social media
Social media dramatically impacts our offline lives and mental well-being; examine its benefits, risks and controversies through scientific studies, real-life anecdotes and more.
Mental health awareness
In a world that moves faster every day and is full of pressure, mental health is no longer just a personal issue—it has become a global concern. Unfortunately, many people still consider it taboo or not as important as physical health. Did you know that around 20% of people in Indonesia—approximately 54 million individuals—are estimated to be at risk of experiencing mental health disorders? These numbers are alarming and should encourage all of us to start taking mental health more seriously. "Mens sana in corpore sano"—a Latin phrase meaning "a healthy mind in a healthy body"—is something we often heard during our school days. This phrase carries a deep meaning, as our bodies naturally respond to our emotions and mental state. When we are mentally healthy, it reflects positively on our physical health as well. When we’re happy, our body releases dopamine, a hormone that generates feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. However, when we are sad or under stress, our body produces cortisol, a hormone that, if elevated for long periods, can lead to serious health issues such as weakened immunity, heart problems, and even depression. • The Difference Between Mental Health and Mental Illness Mental health is not something that can be judged easily by appearance. Many people carry their burdens silently—whether due to trauma, lack of support, or the feeling that no one truly understands them. Just because someone looks fine on the outside doesn’t mean they aren't struggling inside. Even mentally healthy individuals experience stress, sadness, and frustration. The key difference lies in how they manage these emotions. A mentally healthy person tends to approach problems by thinking, “What should I do? How can I solve this?” They are solution-oriented and believe in their ability to cope with difficulties. In contrast, someone suffering from mental illness may fall into negative thought patterns, often blaming themselves: “See? I always mess things up.” “I’m not capable.” “I’m a failure.” “I can’t do anything right.” These thoughts, if left unchecked, can escalate. In more severe cases, they may begin blaming others: “It's my parents' fault I am like this.” They may develop feelings of resentment, dissatisfaction, and anger. This emotional instability can lead to uncontrollable behavior, strained relationships, and, in extreme cases, thoughts of self-harm or suicide. • The Importance of Mental Health Awareness If you don’t take the first step to be aware of your own mental health, then who will? Self-awareness is the first and most crucial step. Acknowledge that you are human, that it’s okay to have flaws, and that perfection is an unrealistic standard. Each of us has our own strengths and unique value to offer to the world. Taking care of your mental health means treating yourself with kindness and patience. It means allowing yourself time to heal, to rest, and to grow. You don’t have to carry every burden alone. Sharing your struggles with someone you trust or seeking help from a mental health professional can lighten the load and open the door to healing. Moreover, we must also extend our compassion to others. Sometimes, just by being kind and offering a listening ear, we can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Mental health awareness isn't only about taking care of ourselves—it’s about creating a more empathetic society where everyone feels safe to be themselves. Incorporating healthy habits into our daily lives—such as regular exercise, healthy eating, mindfulness practices, and setting boundaries—can significantly improve our mental well-being. Remember, self-care is not selfish; it is necessary. Most importantly, understand that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Admitting that you are struggling shows courage and self-respect. You are not alone, and there is always hope for better days ahead. Taking care of your mental health is one of the greatest acts of love you can give yourself. So, be kind to yourself, stay connected with others, and never be afraid to seek support when you need it
By Ica Yulianti 2 years ago in Psyche
The Silent Epidemic of Hyper-Connected Loneliness
How Hyper-Connected Loneliness Is Stealing Our Happiness in the Digital Age Have you ever wondered how we can feel so alone when we’re more connected than ever? Welcome to the paradox of our time: hyper-connected loneliness. We live in an age where sending a message across the globe takes mere seconds. We can watch a sunrise in Paris while lounging on our couches in New York. We can see a stranger’s breakfast in Tokyo without even saying hello to our own neighbor. And yet, loneliness has never felt more profound. Hyper-connected loneliness is a silent epidemic spreading faster than any virus, and it’s time we stop scrolling long enough to notice.
By Bubble Chill Media 2 years ago in Psyche
I Didn't Write This For You To Read. Honorable Mention in The Metamorphosis of the Mind Challenge.
I don’t usually share my writing with people I know. It’s not that I’m ashamed of what I write—it’s just that the moment you let someone in, especially someone from your real life, everything feels a little more… exposed. I worry people will read into things. That they’ll recognize themselves in a sentence. And that if they do, they'll be hurt or feel uncomfortable. Or they’ll decide that something isn’t “true enough.” Or maybe they’ll just think it’s bad.
By Hannah Hess2 years ago in Psyche
The Numb Age
Introduction: The Hidden Epidemic In today’s hyper-connected world, most of us are drowning—not in water, but in noise. Not from sirens or shouting, but from pings, reels, ads, and algorithmically curated chaos. It’s not a virus or a war. It’s something quieter, but just as damaging: dopamine exhaustion.
By Debarghya Chatterjee2 years ago in Psyche
