Avoid Anxiety With Self-Defense Management In The Era Of Social Media

Residents display social media applications on their cell phones in Jakarta, Wednesday (30/6/2021). (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - In the midst of a strong flow of information, maintaining mental health is a challenge in itself. Exposure to negative content or excessive news often triggers anxiety, anxiety, and even makes it difficult for someone to concentrate.

For this reason, it is important for each individual to have a self-management strategy so as not to get caught up in the circle of anxiety due to the use of social media.

Clinical psychologist Giftania Grace, M.Psi., Psychologist from Personal Growth, stressed that self-control is key to preventing anxiety disorders sourced from excessive information on digital platforms.

The psychologist who graduated from Atma Jaya University told ANTARA on Thursday that in addition to adding insight and facilitating communication, social media platforms can trigger mental health problems if they are not used wisely.

The excessive use of social media makes people exposed to various information, including negative information, continuously. This condition has the potential to cause anxiety that makes a person uneasy, difficult to focus, to feel overwhelmed by everyday situations.

Giftania conveyed the need for self-management to avoid the emergence of problems from factors that can still be controlled, such as exposure to information from social media.

"From a psychological perspective, one of the keys to self-management is the ability to distinguish things that we can control from those that are out of control. Thus, mental energy is not completely sucked up to think about something we cannot change," he said.

He added that this ability can be trained through mindfulness practices, for example by doing short meditation or breathing exercises. This method helps a person stay present at the moment now and not get involved in excessive worries.

In addition, lifestyle arrangements also play a major role. Starting from maintaining sleep patterns, exercising regularly, to limiting the consumption of unnecessary information.

"Too often exposed to negative news can increase anxiety, so limiting time on social media can be an effective simple step," explained Giftania.

He also emphasized the importance of social support. Talking to people who are trusted or doing calming activities can help relieve emotional stress.

However, if anxiety has interfered with daily functions such as sleep, eating, working, learning, or social interactions, Giftania suggests seeking professional help immediately.

He said mental health services are now also included in the National Health Insurance (JKN) program managed by BPJS Kesehatan, so that it is easier for people to access the assistance needed.