It can creep up inside you and consume you
A disease of the mind, it can control you
It's too close for comfort. Quite a unique way to describe a mental illness! “Disturbia.” Many have felt disturbed while on Facebook. On one hand we have the comments and posts about how rotten life is and how someone cannot get a break (make a choice now and DELETE this poison from your life) and how we will all be dead by the end of 2013. If you decide to keep these people on your Facebook, do what I do and say a prayer for them: “Thank GOD I am ME and not living in their shoes.” If you continue to follow their posts and negative energy, we can bet that you will suffer Facebook Depression or some sort of low mood just by being influenced (putting those thoughts in your mind) by the words in front of you. On the other side of the coin are the Facebook posts that announce life is too perfect. We all know the reality: beauty is in the eye of the beholder and thus we must strive to see the good in all, even the adversities. These people have their moments of despair and sadness too; it’s just that they do not announce it to the world. Those who may suffer Facebook Depression are more than likely playing the game of the Jones’ and comparing themselves to others successes. When we compare ourselves to others, what our little competitive devil on the left shoulder (if you are left handed
) wants us to do, we will always play a
losing game. We are not better or worse, just different. Why play those self-imposed games
anyway? They are definitely a result of our egos seeking attention and drama …
and ultimately pain. Some people prefer to stay inside on the week nights and weekends and see what everyone else is doing - on Facebook. Is technology to blame? NO. Once again the answer lies in the problem – the people and their habits. Facebook does not suffer depression … Facebook does not even suffer recession, or compression or obsession or any other human-session. It is the people using Facebook (and other sociasl media), that have the challenges. A student once told me that “all problems are solvable if and when we go looking for solutions.” So here are some ideas for consideration, to keep you healthy, on Facebook (or any other social-technology):
- Ask yourself “Why am I on Facebook?” Be honest. Are you there for
networking? Business? Family connection?
Set your own parameters when you have the answer. I believe it is a great way to
connect with the world, and the people we share it with. Of course we must be
cautious while using Facebook, yet at the same time let others be and follow
their own compass. Live YOUR life and your life only.
- Do you spend too much time on Facebook. It is a great procrastination mechanism, so be careful in this regard.
- Are you spending more time on Facebook than with your kids, family,
significant others or friends? This is where technology can be dangerous, but
once again it is the individual’s choice to spend time with loved ones or time
“creeping” as it is called in Facebook language. The greatest gift we can give
another, and ourselves, is time together.
- While on Facebook, are you jealous/envious of others successes or how they look?
Many will see this as an opportunity to shoot arrows at people and pick holes in
their tapestry. I guess the idea that ‘by knocking someone else down we think we
build ourselves up’ holds true in some people’s minds. However, this is a false
idea. The law of sowing and reaping offers this gem of wisdom: we get what we
set. Eventually we must sow positive seeds if we want positive results.
- Be careful what pictures you post – they could end up anywhere! Set your
privacy settings, especially this day in age, to protect you.
- If you are a parent, limit your children’s time spent on Facebook. This
holds true when statistics reveal that kids are significantly more obese and
unhealthy than previous generations. I remember in my youth, playing street hockey until
midnight sometimes as we had a street light under our playing area. Can anyone
relate? Get your kids active as much as possible.
- Do not pay too much attention to people’s negative posts or read into them,
especially if they are personal. Treat your energy like money and invest it
wisely.
- Use Facebook to keep in contact with people, especially family that are
living away, and keep updated on their pictures. A picture is worth more than a
thousand words!
- Take personal responsibility and do not blame Facebook for anything. If you
find it negative or “causing” you a period of low moods, remember it is your own
perceptions, choices and actions that are really creating this. Change how you
view and use Facebook.
- See point #1 again – WHY are you using Facebook? The answer may reveal
itself and solve some of your other problems.
- If you do suffer what we have labelled Facebook Depression, then it may be time to seek professional help or delete your account and use your time in a much better fashion.
I hope these ideas have stirred some of your own ideas. Choose wisely and learn to follow your own compass. Facebook Depression seems like another way to label and blame something on the outside for what is really happening on the inside. And depression is a part of like; seek help when the need arises ... and of course, everything (including Facebook) in moderation.
Paul
No comments:
Post a Comment