{"id":11936,"date":"2020-08-04T05:28:34","date_gmt":"2020-08-04T05:28:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bengalnewstimes.com\/?p=11936"},"modified":"2020-08-04T05:28:34","modified_gmt":"2020-08-04T05:28:34","slug":"many-americans-pause-social-media-as-national-tensions-rise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bengalnewstimes.com\/?p=11936","title":{"rendered":"Many Americans Pause Social Media as National Tensions Rise"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Latest Mental Health News<\/h3>\n

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\"News<\/p>\n

MONDAY, Aug. 3, 2020 (HealthDay News)<\/p>\n

The coronavirus pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement have prompted some Americans to take a break from social media, new research finds.<\/p>\n

The national survey by Ohio State Wexner Medical Center of 2,000 people found that 56% changed their social media habits because of tensions brought on by current U.S. events.<\/p>\n

While 29% said their social media use increased because of these tensions, 20% said they had taken breaks from social media.<\/p>\n

“Stepping away and reconnecting with reality offline is an important step to take for your mental health<\/a>,” said Ken Yeager, director of the Stress<\/a>, Trauma<\/a> and Resilience Program at the medical center.<\/p>\n

“Being constantly immersed in this stressful environment and being overexposed to contentious or traumatic events can make you feel like the world is a less safe place to be,” Yeager said in a center news release. “And because these stressors have persisted over a long period of time, it’s wearing on people’s ability to cope with that stress<\/a>.”<\/p>\n

The stress<\/a> resulting from these events has increased depression<\/a>, anxiety<\/a>, suicidal thoughts<\/a> and behaviors, and substance abuse<\/a>, Yeager added.<\/p>\n

“Even though you can’t control what happens on social media, it’s important to recognize how it may affect you and take steps to limit your exposure,” Yeager said.<\/p>\n

These tips can help:<\/p>\n