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Can Social Media Cause Depression in Teens?

teenage girl sitting alone in dark room staring at her phone wondering can social media cause depression in teens

Teenagers and adolescents often feel overwhelmed by the pressure to conform and excel. Parents, teachers, peers, and society all place demands and expectations upon teenagers. But teenagers are not adults. They are still developing and attempting to find their identity and determine their place in the larger world. Without fully developed coping skills and a solid sense of self-identity and self-confidence, many struggle with depression. Social media can be a significant contributor to the overall state of mental health for teenagers. Can social media cause depression in teens and adolescents? Yes, it can.

Imagine Nampa offers a depression treatment program in Nampa, Idaho for teens and adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17. Call 888.503.4604 to learn more.

Can Social Media Cause Depression?

Social media can definitely cause depression in teens and adolescents, especially when they are constantly exposed to unrealistic representations of peers’ “perfect” lives. This can lead to feelings of:

  • Inadequacy
  • Loneliness
  • Worthlessness
  • Shame
  • Fear

Teenagers attempt to compare themselves to the “ideal” life they see on social media, and when their own life falls short, they often spiral into a state of depression.

Social Media Causes Depression and Anxiety

Social media use has also been linked to cyberbullying, which is a major factor in teenage depression. Cyberbullying can be particularly damaging for teens since it follows them wherever they go on social media platforms. It also often occurs anonymously, making it difficult for teenagers to escape the harassment or criticism.

Cyberbullying is much more than name-calling and can include actions such as:

  • Spreading rumors
  • Posting embarrassing photos or videos without permission
  • Threatening violence
  • Sending hurtful messages or comments

The effects of social media use on mental health are not just limited to depression either; anxiety can result from too much time spent online as well. Staying up late at night scrolling through social media feeds or replying immediately to notifications can lead teens and adolescents down a rabbit hole of stress and anxiety-inducing behavior that can have severe consequences for their overall mental health.

Dangers of Depression

Depression in teenagers poses numerous risks and should not be dismissed as simply “moody teens.” It can lead to cognitive impairments, poor school performance, and risk-taking behavior. The impact of teenage depression is not limited to teens themselves either; it can affect their family and friends as well.

Benefits of Mental Health Treatment for Depression

Mental health treatment programs like those offered by Imagine Nampa in Nampa, Idaho are designed to help teens and adolescents manage their depression. With the proper support and guidance, teenagers can:

  • Learn how to recognize the signs of depression in themselves early on
  • Develop coping skills to manage negative thoughts and feelings
  • Explore ways to increase self-confidence and self-esteem

Therapy sessions with a qualified mental health professional can provide support and guidance while teaching positive habits that will help teenagers find better ways of managing their thoughts and feelings. With proper mental health treatment, teens can gain the tools they need to combat the stressors associated with social media use and avoid becoming overwhelmed by negative emotions caused by unrealistic expectations or cyberbullying behaviors.

Contact Imagine Nampa Today

If you or your teen is struggling with depression, don’t wait any longer to get help. Imagine Nampa provides mental health treatment for depression in Nampa, Idaho tailored explicitly to teens and adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17.

Call us today at 888.503.4604 or reach out online to learn more about our services. We are here to support your teen and help them through this difficult time. Our professional, compassionate team can help your teen regain mental and emotional well-being.