May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Priority Health is joining FOX 17 Morning News to talk about some of the biggest issues Americans face.
Today's topic: The impact of social media and technology on mental health.
According to Priority Health:
- The average American spends almost 2.5 hourson social media each day
- One studyshowed that one in three Americans worry about mental health impacts
Over-consumption can lead to:
- Increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts
- Cyberbullying and exposure to content that is not age appropriate
- Self-image issues and comparison
- Poor sleep quality
Tips for decreasing social media consumption:
- Track your time
- Turn off notifications from social media apps
- Temporarily (or permanently) downsize your social media use
- Take a temporary social media break
- Reach out to trusted friends to stay connected
- Unfriend or unfollow anyone who is toxic or exhibits bullying behavior
Find more information about Priority Health's "myStrength" mental wellness tool here.
**If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential help, 24/7**
