Anxiety has become a genre of popular content. The algorithmic architecture of social media can trap users in whirlpools of outrage, doubt, and anger if they interact with any similar content, even the helpful or relatable kind first. And while the destigmatization of distress can be beneficial, the prevalence of anxiety-centered content can also lead to individuals interpreting common problems as signs of a decline in their mental health, triggering a self-fulfilling spiral. Mental health professionals say the solution lies in practicing the opposite action—fighting the instinct to keep watching and give themselves space to release the anxiety, not attach it to their personality. As YPulse’s Mental Health Report shows, young adults are strongly encouraging brands online to speak up about their support for mental wellness—but brands need to do so consciously of what is most helpful. (The Atlantic)
