GOOD HEALTH 2022 | 9
of social isolation .
CONSTANT COMPARISON
The famous quote by president Teddy Roosevelt , “ Comparison is the thief of joy ” is so true . Oftentimes , social media can be a hot-bed for comparison battles that , personally , something I struggled with in the past . As social workers , we could have the absolute best day ever , assisted multiple clients and decreased many psychosocial stressors . As soon as we scroll onto social media , there is always someone that is doing something better than us . What we often do not realize is , often , stories “ can ” be fabricated . Comparing to anyone , or anything , other than yourself can be detrimental to our own mental health .
SENSORY OVERLOAD
I have performed this exercise with patients in my clinical practice previously . I will ask clients to pull out their phone and go through social media . Within a one minute time span reading through different posts , we are exposed to multiple political , social , personal , and spiritual views , rendering the term that clinical psychologist Barry Schwartz , PhD , would call “ The Paradox of Choice ”.
DESENSITIZATION
This one hit home with me . I can remember being in Jackson Hole , Wyoming this past summer and for the first time seeing the Grand Teton mountains . The mountains were stunning and picturesque . I mean , these were the oldest and most beautiful mountains in the United States ! However , before I had gotten there , I had scrolled through Instagram with the tag “ Tetons ”. Within seconds I was prompted with pictures of the Teton mountains in high resolution , 4K photography . When I arrived at the Tetons , the best explanation I can provide was , “ I feel like I have already seen this ”. I was already desensitized to the experience that I viewed through my phone and my actual “ in person ” experience was eroded . It ’ s like when you go to a restaurant , part of the experience is to view the menu and enjoy the ambiance while in the restaurant but viewing the menu before you get there !
LOSS OF PIVOTAL SOCIAL SKILLS
I know that I may be sounding old school , but I truly believe one of the best , although many , approaches to decreasing negative mental health issues are simple approaches in front of us . Connecting with others and learning , in person , different opinions and seeing the world from a different lens . Speaking with reciprocity is a skill that can be taught . I am fearful that we are , as humans , losing that .
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE ?
If we want to be better clinicians , more well-rounded stewards of our beloved profession , and continue to advance and grow in our craft- we must have a pivotal situational awareness of phenomena ’ s occurring within our culture . As a clinician , I firmly believe in using the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model for many of our clients distress , as well as our own well being !. If we are to use this paradigm , it is pivotal to understand the social implications that social media could have on our clients , and our own , psychological health .
MONITOR SOCIAL MEDIA USE
Consider monitoring how much time you spend on social media . Moderation may not be such a bad thing . You can monitor how much social media use you partake in daily by checking the settings and battery tab in your smart phone . You may surprise yourself .
USE SOCIAL MEDIA FOR ITS INTENDED PURPOSES
Social Media is an absolute powerful force that can , and should , be used for appropriate purposes . It can be used to build a brand , increase services , and bring advocacy / justice for needed population .
DON ’ T COMPARE YOURSELF !
I come back to this one , but you get the point ! Comparing to others doesn ’ t assist or help us to be more astute practitioners in any way !
REPLACE TIMELESS SCROLLING WITH SELF-CARE
This one is my favorite . I often hear clients in my clinical practice start with “ I don ’ t have time for …. x / y / z ”. Replace brainless scrolling with self-care . Actively engaging with family and friends , going for a walk , spending time in nature , exercising , learning new recipes , traveling , the list goes on and on . The possibilities of self- care are endless . Remember , this is a part of our ethics !
INVEST IN YOUR WELL-BEING
I placed this twice due to its importance . Investing in your wellbeing is an all-encompassing approach . The better that “ we ” as Social Workers are able to appropriately care for ourselves , the better our service delivery can , and should , be .
SOCIALIZE FACE TO FACE
I understand that COVID-19 has fundamentally challenged and changed the way that we interact with each other . Due to the pandemic , social workers , have pushed and enhanced the way we treat our clients through virtual options that have increased services to at risk populations , and most importantly , kept our beloved clients safe . I say that , in part , to reflect that even if we are uncomfortable being in social situations as such , a facetime / face call is fantastic ! Be creative in the ways that you socialize with others and interactions .