiii I know I haven't really interacted with other links meet aus before but I really wanted to do something for @linked-maze. I'm pretty sure Artisan's design was partially influenced by their World, but aaaa all your designs are so skrunkly :))

this was labeled braid buddies in my folder

ignore the stupid dialogue, I couldn't come up with anything more coherent

[lachiennearoo]

How to Make Friends

A more-or-less clear guide on social interactions

Growing up with heavy ADHD and generalized anxiety, it was always a bit hard for me to make friends and socialize. Despite my yearning for friendship, I was always "the quiet one" and "a loner", simply because I didn't know how to approach certain social situations, and it made any friendship I had extremely unstable (except for my sister @vive-le-quebec-flouffi, who was so extroverted and friendly it was literally impossible to escape her clutches of socialization)

As I grew older, I learned through a lot of trial and error what makes a good friendship.

Or, rather... what's the best way for someone to WANT to be your friend (without being superficial or hypocritical.)

Now, obviously, this doesn't work for everyone. But this is what I found helped me the most in social circles (especially online) and I hope it can help others too

LET'S BEGIN!

1 - Be yourself

Now that sounds very cliche and cringe, I know, but hear me out, because my opinion on this is not the same as all those feelgood inspirational movies and ads.

"Being yourself" isn't as simple as it seems. Because after all, what does "self" imply? If someone is, say, a criminal, would "be yourself" mean that they should embrace their sinful side?

No, obviously not.

"Be yourself" is a bit more nuanced, but I'll try to boil it down for you.

It just means "be unashamed of your qualities which you think are flaws". For example, "be yourself" would apply to someone who sees themselves as ugly, or maybe someone with an odd yet unharmful hobby, or a weird sense of fashion, or someone with say a handicap, a speech impediment. "Be yourself" is a sentence for the specific people who have genuine good in them, but are afraid to show it to others because they have been persecuted in the past, or are scared to be. It does NOT mean to accept genuine flaws. "Be yourself" does not include say violent anger issues, an addiction, a recent crime committed, or a generally unpleasant personality. Those are obviously not things to encourage. You can understand they may be a thing that happen to you, and accept it in your life, but that's different from being proud of it or encouraging it.

Speaking of personalities... let's talk about that

2 - Be kind

Now when some people hear that, they think it means "always smile no matter what, always look happy and positive, always agree with everyone just so you don't hurt their feelings, and never cause any drama", like you're Deku in My Hero Academia or Steven Universe in his titular show.

But that's... not quite that.

Obviously, kindness is something you use to help people feel better, to cheer up, and feel happy, and obviously to be kind, you need to have compassion, heart, empathy, and always put yourself in other people's shoes regardless of who they are. But it is not necessarily all-encompassing.

There's a rule that I think anyone learning kindness must learn. It's that sometimes, kindness means to be firm.

Not mean, of course. Not judgmental, not insensitive. Don't insult anyone, don't belittle or patronize anyone or make them feel inferior to you. That's still very rude and that's not what you want.

But what I mean is that sometimes, if you know that a person's actions towards something are wrong, especially if it's towards someone else, you must be able to point it out, and act accordingly. Don't just stand there and agree with them just because you don't want to hurt their feelings. You must still be able to know right from wrong. Kindness just means you won't be an ass about it, it doesn't mean to stay silent.

Hey, that brings me to point three!

3 - Show your own opinions

If there's one thing people hate just as much as meanness, it's those who stand by and do nothing about it.

Regardless of if you agree with them or not, if you say absolutely nothing when genuinely bad behaviour is happening, out of fear of "starting a fight", you are actively making the person who is being attacked feel alone.

I remember myself, when I was bullied in the first two grades of secondary school (11-13 years old for those who don't know) for "being ugly", I was told by my mother (who was friends with other kid's parents) that some of the kids "didn't hate me" and "didn't agree with the bullying". And I asked her "if they don't hate me, why won't they talk to me?" She never managed to answer that one. And it broke my heart, because outside of my sister, I had no one else.

Don't be like that. You may be scared of acting, but you know who would be grateful if you did act? The victims. And isn't their opinion of you much more important than the opinion of someone who acts with hatred and bigotry?

