Social Media Use and Well-being: What We Do and Don’t Know

Social Media Use and Well-being: What We Do and Don’t Know

November 15, 2022 (New Carrollton, MD) Nearly 60 percent of the world’s population, and 81% of the US population, are active social media users. As social media use becomes more pervasive, there is a growing interest in the role social media plays in wellness and mental health. Does social media help or hinder mental health? The answer is not that simple. Social media can be an easy, accessible way for people to establish social connections and networks. These can be important contributors to well-being and mental health. Yet some studies indicate social media use also may have a negative effect on mental health and well-being, although these effects vary by age, race, and other demographics. Recent research suggests that how social media is used can have a greater impact on mental health than how often or how long social media is used.

The November 2022 Behavioral Health Spotlight focuses on social media use and well-being. “Social Media Use and Well-being: What We Do and Don’t Know” was written by Nancy Bateman, MSW, a Senior Public Health Advisor for Behavioral Health Services at Bizzell. It discusses current findings on social media use and well-being, meaningful uses of social media data in the mental health/well-being space, and recommendations for future research. The BHARC Behavioral Health Spotlight, published by the Behavioral Health Advancement Resource Center (BHARC) and funded by Bizzell, is a thought leadership series highlighting various behavioral health topics that impact communities across the United States and abroad.

Read the report: Social Media Use and Well-being: What We Do and Don’t Know

About BHARC

The Behavioral Health Advancement Resource Center (BHARC) is an ever-growing and trusted source for current behavioral health program development and research findings, examples of evidence-informed and promising practices, and emerging behavioral health policy and interventions. The BHARC Advisory Council consists of experts in substance use, mental health, clinical trials, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare standards and quality. For more information, visit: BHARC.org

About Bizzell US

Bizzell US (Bizzell) is a strategy, consulting, and technology firm that designs innovative solutions to help build healthy, secure, and sustainable communities in our nation and around the world. Bizzell leverages the combined experience of our diverse subject matter experts to develop data-driven, research-informed answers to the world’s most complex challenges—ensuring our clients achieve their vision and goals. For more information, visit: BizzellUS.com

Engaging Patients through Trauma-Informed Care in the Age of COVID-19

Engaging Patients through Trauma-Informed Care in the Age of COVID-19

Most individuals will experience a traumatic event in their lifetime. According to the CDC, nearly 60 percent of adults have experienced at least one traumatic event. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that by 16 years old, nearly two-thirds of children have experienced a traumatic event. Traumatic events can include physical or sexual abuse, assaults, wars, serious accidents, illnesses, sudden loss or violent loss of loved one, and natural disasters. They can lead to significant health problems or other adverse consequences. Trauma-informed care (TIC) provides a strengths-based framework for treatment that actively engages the client, so they experience a sense of control, involvement, empowerment, and safety through collaboration and choices.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, a renewed emphasis surfaced on the role and benefits of TIC. Many people experienced significant stressors and traumas associated with the pandemic. As Dr. Anton C. Bizzell, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of Bizzell US, noted in a recent Psychology Today article, the pandemic has particularly impacted the mental health and well-being of our youth and children and could lead to adverse long-term affects without appropriate care and services. Adoption of TIC at the clinical and organizational level can offer a path to healing and recovery for individuals who might otherwise suffer unnecessarily.

The BHARC Behavioral Health Spotlight, published by the Behavioral Health Advancement Resource Center (BHARC) and funded by Bizzell, is a thought leadership series highlighting various behavioral health topics that impact communities across the United States and abroad. The October 2022 Behavioral Health Spotlight focuses on trauma-informed care. “Engaging Patients through Trauma-Informed Care in the Age of COVID-19” was written by Nancy Bateman, MSW, a Senior Public Health Advisor for Behavioral Health Services at Bizzell US. It discusses trauma-informed care principles, the prevalence of trauma, and varied expert perspectives on the relationship between trauma and COVID-19.

Read the report: Engaging Patients through Trauma-Informed Care in the Age of COVID-19

About BHARC

The Behavioral Health Advancement Resource Center (BHARC) is an authoritative source for behavioral health information, insights, technical assistance, training, and innovative tools. BHARC is a mechanism to share evidence-based behavioral health interventions and best practices. The BHARC Advisory Council consists of experts in substance use, mental health, clinical trials, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare standards and quality. Learn more about the Behavioral Health Advancement Resource Center at BHARC.org.

About Bizzell US

Established in 2010, Bizzell US (Bizzell) is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) HUBZone certified strategy, consulting, and technology firm with a mission to improve lives and accelerate change. Bizzell US develops innovative solutions to some of the most critical issues of our time such as health care services equity, global health, workforce innovation and other urgent needs facing the world. Under the leadership and vision of founder, Anton C. Bizzell, MD, the company has grown into a thriving firm headquartered in New Carrollton, Maryland with staff and offices in various regions around the country including California, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Georgia, and globally in Africa, Asia, and Central America. Learn more about how we develop data-driven, research-informed, innovative solutions to complex-real-world challenges: BizzellUS.com.

Remember Healthcare Providers During Brain Awareness Week

Remember Healthcare Providers During Brain Awareness Week

Support mental wellness for anxious and depressed workers.

KEY POINTS

  • Brain Awareness Week is a reminder to consider the pandemic’s impact on healthcare professionals.
  • COVID-19 has led to a global increase in anxiety and depression, especially among healthcare workers.
  • Stigma still remains, but more individuals are seeking help for mental conditions.

It’s no secret that clinicians and healthcare professionals continue to struggle while providing care for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

Every year, Brain Awareness Week is observed around the world during the third week of March. From the first celebration in 1996, thousands of organizations use this time to…

Children and Youth Need Trauma-Informed Care More Than Ever

Children and Youth Need Trauma-Informed Care More Than Ever

Ask them, “What happened to you?”

KEY POINTS

  • The trauma of COVID-19 has affected the mental health of millions of young people.
  • Trauma-informed care enables caregivers to understand an individual’s entire life situation and treat them accordingly.
  • Shortages of child and adolescent mental health professionals are compromising trauma-informed care.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to take a toll on individuals and groups around the world, from frontline health care professionals to service workers to the elderly to entire families decimated by the virus. However, there is a large, traumatized cohort that requires more attention: our youth. How do we help young people cope with the upheaval in their lives due to the coronavirus, on top of the many other traumas they experience? This is a challenge we must address sooner rather than later with…

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