Research indicates that increased social media use among individuals suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression can have detrimental effects on their mental health. This correlation between social media usage and mental health was discussed by Doctors Colleen Becket-Davenport and Matthew Price in a podcast produced by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The American Psychiatric Association states that PTSD affects approximately 3.5% of U.S. adults annually. It has been observed that women are twice as likely as men to suffer from PTSD, and it impacts U.S. Latinos, African Americans, and Native Americans more than non-Latino white Americans. The disorder triggers disturbing thoughts about a traumatic event long after it has occurred. There are four symptoms of PTSD: intrusion, avoidance, alterations in cognition and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity. While it is common for people to experience these symptoms for a few days following a traumatic event, a diagnosis of PTSD requires these symptoms to persist for over a month. Statistics indicate that most individuals develop symptoms within three months of the traumatic incident; however, in some cases, symptoms may appear later.
In an episode of the PTSD Bytes podcast, it was revealed that individuals diagnosed with severe PTSD and depression tend to spend significantly more time on social media or engaged in activities such as gaming or web browsing compared to those unaffected by the disorder. Social media often serves as a distraction from problems they may be facing while also providing a safe hobby. Individuals diagnosed with PTSD generally avoid actions or events perceived as dangerous. Recent research studies have shown that negative feelings and anxiety increase with prolonged time spent on social media platforms. Suggested treatment options to ensure healthy social media use for people with PTSD include obtaining evidence-based care from a provider and managing mobile phone use effectively. Such care can impart skills to manage negative emotions arising from increased use of social media.
Furthermore, according to the American Psychiatric Association, group therapy and medication can also be effective in treating PTSD. Antidepressants are often used to alleviate the core symptoms of PTSD, and group therapy provides a safe environment for survivors to share their experiences comfortably.
