Finding Your Social Media Balance

In 2026, social media is everywhere. It’s used by almost everyone and, in many ways, feels

unavoidable.

So how do we strike a balance between using it in ways that are helpful and meaningful without

falling down the rabbit hole of comparison, overwhelm, or burnout?

One of the biggest benefits of social media is connection. It allows us to stay in touch with

friends and family regardless of distance, and it gives us the opportunity to connect with like-

minded people we may never meet otherwise. This is especially true within the mental health

community, where social media can help us find community, support, and information, tools,

and strategies for coping.

A friend of mine has a sister who was recently diagnosed with stage 4 colon

cancer at just 27 years old. The diagnosis came as a shock since she had no prior

health concerns and takes great care of herself. To help cope, she used her social

media as a way to connect and build relationships with others going through

similar experiences. This has given her hope and helped her feel less alone during

an incredibly difficult time. She has also used her platform to share her story and

raise awareness about colon cancer in younger adults.

Stories like hers highlight how powerful social media can be. Seeing others share their

experiences can be deeply inspiring, especially when you’re feeling stuck, helpless, or alone.

It’s incredible to recognize that sharing our vulnerability with one another brings comfort,

clarity, strength, and community to others going through something similar.

At the same time, social media can take a real toll on our mental health. Constant comparison

to others (whether physical, emotional, or financial) along with overconsumption and

widespread misinformation can leave us feeling drained and disconnected from ourselves.

That’s why setting healthy boundaries around social media use is so important.

Some helpful ways to do this include:

Intentionally curating your feed by following accounts that make you happy or provide
accurate, educational content
Setting time limits on certain apps can also be helpful. Allow yourself a set amount of
time on Instagram or Facebook
Making sure to also choose something grounding once that time is up (ie reading a
book, going for a walk, or calling a friend)
Noticing if you are doomscrolling and thinking about what that might be telling you
your brain and/or body need in that moment to feel regulated without numbing out

Social media isn’t all good or all bad. With awareness and intention, it can be a tool for

connection and support, rather than a source of stress.

If you find that social media is significantly impacting your mental health, therapy can be a

helpful space to explore boundaries, self-esteem, and coping strategies. You deserve support

that feels grounded, safe, and personalized.

Honeybee Psychotherapy and all of its therapists are always posting fun and educational

information on their accounts. Our therapists Instagram accounts are:

Other Instagram accounts we love:

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