Why I took a break from social media

I took a break from social media for various reasons. However, in the long run, it all boils down to prioritizing my anxiety and mental health.

Over the past few years I’ve had to say goodbye to a few friends, a business I loved, and heartbreakingly, an Aunt who meant the world to me. However, though surrounded by all of this, I pushed on. Sadly, as women, we feel that we need to stay strong in the face of adversity. We put up a wall, fake a smile and get on with life. Until it all starts crumbling down.

Does this sound familiar to you?

The First Anxiety break-down

Anxiety was something completely unfamiliar to me. I never understood mental health issues and I certainly didn’t think I needed to… until I did.

Basically, a few years ago, I experienced my first anxiety attack on my way to work. Of course at the time, I thought it was a heart attack. After visiting my GP, I was told what everyone hates hearing – ” It’s stress and anxiety, you need to step on the breaks!”

What? Me? Stress and anxiety? Never! Of course, without hesitation, I immediately went for a second opinion from the internet’s fave – Doctor Google.

I was hit by a ton of bricks with the following:

Anxiety can be a symptom of perimenopause, which is the period before menopause.

verywellhealth.com

Perimenopause can trigger high anxiety.

thelily.com

Surely it was a mistake because no one had told me about this. At any rate, I took a few days to digest the news and in addition, researched everything on the topic. Turns out it has to do with a change in hormones brought on by perimenopause. Now you know too!

Social Media & Anxiety

My love for social media was immediate! A social being by nature, I enjoy making connections, networking and of course, creating content. I grew my natural hair community on Facebook (Hey Curlfriends!), and they followed me on my journey as a single mom, to finding love, marriage, surviving lock-down, up to now. I’ve shared my ups and downs and (I would like to believe) remained as authentic as possible.

In saying that, lately social media has become quite toxic for me. This is evident in the way my blood pressure rises or my heart starts pumping faster whenever I wish to post some content. There is a constant fear of being judged – something I previously had no issue with at all. And truth be told, you are constantly being judged in this job. Both by your peers and by your community.

Now, knowing I live with anxiety, I felt it necessary to take a break from social media. I felt it necessary to write about my mental health today, as I have always been honest about my journey. It would be unethical to preach about being strong, when deep down inside you are as weak as a lamb.

I’ve come to realise my anxiety is tied up with the fear of not being good enough. “Being authentic” has become a catchphrase thrown around all over social platforms. Sadly, there is still a tendency to use younger, fitter, more aesthetically pleasing creators to market to women approaching midlife and beyond. In many ways, this narrative has led to flare ups of Imposter Syndrome, something I thought I got over years ago. But that’s a story for another time.

What I did to get back

As I’ve previously mentioned, my love for social media and especially content creation is strong. The plan was always return in due time.

I know many in my community suffer with their mental health. For this reason I’ve compiled a list that helped me on my journey. I am hoping it will help you on yours.

• Escape into nature
• Take mental health day breaks
• Celebrate every success
• Write it down
• Listen to motivational podcasts
• Download Insight Timer (This app has become part of my evening ritual)
• Practice Self-Love
• Share your failures (They help you to grow)
• Say your affirmations out load
• Be kind to yourself
• Let Go of being “perfect”
• Breathe.

This mental health awareness month I encourage you to take a break from social media for a few days. Focus on yourself and remember you are not alone.