Home/Life Kimberly Atwood April 4, 2022

How Does Social Media Affect Bipolar Disorder?

The post is developed in partnership with BetterHelp…

Social media has had many positives for society, such as creating online friendships and being a great tool for marketing. But when it comes to mental health, social media has a much more complicated history.

Though social media may provide some benefits for those living with a mental health condition, there are also some complications. For example, it is known to increase depression, anxiety, and stress and can worsen any feelings of loneliness or isolation.

But how does it affect people with other mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder? The effects of social media on bipolar disorder are complicated, providing some great benefits but also having some real consequences. Read on to learn more about bipolar disorder as well as how social media may affect those who live with it.

Table of Contents

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is characterized by sudden and extreme shifts in mood. A person with this disorder may go through a period of extreme emotional highs (called mania), then suddenly shift to an extreme low period (depression). These shifts are more sudden and intense than typical mood changes that most people experience throughout a day or over a long period of time.

These sudden mood changes can make it difficult to concentrate, remain active, and perform basic tasks. People with this disorder cannot control their emotional changes, which affect every part of their lives.

Depending on the emotional cycle they are experiencing, people with bipolar disorder will have varying symptoms. Typical symptoms of a manic period include:

High energy levels
Increased agitation
Very upbeat
Jumpy or wired
Needing less sleep
Very talkative
Poor decision-making
Easily distracted
Nonstop racing thoughts
Extremely high self-confidence

Symptoms that commonly occur during a depressive episode include:

Intense feelings of depression, sadness, or hopelessness
Apathy or boredom
Significant weight change
Sleeping issues, such as insomnia
Slowed behavior
Fatigue
Concentration issues
Excessive feelings of guilt
Feelings of worthlessness
Thoughts of suicide**

**If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255 and is available 24/7.

If you are interested in learning more about bipolar disorder, then you can find more resources by clicking the link below:

https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/bipolar/

Now, let’s move on to the effects of social media on bipolar disorder.

The Effects Of Social Media On Bipolar Disorder

Social media has a complicated relationship with mental health. On the one hand, it can provide connection and fun, but, on the other hand, it may increase anxiety or stress.

The same is true with bipolar disorder. Though it can worsen the disorder in many ways, it also provides many positives. Below are both the positive and negative effects of social media on bipolar disorder.

Positive Effects

Advocacy: Thanks to increased mental health awareness, more people are learning about bipolar disorder than ever before. This increased awareness and advocacy can ease any sense of isolation or worthlessness that a person with bipolar disorder may feel. Now, this disorder is seen with less judgment, allowing affected individuals to be seen as the normal, equal individuals that they are.
Information: Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to mental health. People with bipolar disorder can get care and information about their condition much easier and quicker than in decades past. With online therapy and numerous resources for help, information, and guidance, people with bipolar disorder never have to live with the condition alone or without some sort of help or support.
Social Connection: Social media provides ample sources for creating connections and friendships with people all around the world. Therefore, even if a person with bipolar disorder feels isolated or unloved due to their condition, they can still meet wonderful friends online that will give them love, support, and fulfillment.

Negative Effects

Aggravates Moods: Social media, unfortunately, has a habit of spreading anger, increasing anxiety, and worsening depression. A person in a depressive bipolar state may see their emotions worsen while using social media, depending on their interactions and mindset at the time. Using social media positively and mindfully can avoid this.
Reduces Sleep: People all over the world have a habit of using social media and technology too much before bed. But for someone with bipolar disorder, this can seriously affect their health. Whether in manic or depressive states, people with bipolar disorder struggle with sleeping well and may experience insomnia or other sleep disorders. Using social media, especially right before bed, can worsen these issues.
Makes It Easier To Be Impulsive: Impulsivity is a common symptom of bipolar disorder. Having easy access to message practically anyone in the world makes it all too easy for someone to act on their impulsive thoughts. Depending on the interaction, this can have negative repercussions and increase the person with bipolar disorder’s feelings of isolation, loneliness, or depression.

Final Thoughts

For many people with bipolar disorder, social media may be a positive that brings them love and connection. However, there are some downsides of social media usage that people with this disorder must be aware of. However, with healthy boundaries and mindfulness, people with bipolar disorder can use social media to their advantage and help them with their condition.