Illinois residents are being encouraged to prioritize their mental health and well-being by taking a break from social media later this month, as lawmakers have recently passed a resolution declaring a designated day for that purpose.
The resolution, proposed by State Sen. Sue Rezin and titled “Take a Break From Social Media Day,” was approved by the Senate on Thursday in Springfield. It serves as a reminder for individuals to disconnect from their screens and instead focus on their mental and emotional health.
Rezin’s proposal cites research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that shows suicide as the second-leading cause of death for individuals aged 10-to-14 and 20-to-34. This is a concerning statistic that sheds light on the detrimental effects that social media can have on our mental state.
In addition, the American Psychological Association’s research has shown a significant improvement in self-image and body confidence when individuals reduce their social media usage by 50% for a period of weeks. This highlights the importance of taking a step away from the pressures and comparisons that come with constant social media scrolling.
As stated in the text of the resolution, Friday, May 17 has been designated as “Take a Break From Social Media Day” in the state of Illinois. This serves as a reminder for individuals to prioritize their mental health and take a break from the constant barrage of information and pressure that social media can bring.
However, this resolution is not the only step that Rezin has taken to address the negative impacts of social media on Illinois residents. She has also proposed various pieces of legislation, such as implementing Internet Safety classes for students and creating a Privacy Rights Act that outlines the responsibilities of businesses in keeping consumers’ personal information private.
It is important for us to recognize the power and influence that social media holds in our lives. It has become a constant presence, often causing us to lose sight of what truly matters – our mental and emotional well-being. As we become more engrossed in the online world, we often neglect our relationships and our own mental health.
In this digital age, it is easy to get caught up in the perfect lives and images that are portrayed online. It is easy to feel inadequate or not good enough when we constantly compare ourselves to others. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt, anxiety, and depression, which can ultimately have a negative impact on our overall well-being.
Therefore, it is crucial for us to take a step back and remind ourselves of the importance of self-care. Taking a break from social media can give us the opportunity to connect with ourselves and our loved ones on a deeper level. It can also give us the chance to focus on our own goals and aspirations without the distractions and pressures of the online world.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, know that you are not alone. There is help available. You can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, chat live at 988lifeline.org, or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.
Taking a break from social media may seem daunting, but it is a small step that can have a big impact on our mental health and well-being. Let us all make a conscious effort to prioritize our mental health by disconnecting from social media and reconnecting with ourselves and those around us. Let us make May 17 a day for self-care and reflection, and may it serve as a reminder for us to do the same throughout the year.
