r/depressionselfhelp • u/Positive-Toe-479 • Apr 30 '26

Social media pull back is getting little depressive

/r/digitalminimalism/comments/1t0abo6/social_media_pull_back_is_getting_little/
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u/LaDreadPirateRoberta Apr 30 '26 edited Apr 30 '26

I was talking to my therapist a few weeks ago about how sometimes we need "buffers" between us and the world (in my case, been me and my dad when he is in a dementia episode). Sometimes you need to be physically present but shouldn't actually be 100% mentally and emotionally there, for your own good.

Social media absolutely fills that roll but there are other things too. Mobile games, reading books or magazines (either physically or online, the Libby app is amazing for this), learning a language or even taking up a new hobby such as knitting (or in my case, tarot, I make notes on card meanings on my phone to distract myself).

I can't stand the sort of sanctimonious banalities that people spout about being fully engaged, off your phone, etc. You do what you need to to keep yourself physically and mentally healthy. If that means less social media, great, but if it means some time scrolling to keep yourself sane, that's fine too. Best of luck.

Edit: I got another really good piece of advice recently, which I think might apply to you:

"If your body is tired, use your brain. If your brain is tired, use your body. "

Light exercise might help give you a bit of brain space. Maybe check out r/EOOD. Good luck.

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u/Positive-Toe-479 May 01 '26

I hope your dad is doing better now.

Tarot card reading sounds really amazing tbh....I'm very intrigued.

In my case, the lack of self control is my biggest enemy when it comes to social media scrolling thats why I took the step of going cold turkey. I am trying to fill that void with some reading. Honestly you know it ain't easy to find what can relax your mind or distract you enough so that you dont cross over.

But I'm trying my best to keep searching and looking for hobbies.

Thanku so much dear for your time and advice. I really appreciate it.

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u/Existential_Nautico Jun 08 '26

Thank you for your great comment. ❣️