Understanding Mental Health In The Social Media Era

The news of South Korean singer, actor and Model, Moon Bin passing away at his residence has left the world shocked. He was only 25 years old and a part of the famous boy band named ASTRO. The Seoul Gangnam Police reported the news on 19th of April. The initial investigation suggested that this was suicide and ruled out any kind of foul play. Condolences have been pouring in on Social Media since the news broke out. Artists and famous personalities are subjected to so much that affects their mental health drastically and therefore it is important to normalise conversations around mental illnesses and to seek professional help.

The growing crisis

Recently, South Korea was in the news when the Government decided to give a monthly allowance of $500 dollars to young individuals who have isolated themselves. As per a Government Survey, more than a quarter of the individuals between the age group of 18 to 30 in South Korea have been diagnosed with clinical depression and are lonely. As a result of this, there has been a sharp decline in birth rate. In the coming years, South Korea is to experience an imbalance in the working age population and dependent population, impacting the economy severely. 

Government’s intervention

To combat this situation, the Government is taking many measures including the above mentioned policy. The government also offers $230 dollars every month to individuals with mental illness. It is difficult to determine the success rate of these policies yet, but to see a Government put in earnest hard work is truly appreciable.

The Indian Soil

In India mental health still remains a taboo or far more worse, a gimmick of the Western World. The older generation remains in denial about mental health issues. Lack of information about mental illnesses combined with our resistance to learn about mental health, has left the younger generation clueless. So many people are fighting silent battles and one day take an extreme step, leaving their loved ones guilt-ridden.

Also Read: Impact of content creation on Mental Health!

Social Media- the positive

Social Media has been both a boon and a bane when it comes to mental health. With the emergence of social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram and Youtube, there is an increased conversation around mental illnesses and overall mental health. Many content creators have come out to speak about their personal struggles, their coping mechanisms and real account of mental well-being. Sometimes this feeling of not being alone, a sense of solidarity, can be a ray of hope for somebody. 

Many content creators create content on topics related to mental health using humour. This helps in creating awareness about the issues without hurting the sentiments of people. Kusha Kapila is one content creator who is known to talk about anxiety, body image issues, and self-hate. Most of these arise due to or are a result of mental condition. When a content creator of this magnitude makes content, it becomes relatable to many. 

Social Media- the negative

However, there is a flip side to this as well. As much as we love social media for giving the platform, it has also given a platform to hate-mongers who do not shy away from body shaming, bullying or trolling people online. Many of these accounts cannot be traced down to an individual but their comments leave a deep impact on those who are at the receiving end. People are quick to judge and harsh with their words.

Ankush Bahuguna, content creator who is known for his hilarious videos, stepped into the domain of beauty and make-up only out of his sheer love for it. There were a lot of people who were rooting for him but a few could not contain themselves from spreading hate. 

As much as they try to be chill about it, it affects their mental well being.

Social Media as an addiction 

Another downside of social media is its addiction. Most people end up mindlessly scrolling through social media while content creators think their entire life is determined by the likes and comments they receive on these platforms. This can be stressful and a dip in the numbers or worse, the sudden absence of their account can push them down the drain.

Recently, Jessy Taylor, an Instagram Influencer recorded a video of herself crying and posted it on YouTube. The creator was seriously upset over her Instagram account being deleted and was heard saying that “she is nothing without her followers” and the deleting of the account “felt like murder.”

This amount of hold of social media on one’s life is terrifying and can severely affect the mental health of an individual.

Social Media to the rescue 

Social media has also opened up avenues for trained mental health experts to create awareness about mental health and many other issues. It has made it easier for people to access professional help which otherwise would not have been the case. Divija Bhasin is one of our favourite Psychologists who talks about mental health through informational and innovative content. Her reels reach thousands of people who might be struggling with mental illness.

It is heartwarming to see more and more influential people come out and speak about their struggles. When people from the glamour industry whose lives are painted as “perfect” show their raw and vulnerable side, it gives courage to many people to accept and live their reality. The stigma around mental issues is unwarranted and wrong and it lies on each one of us to work against it.