Your friend may be posting on their social media feed that they are depressed without actually using the words “sad” or “depressed.” You do not have to scroll through all of their posts to see if your friend has a pattern of expressing their depression. It is important to speak to your friend about their depressing posts once you know what the warning signs are.
The Signs of Emotional Distress on Social Media
Short answers or long, unorganized posts can be signs of alarm. See if there are any differences in the content your friend is posting as if they are all gloomy or angry. Negative posts that express irritability or negative emojis can be a cause for concern. It could also be that the only posts your friend is posting are solely complaints and nothing positive. They could be complaining that their life feels bleak. The Washington Post says that Instagram can be another tool for depression red flags as people with depression tend to post bluer, grayer, or darker colored photos.
What to Do About Your Friend’s Social Media Posts
It is important to speak to your friends about what you have noticed about their posts. It is best to speak to that person face-to-face so that you can pay attention to their tone of voice, see their appearance or posture. Even if this is someone you have not seen in a long time, you can still acknowledge and express concern over them. You can suggest that they call a crisis hotline to speak to a professional or just give them the phone number.
If your friend is quick to dispute that there is anything wrong with them, give them proof of the posts they have written. Take a screenshot of the post and let them know what they have written and that you are concerned. Facebook also has options for posts where you can report a post for harm or “offer help or support” option. Let your friend know that you will follow up with them in a few days as it will offer them reassurance. If it becomes serious, let their family members know. Do not feel guilty for clueing them in on this as you could be saving your friend’s life.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Hotline or 1-800-662-4357 for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
At Alta Loma Transformational Living, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms. Alta Loma uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, where you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit, so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 866-457-3843.