Excessive inclination towards social media fuels mental illness among teenagers

Over the last few decades, there has been a tremendous increase in the rates of depression and anxiety among the teenagers due to social media pressures. The primary causes of the Mental illness have been detected to be cyberbullying, fears of body image, rivalry with friends which leads to sleep deprivation, stress, and anxiety.

Teenagers are turning towards self-harm

According to the Guardian, the current NHS data suggests that the percentage of teenage girls, who have been admitted to the hospitals due to self-harm, has plunged to 68% in England, while the percentage of boys remains much lower with 26%.

The percentage of girls consuming alcohol, poisons, pills and other chemical substances have risen to 50%. The psychiatrists are considering the problem as “deeply worrying.”

Primary causes of the mental illness

The problem is primarily noticed among 10% girls during the primary school, which leaps to a higher percentage during the puberty. This is the period when girls tend to objectify themselves (even more than the boys) and are bullied about their weight or body shape. The dissatisfaction, in turn, leads to skipping meals, underfeeding, unhealthy weight loss, smoking as well as less physical activities.

Moreover, the excessive use of social media and the zeal to be an eye-catcher also has a significant contribution in sleep deprivation among the young ones, which can intensify the risks of developing mental illness and depression in the long run.

The effect of social media

Several academic studies have already denoted that the mental health problems among young girls have ascended steadily over the past five years with the maximum usage of the social media. Most of these cases have emerged from aversion with their body shape and appearance, which leads to insecurity and loss of self-confidence. As a result, more and more girls are turning towards NHS children and adolescent mental health services to deal with the problem.

Unfortunately, they lack the resources to help them all.

As per the chief executive of the charity Young Minds, Sarah Brennan, a major section of the British girls have been facing enormous pressures with the booming of the social media. The competitive environment compels them to be always available in the social media (Instagram and Snapchat), gather “likes,” “shares,” or “comments” and are continuously trapped within the notion of ideal body shape or perfect lives. Unless they keep themselves involved with their chosen circle or groups, they are likely to be alienated or lonely.