Effective use of social media platforms for promotion of mental health awareness

Latha, K. Roja; Meena, K S; Pravitha, M R; Dasgupta, Madhuporna; Chaturvedi, Santosh K.

doi:10.4103/jehp.jehp_90_20

Cited by 73 publications

(65 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…In conclusions, our findings provide pieces of insight on the complex relationships between SMA, MD, and EDs. It is possible that, while SM use is not detrimental for mental health per se and it can even be integrated in telepsychiatry approaches [ 59 , 60 ], a dysfunctional use of SM can expose users to unrealistic body image ideals; this can have a role in worsening emotional wellbeing and in favoring a maladaptive approach towards physical exercise and food habits, thus contributing to induce in vulnerable subjects symptoms related to MD and EDs. Given the diffusion of SM use among young people, mental health preventive interventions should be encouraged in relation to such phenomena.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Subsequently, it is possible that people who experience high degree of SMA (with symptoms related to salience, mood modification, tolerance, withdrawal, conflict, and relapse [ 35 ]) may take advantage of specifically tailored interventions focused on the prevention of ED-, MD-, and BDD-related disturbances. Such interventions could potentially include SM-based approaches, as studies have suggested that, in certain circumstances, SM platforms can facilitate social interactions, peer support, and access to care, and can be used to promote mental health awareness, thus providing possible benefits in relation to mental disorders [ 59 , 60 ]. Further, our results suggest that dysfunctional SM use can be relevant in the etiology and/or maintenance of ED- and MD-related disturbances, and subsequently clinicians should consider to assess and treat (see for example [ 61 ]) SMA-related symptoms in individuals with such conditions.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The association between social media addiction and eating disturbances is mediated by muscle dysmorphia-related symptoms: a cross-sectional study in a sample of young adults

et al. 2021

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Purpose Although the association between problematic use of the internet and eating disorders (EDs) in young adults has been previously established, its underlying mechanisms have not been completely clarified. It has been suggested that exposure to idealized very thin and toned body images (e.g., “thinspiration” and “fitspiration” trends) on social media might lead to increased feelings of body dissatisfaction which, in turn, can represent a trigger for EDs. We have tested this hypothesis in a sample (N = 721) of young adults (504 females, mean age: 24.13 ± 3.70 years; range 18–34). Methods Self-report measures investigating symptoms related to social media addiction (SMA), muscle dysmorphia (MD), and EDs were used. A mediational model analyzing the direct and indirect effects of SMA-related symptoms on ED-related symptoms through the mediating role of MD-related symptoms was performed controlling for confounding factors (e.g., socio-demographic variables, substances use, body mass index, psychopathological distress). Results The model showed that the total effect of SMA-related symptoms on ED-related symptoms was significant (B = 0.213; p = 0.022) and that this association was mediated by MD-related symptoms (B = 0.083; p = 0.021). Discussion Our findings support the possibility that MD-related symptoms play a relevant role in mediating the association between SMA severity and ED pathology. Level of evidence Level III, evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case–control analytic studies.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The association between social media addiction and eating disturbances is mediated by muscle dysmorphia-related symptoms: a cross-sectional study in a sample of young adults

et al. 2021

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“…On the other hand, it is reasonable to think that some individuals who are experiencing depression and anxiety may be more likely to engage with social media, possibly as a method of support. Social media can have some beneficial purposes ( 60 ), including reducing stigma around mental health ( 61 ). In the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic, more research will be needed to determine whether different reasons for use of social media are predictive of different mental health outcomes.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Coping With the COVID-19 Pandemic: Examining Gender Differences in Stress and Mental Health Among University Students

et al. 2021

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The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed a wide variety of unprecedented challenges, many of which appear to be disproportionately affecting the mental health and well-being of young adults. While there is evidence to suggest university students experience high rates of mental health disorders, less is known about the specific impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on student mental health and how they are coping with this stress. To address this gap, we conducted an online study among undergraduate students (n = 366) to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on academics, social isolation, and mental health, as well as the extent to which they have been implementing a variety of coping strategies. The pandemic had a more pronounced negative effect on female students' academics, social isolation, stress and mental health compared to male counterparts. Moreover, for females, frequent use of social media as a coping mechanism was associated with greater perceived negative impacts on their academic performance and stress levels, compared to males. However, frequent social media use related to similar negative mental health effects for both males and females. While male and female students both reported using substances to cope, for males the use of cannabis was associated with greater negative impacts on academic outcomes, stress and mental health compared to females. These findings highlight the need for adequate student support services across the post-secondary sector, and point to the importance of gender informed interventions to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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“…Social media platforms can be useful for creating mental health awareness. [ 22 ] Sessions of meditation and mindfulness may be helpful in reducing anxiety. [ 23 ]…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence of self-reported anxiety and self-medication among upper and middle socioeconomic strata amidst COVID-19 pandemic

Chopra

Bhandari

Sidhu

et al. 2021

J Edu Health Promot

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BACKGROUND: Amidst corona virus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, disruption to the usual ways of life can lead to anxiety and feeling of being unsafe, which may be associated with self-medication. The study was planned to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and self-medication during COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected through an anonymous online survey with questionnaire consisting of four sections: demographic data of the participants, validated COVID-19 Anxiety Inventory Items, Self-rating Anxiety Scale, and self-medication practices during COVID-19 pandemic. The data were organized and analyzed using Windows Microsoft excel and SPSS software (Version 21). Descriptive statistics were calculated for all patient characteristics and survey responses. Analytical analysis included relationship between various parameters using Chi-square test. RESULTS: A total of 1100 responses were received. Approximately half of the participants were worried about getting severely ill. Majority reported reduced social contact (71.3%, n = 784) and also communicated that the pandemic has influenced their use of safety measures (86.5%, n = 951). The prevalence of mild-to-moderate, moderate-to severe, and extremely severe anxiety cases were 23.1%, 4.7%, and 0.54%, respectively. One-fourth of the responders reported self-medication, out of which 60% were found to be anxious. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were most commonly used. CONCLUSIONS: Rising to the present challenge will require integration across different sectors with the immediate aim of getting people safely through the pandemic. As the world focuses on containing and delaying the spread of the COVID-19, with burdened health-care systems, we should not miss out on people with anxiety disorders and self-medication problem, which may worsen with the pandemic.

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Effective use of social media platforms for promotion of mental health awareness

Cited by 73 publications

References 16 publications

The association between social media addiction and eating disturbances is mediated by muscle dysmorphia-related symptoms: a cross-sectional study in a sample of young adults

The association between social media addiction and eating disturbances is mediated by muscle dysmorphia-related symptoms: a cross-sectional study in a sample of young adults

Coping With the COVID-19 Pandemic: Examining Gender Differences in Stress and Mental Health Among University Students

Prevalence of self-reported anxiety and self-medication among upper and middle socioeconomic strata amidst COVID-19 pandemic

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