Mental Health And Social Media: Is There Really A Link?

When Mark Zuckerberg was testifying recently in front of a US Senate Hearing on the media, he was asked if he thought the media was a factor in children's mental health, he responded that the science doesn't support such. Click on the link below for support of his statement:

Just Because You Don't Like Zuckerberg Doesn't Mean He's Wrong

- - - - - - - - -

THEN, there is this:

Reducing social media use significantly improves body image in teens, young adults

Media and mental health

Mounting research documents the harmful effects of social media use on mental health, including body image and development of eating disorders

Pros & cons: impacts of social media on mental health

- - - - - - - - -

A Medical Problem Below The Radar

"Today I want to talk with you about an uncomfortable topic that needs much more open discussion than it’s receiving: America’s extraordinarily high level of anxiety.

"A panel of medical experts has recommended that doctors screen all patients under 65, including children and teenagers, for what the panel calls 'anxiety disorders.'

"Lori Pbert, a clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, who serves on the panel, calls mental health disorders 'a crisis in this country.'

"Today’s New York Times has a lead article about what’s called 'persistent depressive disorder,' or P.D.D., which an estimated 2 percent of adults in the United States have experienced in the past year.

"Nearly 50,000 people in the U.S. lost their lives to suicide last year, according to a new provisional tally from the National Center for Health Statistics. (The agency said the final count would likely be higher.)

"The suicide rate of 14.3 deaths per 100,000 Americans has reached its highest level since 1941, when America entered World War II."

"What’s going on?

"Maybe the widespread anxiety and depression, along with the near record rate of suicide, should not be seen as personal disorders.

"Maybe they should be seen — in many cases — as rational responses to a society that’s becoming ever more disordered.

"After all, who’s not concerned by the rising costs of housing and the growing insecurity of jobs and incomes?"

- - - - - - -

Click on the link below for more:

America's Anxiety Disorder

Is There One Thing That Leads To Greater Longevity?

“I think the effects of just being positive are overstated,” Dr. Watson said, though he agreed there is some benefit to being positive and agreeable. 

“Psychologically healthy people have a quicker recovery time,” he added. “They are able to tell themselves, ‘This is not that big of a deal.’ They find ways to bring themselves back into that equilibrium.” 

"But for the most impact, those looking to boost their longevity should focus on one simple thing: Being conscientious, Dr. Watson said. 

"Being organized, disciplined, and focused on taking care of yourself offers more concrete habits to live a longer life, he added.

Click on this link that also contains other links regarding mental health.