Humans are social beings. Historically we lived in tribes surrounded by family and friends. We now spend a large % of our time on our own interacting through screens. Have you fallen foul to the social media hold? I know that I did several year ago and when I look back I know that my metal health suffered. As a therapist I am acutely aware of the dangers of social media and the pull that they have over our need to “belong”. But don’t be fooled. Having lots of “likes” and “friends” on social networks is not the same as face to face conversation.

I am not anti the social media networks. Personally I enjoy them. There are so many fabulously uplifting and often very funny posts that lift spirits and serve to re focus our beliefs. But equally we must be aware that repeated exposure to doom and gloom and negativity will not be doing us any good. They are great tools for sharing your message with a large audience but it does not replace that intimate perusal relationship that you get from face to face contact. As a mother of two young girls my concern relating to their well being is paramount. I read lots about the impact of social media on our children’s mental well being and hope to be able to instal into them my beliefs that personal contact can not be replaced by screens.

As humans we need to do 3 things to create our own “feel good” neurotransmitters:

Interact with others in a positive way (socialising),

Being active in a positive way (activity) &

Thinking in a positive way.

As the article below article explains if we miss the social element we are missing the key to our own happiness.
This is why as an independent practitioner I have joined several networking groups as well as the professional bodies that I am affiliated to. I know that face to face personal contact us more beneficial for both my business and my own mental wellbeing . Please remember you are not alone.