Mental Health in the Digital Age: How to Protect Your Well-Being in a Hyperconnected World"

 

       HOW MENTAL HEALTH IS GETTING BAD DURING THESE DIGITAL AGE

 

Dear Zinnias,

Today, I bring another topic which I have seen impacting a lot of young minds be it emotionally and physically. As you are reading this blog you might notice that you are reading it through your phone, laptop, personal computer, iPad or any other devices. Indeed, these technological items contain the answers to any question of the world and it is truly a blessed gift to the human kind. This has become a part and parcel of our lives and imagining a place where these devices have not instilled is not possible. But beyond these upgradations, they hide a secret concern which is spreading amongst the life of many people which is bruised mental health. Today, the word “mental health” is significantly flooded with numerous queries be it screen times, digital burnout or even anxiety. One thing is clear that this topic will surely resonates with my lovely Zinnias and even in the society.

2 FACES OF TECHNOLOGY-

Someone has quoted that, “every coin has 2 sides” and I couldn’t agree more to it. Same here Zinnias, technology has 2 sides too. Let us begin with some positivity.

One thing which I completely stand by is the easy access to each and every corner of the world. You can just take 5 minutes out of your schedule and think that sitting here in one place and one has the access to the different countries, states, politics, protests, wars, global warming, underneath the sea, above the skies and so much more. Trust me it amazes me every time when I think of it and give me chills that how well we are aware to each and every society of the world. Nowadays, even these digital platforms have made health care resources way closer to us which were considered impossible once ago. With the rise of self-care apps, online therapists, mindfulness online classes have made each and every individual connected to different people and communities in the world.

If we talk about connections, indeed with the rise of various social media apps one is truly connected and is able to find like minded people. Honestly, in personal terms I would say that this technology has made me connected with such nice people who can share out their experiences thus creating a strong sense of belongingness. Without this, this blog, community wouldn’t have started and it would be left blank.

Another thing is one of my favourites which is awareness. In earlier times there was a lot of stigmas around mental health issues and these were regarded as something very taboo. But with the rise of people, their voices and their words have made this taboo break out and made people accept their flaws without any hesitation. Also, I am very glad that men are also speaking about their mental health freely and earlier with societal standards it was not common for men to speak more about their mental health but now I am very grateful for the community and the healing space where not only men or women grow out but also young teens too.

 Of course, with such positive factors comes negative limelight too. You know Zinnias, I was surprised to see how ruthless Instagram is becoming and how people are basically cyberbullying other individuals in the shadow of roasting. Earlier this whole roast culture was actually funny and considered a light hearted jokes but nowadays, people literally give death threats to other people if they ever try to roast them. This whole roasting culture has come under the disguise of cyberbullying and it is indeed very heartbreaking to see people with good content also get grilled in them.

Remember back in school when despite not having phones we used to tell our friends to meet up at a random spot and none of them would miss out. Yes, the connectivity was used to be stronger than before as now people are staying in pressure to stay online and respond to every single thing. Nowadays when people don’t respond immediately, we assume that they are busy in chatting with some one else or ignoring the existence of us. With these irresistible devices people who think that they are going to shun these devices and live without it for few days it doesn’t go easy.

Let us talk out the digital burnout Zinnias, one that creeps on us without our knowledge and it present no matter how much we deny it. One of the popular symptoms which we all have faced is difficulty in concentrating when there are phones present in our desk or space where we are working. You might say that oh! Let’s shoo away the phone to somewhere else and do our work but nowadays majority of school work and college studies require some sort of internet and screentime. That’s why anxiety and restlessness come up when you are away from those devices. Also, if we are talking about anxiety then how can me miss comparing ourselves with other individuals who are eventually more successful and happier than us. I am not saying Zinnias, that only you all do this whole comparison I too see people who are much younger than me are travelling, spending money lavishly, eating good food, achieving great miles of success and trust me it gets pretty bad for me too. I also get into a pretty dark zone where I feel like a failure. But to overcome all these there are some steps that I had taken to ensure that I realize my own worth.

THE ULTIMATE SOLUTIONS~

Zinnias, you are not alone. I know how is the feeling where you see all those people having quality life at a very young age and we all are here doing the hardest work and not seeing results anywhere. To take the first step you need to set up boundaries. Design a time where you avoid any technology and read books, do mandalas, craft a handmade poster, do clay art or anything that requires your own physical self. It will be hard at the beginning but trust me when you do it for a week you will see yourself getting much happy. For me, I had always loved journaling so my tech free times involve of me writing about my day, my goals and the life that I want. It indeed improves sleep quality and stress-free environment.

So, this is a method where you are detached with all technology but I know some of you would be facing difficulty in doing so. How about this? If we are on phone every day, why not invest the screentime to something productive rather than unnecessary scrolling. Learn a course, skill, language or switch all the negative content into “mindful scrolling” or “positive content” as they really refresh the mind.

Another tip is to accept the concept of digital detox, yes you read that right. Just like junk food detox we have this really cool detox where you disconnect yourself from social media and go on interacting with physical world. Even if the physical world has some bad people, be a guiding light for them to share their stories and journeys. Trust me I am also trying to identify the real world and some of the best journeys an inspiration I have got from people in my workplace, street vendors and even volunteers. Truly it will change your mind set a lot.

THE FINAL NOTE-

Eventually this digital age has a very significant impact on every human life and it’s influence on mental health will surely continue to peak heights. By establishing boundaries, self-control and mindfulness will eventually result in you standing apart from crowd. Be your own brand Zinnias and I wish that you all navigate this journey without compromising your mental health. You are what you have and don’t let this ruin you.

“I asked the Universe to send someone who can save me and the next day I saw myself surrounded by mirrors”.

Your ever loving,

Aimee.