A growing number of Michigan residents are experiencing anxiety and depression due to the stress of the coronavirus pandemic. Bob Sheehan is the CEO of the Community Mental Health Association. He told Michigan News Network this week using social media during this time can have both a positive and negative effect on your mental health.
“It can make people feel connected,” Sheehan said. “There’s incredible support by reading some really pithy statements from somebody being honest. They haven’t seen you in a while, they miss you. That’s really powerful. That does connect people. On the other side, though, Facebook especially is known for just portraying the good in somebody’s life, and so if somebody is sending you pictures of great family times and you’re not having those, it just leads to depression.”
Sheehan says if you’re feeling overwhelmed it’s important to talk about your feelings with a friend, or a mental health professional. To find additional resources go to CMHAM.org.