If you see someone suffering injustice, or even just hear someone who has a rather harmful opinion, don't be scared to tell them that you disagree. Obviously don't be an asshole about it, stay civil, but if you voice out your opinion, you will be seen as someone who stays true to their beliefs and is brave enough to stand up for them if the opportunity comes.

There's obviously much more that comes with social life (nonverbal cues, sense of humor, timing and mood), and I don't know everything (I'm just some random québécois girl on the internet). But I hope this was a bit more helpful. I did have fun writing this, at least. So I guess that's better than nothing!

[betweenblackberrybranches]

Yes? Hello? I love this lil guy id like to buy a dozen of em!?!? Just wanna squish his lil cheeks!??!?

Man, i love Caterpillar Moon from @oobbbear when i first saw him i knew i had to draw this somft littol man

[amaretto-mp4]

It’s already August - Just some thoughts, a quick update and my appreciation 💐

Gonna be adding the ‘read more’ feature on my longer posts from now on!

O.K, I stopped thinking about backs and shoulders and anguished redheads and how to effectively clean my piercing for a good 2 minutes to think that eventually I’ll finish watching the books and shows I’ve left off or have been meaning to get to but never do — this also goes for all the games I’ve stopped playing partway through like BOTW and Hades//

This is going to take… a while but it’s okay.

Also, to my art mutual who also spurred me on through all their wonderfully drawn mp100 art and comics (I see u) *shakes hand firmly*

The largest thing that stands in my way is my flip-flop attention span that affects anything I do, even things I enjoy or want to do badly, but I’m determined even with uni and my final year project coming up. I think we could achieve a lot of what we want to do if we make the time to do it. Mindfully, of course, and to our own needs and mental capacity.

Lately I’ve been embracing slow productivity when it comes to personal art, and it’s helped me. The initial anxious feelings subsided after a while too, which I’m grateful about. I wanted badly to step away from the instant gratification I used to chase back a few years ago; posting on Instagram sometimes daily for the sake of getting stuff out there, thinking that my mutuals will forget me, or from feeling insecure about my art skills and constant worry/ frustration about not growing an audience.

I shared things immediately, even when I knew I could refine it or correct mistakes if I had waited. Though I might take many days, even weeks to share something now, that payoff of knowing that the art I make this time is what I’m truly happy with! :’ to anyone struggling with the same thing, it’s really difficult to break the cycle, but I believe in you.

It’s wonderful to be in the moment, and it doesn’t just apply to creating art. Today I spent the whole afternoon drawing + putting down new comic panel ideas, which hasn’t happened in a while. ⛅️

Also, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to anyone that’s shown love on my art and supported me on this platform (and my other socials if you’re there too). I read the tags all the time and feel so touched, and grateful. Even if it’s just my staple OC works, and I take forever to share stuff, but it truly means so much if you follow my art journey and support the pace of which I work ♥️♥️ I’ll soon be sharing a few WIP crops of things I’ve been working on, if I can format it better on the web version.

[dollypopup]

hm. idk, maybe the reason Luke Newton isn't announcing new projects or posting any Bridgerton content is because some of you demons treated him like hot trash instead of a creative that you wanted more work from and he decided fuck it, this isn't worth the stress. you know, like a lot of creatives who get mistreated do?

like this is a man who went from couch surfing in a friend's house and bartending to make ends meet, deciding that the Bridgerton audition was the last one he'd do before he quit, to suddenly being recognized on the street because that last audition propelled him to star in a global show where fans who have zero media comprehension blamed him for his character's actions and literally stalked him at any hotel he happens to stay at. he went from being a dude doing musical theatre and shopping at thrift stores and recording random songs with friends and posting silly memes on Twitter to being harassed on his only social media page and his friends insulted and his partners bullied by his supposed 'fans' and anything he posts being so microanalyzed that he can't do a damn thing without someone coming out the woodwork screaming about how he's the WORST and won't he think of the FANS!?

like damn he can't have a girlfriend without being harassed, he can't travel without being harassed, he can't like or not like social media posts without being harassed, he can't post a fucking MEME without being harassed, he can't take a vacation or cut his hair or hold someone's hand or just live his life without being blamed for some bullshit or another. but yeah, okay, 'when will Luke Newton come back?' as if it isn't your fault he's AWOL now