Linda Ravin Lodding’s Post

🚨 📱 “The mental health crisis among young people is an emergency — and social media has emerged as an important contributor,” said Vivek Murthy, Surgeon General of the United States, in an essay published last week. In addition to warning users that social media may harm children's mental health, Dr Murthy urges social media platforms to place tobacco-style warning labels on them. While the Surgeon General’s warning labels are a bold initiative, they are not enough. To mitigate the negative effects of their platforms, tech and social media companies must take more proactive measures. Read the full blog piece to find out more about the steps companies should take to protect children: https://lnkd.in/dy7MJ4yR

✅When Good News is Also Bad News🔴 I recently ran a Facebook campaign aimed at helping people combat anxiety. I expected to get around 30-40 responses, which I thought would be manageable for follow-up emails and calls to book therapy sessions. I received over 250 responses! 💚On one hand, this is fantastic news—so many people are taking the brave step to reach out for help (and of course, great for business). ❤️🩹But on the other hand, it raises a concerning question: Why are so many people suffering from anxiety? ❗️This overwhelming response proves a critical issue in our society. For every person who reached out, how many are still silently suffering? 🤒Mental health issues are widespread, and the NHS waiting lists are bursting at the seams. 🤯Many are victims of presenteeism, showing up to work even when they’re not fully capable. Studies have shown that presenteeism can lead to a staggering 30% decrease in productivity. We need to bring mental health to the forefront of everything we do. It’s not just the right thing to do; it makes business sense. 

Should Social Media Come With A Warning Label? US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy thinks the harms of social media, i.e. the teen mental health crisis, bullying, cyberstalking etc., warrant warnings like those found on cigarettes and tabacco. "Some studies now link more than three hours a day on social media to increased risk of teen anxiety and depression." He thinks digital labels can raise awareness and change behaviour. Such a law would need to be passed by congress. PBS News Amna Nawaz Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service #socialmedia #health #mentalhealthcrisis #technology #bigtech #futurist #trendforecasting.

How can resilience thinking inform our understanding of social isolation and loneliness among older adults? Andrew Wister discusses how social isolation and loneliness (SI/L) are linked to reduced psychological well-being, poor mental health, compromised physical health, and higher mortality among older adults, especially those who are vulnerable and marginalized. Resilience and aging research show pathways for individuals, families, and communities to recover from adversity. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gafX2tBg

“It is time to require a surgeon general’s warning label on social media platforms, stating that social media is associated with significant mental health harms for adolescents.” - Vivek Murthy In a new guest essay posted in the The New York Times, United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy shares his thoughts on the current mental health crisis facing today’s youth and proposes a change. Should social media have a warning label? 🚨 Are its potential effects on mental health worthy of the same type of red flag cigarette boxes carry? 🚩 We know our answer. What about yours? Share your thoughts in a comment below. https://lnkd.in/g7wqnDFn #SocialMedia #MentalHealth #DigitalWellbeing

Published last week, "Crohn’s and Colitis Care in Scotland" highlights that people living with IBD can’t access psychological support, despite the severe impact the conditions can have on a person's mental health. Thank you to Michelle Thomson MSP for highlighting the growing mental health need among people with IBD in Scotland. Read the report via the link below or watch the clip to see Michelle Thomson MSP in Scottish Parliament this afternoon, asking a question on IBD during Health and Social Care Questions. https://lnkd.in/d2WTNbqx Video description: A 1 minute 26 second clip of Michelle Thomson MSP in Scottish Parliament this afternoon, asking a question on IBD during Health and Social Care Questions.

Can we really blame smart phones and social media for the dramatic rise in psychological distress, depression and anxiety among young Australians? Join our webinar to discuss this hot topic. Hear from Em & Merry from the Prevention Untied Youth Advisory Group and our experts Luke Martin (Beyond Blue) and Scarlett Smout (Matilda Centre). The webinar will explore the benefits and risks to young people’s mental health associated with smartphone and social media use and discuss how we can harness the positive aspects of the digital environment while averting or minimising the potential harms associated with the online world. To register to attend head to https://lnkd.in/g_Savk-H. If you’d like to read our Policy Brief on this issue go to https://bit.ly/44U60Au

🚨 US Surgeon General Advocates for Social Media Warning Labels to Combat Youth Mental Health Crisis In a bold move, US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has proposed warning labels on social media platforms to alert parents and teens about potential mental health risks. Dr. Murthy points to social media as a significant contributor to the youth mental health crisis. Experts are divided. Dr. Jess Maddox, a digital media assistant professor, suggests we should be learning about social media rather than fearing it. Meanwhile, Prof. Pete Etchells points out that evidence linking social media to depression is not clear-cut, and warning labels might not help. The debate is heated, especially with the recent controversy over Jonathan Haidt's book "The Anxious Generation," which some believe distorts previous research. Despite differing opinions, Murthy’s proposal has gained traction, with support from organizations like the Molly Rose Foundation. Should social media come with a warning? Will it help raise awareness or could it cause more harm? Only time will tell. Let's join the conversation and advocate for our youth's well-being. #MentalHealthAwareness, #YouthWellbeing, #SocialMediaRisks, #DigitalHealth, #ParentingInTheDigitalAge, #TechAndHealth, #USSurgeonGeneral, #MentalHealthCrisis, #SocialMediaInfluence

https://lnkd.in/gHeR3F3f "UNRAVELING THE THREADS OF LONELINESS" - a multinational analysis. **"This video is the culmination of extensive research from diverse, credible sources, specifically addressing the growing issue of loneliness among students and the elderly.** Loneliness has become a pervasive problem, affecting mental and physical well-being across all age groups. In this video, we delve deep into the causes of loneliness, its impact on daily life, and practical, evidence-based solutions that can help combat this pressing issue. We explore strategies for building meaningful connections, enhancing mental health, and fostering a supportive community. Your support by liking, sharing, and subscribing is invaluable, as it encourages us to continue creating content that educates, empowers, and positively impacts lives. Join us in spreading awareness and making a difference." Visit https://lnkd.in/gGZWbAGm for detailed review of this study.