The pros and cons of social media and technology often depend on how we use it. To bring awareness to Mental Health Month in May, The Steve Fund co-hosted a Twitter chat with Mental Health America to unite our online communities in conversation around how our lifestyles impact our physical and mental health.
We were joined by nearly 150 participants and mental health advocates including our guests Dr. Anthony Jack (@tony_jack), assistant professor at Harvard in Cambridge, Jay Wang (@JayWang36), co-chair for the Steve Fund’s Youth Advisory Board, and Dannie Bell, high school senior and Steve Fund volunteer.
If you weren’t able to join the #b4stageb4chat conversation, here’s a recap:
On ways to take care of our mental health daily:
A1: Any action that we take to unwind or simply distract ourselves can be a form of taking care of your mental health. This can be a simple act of jamming out to the latest Top 40 song on your way to work or grinding away at the gym after a hard day. #b4stage4chat
— Jay Wang (@JayWang36) May 29, 2019
Listening to music is a great way many people can mind their #mentalhealth. Music is very #therapeutic and #uplifting. One song can jog your memory and take you back to a pleasant place and time #b4stage4chat
— The Steve Fund (@thestevefund) May 29, 2019
A1: Mental Health support is not just for when problems arise. Sometimes you seek help to keep things going right. #b4stage4chat
— Anthony Jack (@tony_jack) May 29, 2019
On how we can support others who open up about their struggles:
Such a critical reminder. You are not your diagnosis. #b4stage4chat https://t.co/F1ChayTbkt
— Mental Health America (@MentalHealthAm) May 29, 2019
A2: Sometimes just being there to listen can make all the difference. Listening with empathy and without judgment is one of the best things you can do. #mentalhealth #b4stage4chat https://t.co/x1FQqpUkRt
— National Council (@NationalCouncil) May 29, 2019
A2: First and foremost, listen. I have sat in office hours and just listened to students who needed to be heard. (1/2) #b4stage4chat https://t.co/VKzabmZeId
— Anthony Jack (@tony_jack) May 29, 2019
We discussed how pets and service animals can make a world of difference for individuals with chronic physical and #mentalhealth conditions, and how those without a pet/service animal can incorporate animal companions in their lives:
A3: Having a pet can be a great form of #selfcare and companionship. For those without pets, volunteering at an animal shelter may be one option. #b4stage4chat https://t.co/gqwql9VAsV
— National Council (@NationalCouncil) May 29, 2019
A3: In addition to this, if you don’t have the time to volunteer, a quick Google Search of cute animals works too! It’s cheap and SO readily available. #b4stage4chat
— Jay Wang (@JayWang36) May 29, 2019
On taking care of physical and mental health while at work:
A4: I think of the work by @ashleywhillans and how we (dont) use our time in ways that best supports healthy living. https://t.co/k3qYIFzR98 #b4stage4chat She has a @TEDxCambridge that gives an overview of her argument. 3/3 https://t.co/tvCggwhJYm
— Anthony Jack (@tony_jack) May 29, 2019
A4: Having a friend at work is one of the most important factors is job satisfaction. Nurture this relationship by grabbing coffee together, going for a walk at lunchtime or sending each other supportive emails. Don’t be afraid to take a #mentalhealth day! #b4stage4chat https://t.co/6tgNfOrhdh
— Marley Doyle, M.D. (@DrMarleyDoyle) May 29, 2019
A4: Especially for people working in non-profit or “helping” sectors, it’s important to normalize helping yourself, not just others. There is a temptation sometimes to keep giving indefinitely, but your #MentalHealth matters too! #b4stage4chat
— Elise Goss-Alexander (@EliseRAlexander) May 29, 2019
On how faith, religion, or spirituality contribute positively to #mentalhealth:
A5: In a study at a mental health facility:
➡️80% used religious beliefs/activities to cope with daily difficulties/frustrations
➡️65% reported religion helped to cope with symptom severity
➡️30% indicated religion gave them purpose to keep living
(6/7) #b4stage4chat— Mental Health America (@MentalHealthAm) May 29, 2019
On racial discrimination and microaggressions. What can people do to protect their mental health if they encounter these challenges?
