In today’s always-connected world, social media plays a huge role in how we communicate, relax, and express ourselves. From TikTok trends to Instagram stories, we scroll through hundreds of moments every day — but not all of them leave us feeling good.
If you’ve ever noticed your mood drop or felt badly about yourself after spending time online, you’re not alone. Studies continue to show a strong link between social media use and mental health challenges, especially anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues among young adults (Muacevic, Adler, 2023).
At Colony Care, we understand how overwhelming modern life can feel. Our team of independently licensed psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners has been providing mental health care in Massachusetts since 1994 — helping children, adolescents, and adults build healthier relationships with themselves and the world around them.
How Social Media Can Affect Your Mental Health
Social media can be a positive space for connection and creativity — but constant exposure can also make it harder to manage emotions and stress.
Some common effects of excessive social media use include:
- Increased anxiety and depression: Constant comparison and negative content can elevate worry and sadness.
- Low self-esteem: Seeing curated “highlight reels” can distort reality and impact confidence.
- FOMO (fear of missing out): Feeling left out online can create pressure to stay constantly connected.
- Sleep issues: Late-night scrolling disrupts rest, which can worsen mood and focus.
- Information overload: A nonstop stream of posts and news can make it difficult to relax or think clearly.
If you find yourself feeling drained, anxious, or disconnected after using social media, it may be time to reset your habits — or to talk with a licensed professional about ways to manage these feelings.
Tips for Managing Social Media Anxiety
Building healthier digital habits can reduce stress and help you regain control over your time and emotions. Try these small but meaningful changes:
- Set time limits: Use app timers to manage your daily screen time.
- Curate your feed: Follow accounts that make you feel inspired and unfollow or mute those that cause stress.
- Be intentional: Ask yourself why you’re opening an app — connection, entertainment, or distraction?
- Unplug regularly: Spend part of each day offline and focus on in-person moments.
- Notice your feelings: Pay attention to how different platforms affect your mood.If setting boundaries doesn’t feel like enough, a therapist can help you identify deeper triggers and teach coping strategies to build emotional resilience.
Professional Support for Anxiety and Depression in Massachusetts
At Colony Care, we’ve supported Massachusetts residents for over 30 years with individual therapy and psychiatric care, including medication management, for:
- Anxiety disorders and panic attacks
- Depression and mood changes
- Social anxiety and self-esteem concerns
- Stress and burnout
- Substance use and co-occurring mental health issues
Our clinician partners offer anxiety treatment near Boston and throughout the state, with offices in:
- Wellesley, MA
- Weymouth, MA
- Yarmouth Port, MA
- Arlington, MA
Our clinician partners provide both in-person and telehealth therapy, making it easier to find the care that fits your lifestyle.
Find Balance with Support from Colony Care
Social media doesn’t have to control how you feel. With the right support, you can create healthy boundaries, strengthen confidence, and reconnect with what truly matters.
Whether you’re struggling with social media anxiety, depression, or stress management, Colony Care’s team of experienced mental health professionals can help you find clarity and calm.
📍 Get started today:
Visit colonycare.com to learn more about our clinicians and schedule an appointment at one of our Massachusetts locations or via telehealth.
Sources: