social media – Irene North

World Mental Health Day

On October 10, 2022

Note: For some reason, the video works for some folks, but not others. Here is the direct link to the video on YouTube.

Today was World Mental Health Day. I spent it by taking the day off and doing things for my own mental health. This included watching some videos and a little bit of writing, but mostly just thinking and reflecting on life and how to get a better balance on the many things that intersect with my mind and my personal life from day-to-day.

The video above would have never been made 20 years ago. In that sense, the world has come a long way in being open about mental health. The drivers have some good things to say as well. We still have so much farther to go, but this is a good first step.

Celebrating a year with no social media

By Irene

On September 28, 2022

In Ramblings

After today, I’m not going to revisit thoughts about life without social media anymore. At this time last year, I made my last post on Facebook telling people I was deleting Facebook, the last of my social media accounts, and they were welcome to continue to keep up to date with me here. Those who wished to do so could also text, do lunch, go for hikes, etc.

While some people still criticize me for leaving because it doesn’t affect them negatively, I have no desire to return to an arena which made me feel angry and made me feel less of a person all the time. It absolutely worsened my mental health.

Six months and not turning back

By Irene

On March 28, 2022

In Ramblings

On September 27, 2021, I pulled the plug on all my social media accounts. Despite my worries, it’s been absolutely worth it.

This might be painful, but I need to do it

By Irene

On April 6, 2021

In News

Sometimes, leaving and finding your own place is the best decision, even if it hurts a little bit.

It’s a detriment to us all

By Irene

On December 12, 2019

In Ramblings

A little more than a year ago, I began a trek to use social media less. It is clearly evident that it makes me sad, angry, and confrontational, and puts me in a general state of despair. Studies have found it’s detrimental to your mental health and I was wondering why I do this to myself when there are clearly other, healthier things I could be doing instead.

The peaceful calm after the storm

By Irene

On January 13, 2019

In Ramblings

“Have you noticed your mental health improve at all since you left Facebook?” Sandra asked. I nodded my head in agreement. In between shoveling bites of food in our faces she admitted that it seemed to help her mental health as well by spending less time on the platform. It’s a task that has taken me nearly a year to accomplish.

A beginning from an end

By Irene

On December 16, 2018

In Ramblings

I once had a Facebook page and then I deleted it. I was happy for four years. Then, my job said it was “highly recommended” that I have an account. So I created a new one. It was terrible. After a dear friend passed away, I deleted it. I was happy for four weeks. I let people make me feel bad for not having an account so I created a my third account. It’s been one of the worse decisions of my life.

Tag: social media

World Mental Health Day

Celebrating a year with no social media

Six months and not turning back

This might be painful, but I need to do it

It’s a detriment to us all

The peaceful calm after the storm

A beginning from an end