Online Safety and Mental Health Advice from Dean McCoubrey of MySociaLife.com - a podcast by Josh Ochs

Online Safety and Mental Health Advice from www.MySociaLife.com

1: a) You are not alone, however alone you might feel. There are so many people that share anxious feelings, are scared, nervous etc - but whatever it may seem to appear in others’ lives we know only a fraction of what’s happening in their homes, their relationships, their school and in their feelings and thoughts. To be human is to be vulnerable. It doesn’t mean it’s easy, but if you want to start feeling better you have to allow yourself not to be perfect or “like other people”. You will never be like other people.

b) It’s not your fault. Social media is designed and built to keep our attention. We are memory systems that record much of the stimulus that impacts us.

2. The mind is actually very comfortable telling us the same stories every day, and repeating those thoughts or words we say to ourselves. But not everything we think or say in our minds is true. We think thousands of thoughts each day and many of them are random.

3: Take time away from social media. Personal contact, a conversation, a hug, face-to-face connection is vital for human beings. We can get lost down a rabbit hole. That’s the way social media platforms and devices are built, tunnels to hold your attention. So human connection with someone you trust to share what you are actually feeling is important. Vulnerability is key. Otherwise you keep that pain or pressure stuck inside. Trust is key though (choose well).

4: What is happening now (especially when it’s difficult) is your story only for this moment. Today will not be the story of your future. You can write new chapters, but we have to let go of the current story and make tiny steps (talk to others, seek help, small habit changes, turning off phones for a while).

5: Consider app support - Fear Shrinker for kids up to 11 ... or Sanvello for kids over 12.

In brief, try to ‘let it out’, not keep it in. It’s why social media is so complicated - because it looks like you’re letting your feelings out, but social media is often a block to presenting the true depth of your feelings and mask your calls for support.

Further episodes of Smart Social Podcast: Keeping students safe so they can Shine Online

Further podcasts by Josh Ochs

Website of Josh Ochs