Social Media and Mental Health: A Psychiatrist’s View by Dr. Sakshi
Written by Dr. Sakshi (MBBS, MD Psychiatry)
In today’s digital-first world, social media is not just a tool — it’s a lifestyle. From reels and tweets to stories and threads, we’re more connected than ever. But at what cost? As a practicing mental health doctor and psychiatrist across Delhi NCR, Chandigarh, and online India-wide, I, Dr. Sakshi, have seen firsthand how social media and mental health are deeply intertwined. The same platforms meant to entertain and connect us can also be the very cause of rising anxiety, burnout, and emotional confusion — especially in Gen Z.
How Social Media is Fueling Gen Z’s Mental Health Crisis
At my clinics in Diagnomind, BLK Max, and Primus Hospital, I regularly consult young adults overwhelmed by the constant noise of the internet. Many suffer from low self-esteem, poor sleep, academic fatigue, and emotional dysregulation — all subtly linked to excessive screen time. Social media and mental health often collide in complex ways: while it offers validation, it also robs users of peace and balance.
Can Social Media Really Cause Mental Health Issues?
Yes — and no. Social media doesn’t directly ‘cause’ mental illness, but it contributes to unhealthy behavioral and emotional patterns. Constant comparison, fear of missing out (FOMO), and the pressure to appear perfect 24/7 all lead to chronic stress and dissatisfaction. This dynamic between social media and mental health creates a fertile ground for anxiety and low mood. Therapy can help untangle these issues and build resilience.
The Complex Relationship Between Social Media and Mental Health
It’s a paradox. Platforms like Instagram can be supportive spaces — yet they can also magnify distress. As a psychiatrist, I help patients set digital boundaries and reframe their online experience in a healthy, mindful way. Understanding the relationship between social media and mental health is key to using it without losing ourselves.
Student Mental Health and Digital Burnout
Among students, I see an alarming pattern: poor sleep, identity crises, and academic exhaustion. Social media and mental health in students is a growing area of concern. Social media offers escape, but often blurs the line between break and burnout. Early intervention and structured therapy help students rebuild emotional stamina and rediscover focus.
Are Gen Z More Open — or Misusing Mental Health Terms?
While it’s heartening to see Gen Z more vocal about mental health, there’s a flip side: overuse and misuse of clinical terms. Words like ‘OCD’, ‘depression’, or ‘trauma’ are often used casually, diluting their seriousness. When it comes to social media and mental health, misinformation can spread fast. As a mental health expert, I believe education and awareness must go hand-in-hand.
My Approach: Therapy for Everyone, Not Just “Serious Cases”
Therapy is for anyone navigating stress, transitions, relationship issues, or just wanting more clarity. Mental health is not a trend — it’s a foundation. And help doesn’t begin with crisis — it begins with m conversation. Especially when it comes to social media and mental health, proactive care makes all the difference.
Consult with Dr. Sakshi
📍 Practicing at: Diagnomind Clinic, BLK Max Hospital, Indian Spine Institute, and Primus Super Speciality Hospital
🌐 Online Consultations Available Pan-India
📩 DM @drsakshi_psychiatrist or call to book your session
Social media doesn’t directly cause mental health disorders, but it can significantly contribute to them. Excessive use may lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, sleep problems, and emotional burnout, especially in vulnerable individuals. The impact often depends on how it’s used and the user’s emotional resilience.
Social media affects mental health both positively and negatively. On the one hand, it can provide community, support, and access to information. On the other, it can amplify feelings of inadequacy, promote unhealthy comparisons, and lead to digital fatigue. Balance and boundaries are essential to protect mental well-being.
There is no fixed number, as social media alone doesn’t cause mental health issues — it contributes to them. However, research consistently links social media overuse to rising rates of anxiety, depression, body image concerns, sleep disorders, and attention problems, especially among teens and young adults.
Not inherently. Social media can be beneficial or harmful depending on how it’s used. Mindless scrolling, toxic comparisons, and cyberbullying can negatively affect mental health. However, conscious, purposeful use — like engaging with supportive communities — can enhance emotional well-being.
The relationship between social media and mental health is paradoxical. It can be a source of connection, inspiration, and validation — but also a trigger for stress, FOMO, and emotional exhaustion. Its impact is shaped by content type, time spent, personal vulnerabilities, and how consciously it’s used.
