Social media plays a big factor when it comes to affecting countless youths of the current generation. On a darker note, it has also been considered as one of the key players as to why self-harm and suicide happens among teenagers. However, a recent study revealed that social media may not have that much effect on a person's mental health than previously thought.
In a recent study conducted by Dr. Bridianne O'Dea, a mental health researcher at the Black Dog Institute, there is no exact scientific explanation that gives social media a direct link to suicidal tendencies and mental health of an individual. The common belief that taking a break from social media sites will help improve mental health is not 100 percent true at all. She also added that consensus existing among researchers and clinical people everywhere is that online interactions can actually help lift the mood of people who are experiencing mental health problems.
Dr. O'Dea further pointed out that aside from the usual things found on social media sites like statuses, posts and pictures, there are also accounts of credible organizations that deal with possible mental issues that anyone can reach out to if they feel like they need help. Groups like Black Dog Institute and BeyondBlue have a strong social media influence, which they use to reach out to people, especially teenagers, who may have been suffering secretly because of their mental health. She also pointed out that social media can act as a gateway to various forums and support groups that might be an instrument to strengthen the emotional support of any individual with mental health issues.
She concluded her study by saying that even though social media might be stressful at times, there are still a lot of things in it that may give any individual with mental health issues knowledge and emotional support that is vital in fighting whatever condition he or she was experiencing.