A6: Acknowledge that it's happening. This can help prevent internalization. Sometimes, microaggressions are so subtle that they go unnoticed and unchallenged, and eventually become accepted by oneself or by a community. #b4stage4chat
— Dannie Bell (@danniecbell) May 29, 2019
A6: 1st, understand that you are NOT alone in feeling put down upon. It is not in your mind. In many places it lives in the very air you breathe. Finding a community of trusted people to discuss the issues within also to strategize about how to make change is key #b4stage4chat
— Anthony Jack (@tony_jack) May 29, 2019
A6: Please realize that the problem isn’t you, but rather that specific individual who doesn’t realize their privilege and has sadly closed themselves to the wonders of this world that come from being openly diverse #b4stage4chat #diversitymatters
— Jay Wang (@JayWang36) May 29, 2019
On what mental health professionals can do to remove this barrier in cross-cultural mental health care relationships:
A7: Invest! Invest in the research, the time, and your own self-development to be aware of cross-cultural mistrust. Develop an understanding of the trends that various cultures have towards mental health and tailor your services to target these mistrusts (1/3) #b4stage4chat
— Jay Wang (@JayWang36) May 29, 2019
A7: As #mentalhealth professionals, we need to treat everyone with the same respect regardless of their background. Remember that everyone’s experience is unique, so it’s important not to overgeneralize or misinterpret personal experiences as being universal. #b4stage4chat https://t.co/oOwbZ8dfY0
— Marley Doyle, M.D. (@DrMarleyDoyle) May 29, 2019
On how the use of social media can lead to isolation and exposure to cyberbullying. What are some of the ways that social media can be used as a tool to raise mental health awareness?
A8: I learn a lot from the work of @DrDesmondPatton, especially in how social media shapes the life of youth. We have to be intentional in how we use social media. This could be time allowances or strategic plans. It also could include disconnecting #b4stage4chat 1/2
— Anthony Jack (@tony_jack) May 29, 2019
A8: Social media can amplify messages and normalize them at an incredible rate. There are tons of mental health support groups across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. (1/2) #b4stage4chat https://t.co/dO82HUJshi
— Mental Health America (@MentalHealthAm) May 29, 2019
A8: By doing twitter chats like this, following accounts that are related to #mentalhealth, continuing to support others who may be struggling on social media by providing resources or words of encouragement. #b4stage4chat https://t.co/fatS79fo7t
— National Council (@NationalCouncil) May 29, 2019
On how technology is being used to support mental health and well-being. What are some examples of technology resources currently in use to help people deal with mental health crises and to maintain emotional balance?
A9: Text-based crisis counseling via @CrisisTextLine is a great technology resource. If you know young persons of color who are feeling stressed, depressed, or anxious, please let them know they can text STEVE to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor 24/7.
— The Steve Fund (@thestevefund) May 29, 2019
On other campaigns or resources for #MentalHealthMonth:
A10 For women who are struggling during pregnancy/postpartum, here are some fabulous resources! You weren’t meant to do this alone! #b4stage4chat@PostpartumHelp @2020MomProject @modhealthtalk @ppstresscenter @postpartumblues @PostpartumW @SupportingMamas @DrKaeni @CarlySnyderMD https://t.co/4P9210x0Ac
— Marley Doyle, M.D. (@DrMarleyDoyle) May 29, 2019
A10: The Equity in Mental Health Framework provides colleges and universities with ten recommendations and implementation strategies to help inform and strengthen their mental health support and programs for students of color. https://t.co/mwHqs8jDAz #b4stage4chat
— The Steve Fund (@thestevefund) May 29, 2019
Thank you for reading our recap of the #b4stage4chat Twitter chat. If you’re interested and want to participate in our next event, subscribe to updates here. Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
