Is Social Media Giving you a Serious Case of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)?

Well, that all depends on your symptoms. When you scroll through your Facebook timeline do you find yourself feeling a tiny twinge of jealousy? Do you have a hard time “logging off” and “staying off” because you’re afraid you might miss something? Trust me, we’ve all been there! For better or for worse, social media is here to stay. That’s why at my Fort Lauderdale office, we like to share as many tools, tricks, and tips as we can to help our clients navigate the crazy minefield that is social media.

Never forget, we’re all faking it.

We are all guilty of putting our best selves on display online. Selfies are reserved for days when the sun, the moon, the stars, and our eyeliner is just right! No couple posts about the fight they got into over dinner, but we all love sharing the gushy anniversary photos with glistening bottles of fine wine and fancy desserts. It’s almost like all the little things that make up our days are the “raw footage.” We pick out special moments to share like our accounts are one big highlight reel.

Please Stop Comparing Yourself

I know it’s hard, but trust me, you are not doing yourself any favors. Comparing your life to your friend’s profile is basically the equivalent of comparing your raw and uncut footage to her highlight reel. That’s not fair anyone. Especially you!

What should I do if I’m feeling FOMO?

The truth is, usually when we feel bad about someone else “success” or “happiness” it’s probably a sign. For example, if we were in a session together, I would probably suggest we’d turn the spotlight onto you. It might surprise you, but chances are, you could be feeling sad because social media posts tend to remind us of the things we want, but don’t have. Something as simple as a new baby announcement could bring up painful feelings associated with your own struggles to start a family. Even a graduation picture or new position milestone can cause feelings of inadequacy about our own academic and professional achievements. Your newsfeed could literally be a minefield filled with emotional landmines about your body or your relationship.

Counseling Helps

If you’re struggling with FOMO, individual counseling sessions are the perfect place for us to start. We’ll talk about the tools to help you manage your feelings, so they don’t become overwhelming. It all comes down to identifying the root cause of your frustrations in a safe space and creating a plan of action together. I like to take it one step at a time and before you know it, you’ll see and feel a difference. Ready to take the plunge? Book a free therapy consultation today!