Twitter and Tumblr: Healthy outlets or incubators for depression?

Social media sites are an easily accessible platform for sharing every thought within seconds. When reading depressive thoughts, how do people help from behind a screen?

Freshman biology major, Sydney Toundaian, had a childhood friend who suffered from depression and frequently posted concerning updates on her social media accounts, specifically Tumblr.

“Lots of sad little posts, all black and white, with pictures of drugs and sex,” said Toundaian. “[What] she put on there bothered me at times. I never brought it up because I felt awkward, I didn’t know how to say anything about it.”

Toundaian believes that at the time, social media only allowed her friend’s problems to manifest themselves further. However, she has improved greatly as a result of a counseling and rehabilitation program.

“Sometimes it can help if you’re seeing positive things, but with everything negative out there, you feed off of it in a way. It’s addicting to see the negative sometimes,” said Toundaian. “Your experience is based upon what you choose to fill it with.”

Many popular social media websites have stipulated community guidelines to promote the safety of their users. Content depicting self-harm, death threats, cyber bullying and online sexual abuse is prohibited. It is the responsibility of users to report anything that makes them uncomfortable.

Rianna Yulo, a sophomore studying psychology and pre-occupational therapy, struggled with depression herself and utilized social media as an emotional outlet.

“I’d probably be sad on Tumblr or Twitter. Sometimes full on venting, other times vague, reblogging or retweeting sad things, the content of my social media changed,” Yulo said.

However, Yulo has succeeded in making positive emotional connections that have been beneficial for both herself and other users. Messaging services on social media websites allow anonymity and privacy. She began to find that her posts started conversations that needed to happen.

“People would notice and message me to see if I was okay… it just felt good knowing that people actually took time out of their day to send you something and make you feel better. If I see somebody upset on social media now, I will go out of my way to message them,” said Yulo.

It can be difficult to talk to loved ones when there is concern about their mental health, and even more so for acquaintances or strangers online. Starting a conversation may be the hardest and most important part. Wayne State psychology and mental health professionals Marla Bartoi and Aja Temple say there are signs to recognize when someone’s depression has become a safety concern and beginning a conversation.

“Signs of severe depression include, withdrawal from usual social and personal activities, missing work or school, looking sluggish and sad, talking about feeling down or thinking about suicide, having difficulty concentrating and making decisions, crying spells, and talking about themselves, others and the world with negative and hopeless themes,” said Bartoi.

When speaking to someone who does not seem to want any help, reach out and remind them that they haven’t always felt that way.

“It’s good to voice friendly concern, tell them you can help find them help,” Temple said. “Sometimes they just need someone to listen. There are both positives and negatives to social media, but it can really broaden our experiences in life in a way that is intimate and detached.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing severe depression, please encourage them to seek out campus resources. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): 313-577-3398 is a counseling center that offers free services, Wayne’s Psychology Clinic: 313-577-2840 offers low-fee therapy and assessments to clients, and the Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO) provides a 24-hour Detroit-based suicide prevention hotline 313-224-7000.

http://www.thesouthend.wayne.edu/features/article_04ec79ce-5247-11e5-9284-d3468f57669a.html