While many people enjoy video games and social media as forms of entertainment and social interaction, there are potential mental health challenges associated with excessive use or misuse. It's important to note that not everyone who engages in these activities will experience mental health problems, but some common issues include:
Social Isolation: Spending too much time on video games or social media may lead to isolation from face-to-face social interactions. Lack of real-world connections can contribute to feelings of loneliness and depression.
Cyberbullying: Online platforms, including social media and gaming communities, can be breeding grounds for cyberbullying. Harassment, discrimination, and other negative interactions can have significant impacts on mental health.
Addiction: Excessive use of video games or social media may lead to addiction, characterized by an inability to control usage despite negative consequences. This can contribute to anxiety, depression, and a decline in overall well-being.
Comparative Stress: Social media platforms often present idealized versions of people's lives, fostering a culture of constant comparison. This can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and depression as individuals measure their own lives against perceived standards.
Sleep Disturbances: Both video games and social media use, particularly before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns. Poor sleep quality is linked to a range of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
Escapism: While video games and social media can be enjoyable outlets, some individuals may use them excessively as a form of escapism. This can lead to neglect of real-world responsibilities and exacerbate existing mental health issues.
Impaired Academic or Occupational Functioning: Excessive use of video games and social media can interfere with academic or occupational responsibilities, leading to decreased performance and increased stress.
Body Image Issues: Social media platforms often emphasize physical appearance, contributing to body image concerns and eating disorders, particularly among young users.
Lack of Physical Activity: Sedentary behavior associated with prolonged gaming or social media use can contribute to physical health problems and, in turn, impact mental well-being.
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Social media users may experience FOMO, fearing that they are missing out on social events or experiences. This can lead to anxiety and a constant need to be connected.
It's important to recognize these potential challenges and adopt healthy usage habits. Seeking professional help is advised if someone experiences persistent mental health issues related to their use of video games or social media. Additionally, fostering a balanced and mindful approach to digital interactions can contribute to overall well-being.
While it's important to recognize that mental health struggles can affect anyone, including social influencers, it's crucial not to generalize or assume that all influencers face the same issues. Mental health challenges are highly individualized and can vary widely. However, some common mental health problems that influencers may experience include:
Anxiety Disorders:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive worry and anxiety about various aspects of life.
Social Anxiety Disorder: Fear of social situations and interactions.
Depression:
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities.
Bipolar Disorder: Extreme mood swings between depressive and manic states.
Eating Disorders:
Anorexia Nervosa: Intense fear of gaining weight, leading to severe restrictions in food intake.
Bulimia Nervosa: Episodes of overeating followed by compensatory behaviors, such as vomiting or excessive exercise.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD):
Obsessive focus on perceived flaws in physical appearance, which may lead to compulsive behaviors or social withdrawal.
Substance Abuse and Addiction:
Dependence on substances like drugs or alcohol to cope with stress or emotional issues.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):
Difficulty focusing, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, which can affect various aspects of life.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
Intrusive thoughts (obsessions) leading to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) to alleviate anxiety.
Burnout:
Constant stress and exhaustion due to high-pressure for content generation, which may impact mental health.
Loneliness and Isolation:
Despite having a large online following, influencers may feel lonely or isolated, especially if their online persona differs from their real-life experiences.
Cyberbullying and Online Harassment:
Constant exposure to public scrutiny and potential negative comments can contribute to stress and anxiety.
It's essential to remember that influencers are individuals with unique experiences, and not all of them will face mental health challenges. Additionally, the public nature of their lives can magnify the impact of these challenges. Mental health is a complex and multifaceted issue, and seeking professional help is crucial for those experiencing difficulties.
Co-occurring mental health disorders, also known as comorbidity or dual diagnosis, refer to the simultaneous presence of two or more mental health conditions in an individual. This occurrence is relatively common, as mental health disorders often share risk factors and can influence or exacerbate each other's symptoms. For instance, an individual diagnosed with depression may also struggle with anxiety, substance abuse, or other disorders. The interaction between these conditions can be complex, with one disorder influencing the onset, progression, or severity of the other. Co-occurring disorders can present unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment, as the symptoms may overlap, making it essential for mental health professionals to conduct comprehensive assessments to identify and address the full spectrum of an individual's mental health needs.
Individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders often face heightened challenges, including increased rates of hospitalization, a greater risk of relapse, and a higher likelihood of experiencing chronic health issues. Recognizing the prevalence and associated risks of co-occurring disorders is crucial for informing public health initiatives, shaping mental health policy, and developing targeted interventions that address the multifaceted needs of individuals with these complex conditions.
Trauma can exert a profound and enduring influence on an individual's mental health, creating a complex interplay of psychological and emotional challenges. When exposed to traumatic experiences, the brain's stress response system can become dysregulated, leading to heightened states of arousal, hypervigilance, and emotional reactivity. The impact of trauma often extends beyond the initial incident, shaping the individual's cognitive and emotional landscape in ways that can contribute to the development of conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, and depression. The very nature of trauma, whether stemming from incidents like physical violence, abuse, or natural disasters, can fracture one's sense of safety and trust, eroding the foundation of a healthy mental state.
Moreover, trauma can influence the individual's interpersonal relationships, self-perception, and overall worldview. Survivors of trauma may grapple with a distorted sense of self-worth, feelings of shame or guilt, and challenges in forming and maintaining healthy connections with others. The impact of trauma can manifest as intrusive memories, flashbacks, and avoidance behaviors, all of which serve as coping mechanisms to navigate the overwhelming emotions associated with the traumatic event. Addressing the mental health repercussions of trauma often requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing therapy, support networks, and self-care strategies to help individuals rebuild a sense of security, regain control over their lives, and foster resilience in the face of adversity.
Insomnia, characterized by persistent difficulties in falling asleep or staying asleep, can exert a profound toll on one's mental health, creating a pervasive cycle of sleep deprivation and emotional distress. The intricate relationship between sleep and mental well-being means that chronic insomnia can contribute to the development or exacerbation of various mental health conditions. Sleep is essential for cognitive functioning, emotional regulation, and overall resilience, and when disrupted consistently, it can lead to heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and irritability. The brain's ability to process emotions and consolidate memories is compromised, potentially escalating the risk of mood disorders such as depression.
The impact of insomnia extends beyond the nighttime hours, permeating into daytime activities and impairing an individual's ability to concentrate, make decisions, and cope with life's challenges. Persistent fatigue resulting from inadequate sleep further weakens the individual's ability to manage stress, potentially triggering a negative spiral where insomnia and mental health issues feed into each other. Cognitive functions, including attention and problem-solving skills, may decline, affecting work or academic performance and hindering interpersonal relationships. Addressing insomnia from a mental health perspective often involves a holistic approach, combining cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), lifestyle adjustments, and stress management techniques to break the cycle of sleep disruption and restore a healthier balance between sleep and mental well-being.
Robert Teel, Ph.D is a licensed clinical psychologist. He earned a B.A. in Psychology at the University of Oregon before achieving his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego in 2019. Prior to graduate studies, Dr. Teel spent six years working as a substance abuse specialist at various substance use addiction treatment centers in San Diego. He completed training at Community Research Foundation, UCSD: Co-Occurring Disorders Program, and an internship at the Veterans Administration Hospital: Phoenix.
Dr. Teel is adept at treating mood disorders (depression, hypomania), anxiety, adjustment difficulties, and chronic pain. Unique areas of competence include: 1) Electronic Use Disorders including problematic usage patterns around gaming and social media use. 2) Substance Abuse Disorders, their treatment, and the intersection they have with co-morbid psychopathology. 3) Trauma and its aftermath both cognitively and physically on survivors. 4) Insomnia, 5) Men and the psychology of masculinity.
Dr. Teel regularly practices both Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) incorporating principals of Existential Psychotherapy into both practices. He has been trained in Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). Dr. Teel has a specialty in men's psychology and masculinity and currently serves as the chair of the Men’s Issues Committee of the San Diego Psychological Association. Dr. Teel also serves on the board of the San Diego Psychological Association.