Is Social Media Making Your Mental Health WORSE? The Dark Side of "Relatable" Content

Your depression is not an aesthetic. Your anxiety is not a personality trait. And romanticizing mental illness on social media isn't just cringe—it's dangerous.

In this episode of Big Feelings Lab, we're diving into the uncomfortable truth about mental illness romanticization online. From "sad girl autumn" to crying selfies to making your entire identity about your diagnosis—we need to talk about what this is actually doing to mental health.

What we cover:
The difference between authentic sharing and romanticization
Why making mental illness your identity makes recovery harder
How social media creates incentives to stay sick
The research on identity and mental health outcomes
What actually helps vs. what keeps you stuck
How to shift from performing pain to pursuing healing

This might make you uncomfortable. You might feel called out. That's the point.
Because someone needs to say it: performing mental illness on social media is not the same as healing from it.


RESOURCES:
If you're struggling with mental illness, please seek professional help:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-6264
Find a therapist: PsychologyToday.com/therapists

Drop a comment: What's one way you're going to shift how you relate to your mental health?


⚠️ IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ⚠️
This video contains educational content about mental health and social media. The creator is a researcher and educator, NOT a licensed mental health professional providing individual medical advice.
This content is intended to:

Spark critical thinking about mental health content on social media
Discuss research on identity and mental health outcomes
Encourage viewers to seek appropriate professional help

This content is NOT:

A substitute for therapy, psychiatric care, or medical treatment
Individual mental health advice or diagnosis
Intended to minimize the reality or severity of mental illness
Medical guidance for any specific person or situation

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please contact:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (US): 988 or 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
International Association for Suicide Prevention: https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisi...

Mental health treatment should always be pursued with qualified, licensed professionals including therapists, counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and medical doctors.
The views expressed are based on current research and the creator's professional analysis. Individual experiences with mental health vary significantly. What works for one person may not work for another.
If this content is distressing to you, please stop watching and reach out to a mental health professional or crisis service. Your wellbeing is the priority.


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