Managing Social Media During COVID-19

Social media is the thing keeping us connected and informed during quarantine, now more than ever. However, it is also normal to feel drained, anxious, scared, and a multitude of other negative feelings after being on social media for a good part of your day. Counseling services for social anxiety can be helpful as well. How are you dealing with that dissonance?

We are launching a new online therapy group, “Dealing with Social Media During COVID-19” to help address this dissonance. This group will give you the tools to engage with social media in a healthy and welcoming environment, leaving you energized and connected rather than drained and apathetic.I will be facilitating a six-week closed group that will cover topics such as:

Maintaining boundaries with friends, family, and coworkers
Filtering out credible sources for information
Coping with the pressure to be “constantly” productive during quarantine
Managing comparisons with others around efficiency, exercise, and diet
The importance of curating a positive feed

This group will be held on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm beginning April 28th. If you are not sure if this group applies to you, take my quick 8 question ‘yes/no’ quiz to find out!

Have you ever wanted to unfollow, block, or mute a friend or loved one, and are unsure how, or felt guilty doing so?
Do you find yourself increasingly ‘losing track of time’ while on your social media?
Do you find yourself constantly checking your social media right before bed?
Have you recently read or watched ‘news’ on social media and became unsure of the accuracy?
Have you noticed increased feelings of anxiety, fear, and sadness after using your social media?
Has your social media made you feel pressure to be productive during quarantine?
Have you felt an increased need to workout, and/or diet due to current social media trends?
Do you find yourself increasingly comparing yourself to others on your social media during this time of quarantine?

If you answered ‘Yes’ to 4 or more of these questions, this group could be useful for you. In my research on social media and mental health, and my experience with group therapy, I have come to find that there are normal amounts of comparison, pressure, and negativity that can come from social media usage. However, isolation may exacerbate these issues to an unhealthy level that may cause emotional impairment. This group is a non-judgmental and neutral space to talk about these very real issues. My goal is to offer therapeutic skills to make your relationship with social media more emotionally manageable in this time of crisis.

Please feel free to reach out with questions or to sign up! The last day to sign up for this group will be Sunday, April 26th. You can email me at Sara@sunstonecounselors.com.

About Sunstone Counseling

Founded in 2011, Sunstone Counseling serves thousands of people every year with 80+ counselors and locations in Alexandria, Falls Church, Ashburn, McLean, Richmond, and online. We are dedicated to meeting the community’s mental health needs by providing comprehensive, accessible, and high-quality counseling services. With a range of experience and price points, Sunstone sets itself apart by making mental health counseling easily accessible to all. We believe everyone deserves to shine brighter and be their best selves.

Safe and Supportive Care for All Ages and Stages of Life
We offer counseling services for adults, children, adolescents, couples, families, and groups.
Multiple Locations and Flexible Billing
With offices in Falls Church, Alexandria, McLean, Ashburn, Richmond, and online, you can get the help you need, when you need it.
A Range of Counselors and Rates
Our diverse and qualified counselors’ rates vary based on their level of experience and training, as well as the length and type of your session.