The Red Flags in Trending Mental Health
Mental health has been trending… What an amazing thing! For quite some time, mental health has been undervalued or completely avoided. Thanks to social media, there has been a large shift in how mental health is viewed and is valued. This has led to people talking about their mental health, getting the help that they need, as well as encouraging it in others. While this is SO good, there can be some challenges with the recent trends. Lets take a look at what these may be and how to navigate them accordingly.
As a therapist, I have had friends reach out to me asking how I navigate resources that I utilize for work. Whether this is looking at parenting books, different curriculums, etc. the question is often asked how I filter through things when there is so much trending that looks so good. This is such a great question and one that I believe needs to be talked about. There are many things trending as it relates to mental health material. One thing I believe is important is looking at the credentials… this can sound obvious but weird at the same time. Think about it this way, how many times have you gotten onto a fitness account to find the person sharing the information has no credentials in physical training or nutrition? Many I am sure. It is the same as it relates to mental health. There is a difference between sharing experiences and having the education to guide on the experiences/needs. It is incredibly important to ensure that the information you are utilizing is coming from a valid source. This will be a step in the right direction as it relates to expanding your mental health library.
Another thing to look out for is trending buzz words. There are many, and I mean many buzz words trending on social media. From gas lighting, to narcissism, to trigger; many words are circulating around the web for many different reasons. While it is amazing that these words are getting said, oftentimes these are being used in an incorrect manner. It is important to ensure that these words are being used in an appropriate and correct manner. Taking time to gain an education on what these words mean can assist in making sure that they are utilized in an appropriate and correct context.
Social media has been so good for bringing awareness to mental health. While there are some challenges with information being shared, it has overall brought a new awareness to mental health like never before. My hope for this post is to assist with guiding to ensure information is being utilized to its largest capacity.
Written by: Jordan Allen
