Social Media, Mental Health, and the Private Practice OD

The concept of social media was introduced in 1998 and has been growing exponentially since.¹ It is a method of social networking online through the use of websites and online applications, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, among others. In 2024, there will be more than five billion global users of social media, a number predicted to increase to more than six billion by 2028.²

Once mostly used to connect with family and friends across the globe, health care practitioners now use these platforms to spread educational content intended for existing and potential patients. Not only is social media a method of communication, but it’s also a living resume for professional networking, a platform for social support, a marketing tool, and a source of income. With all these potential functions, daily time spent on social media is increasing, and exposure can affect our psychological well-being. Professionals in the mental health field are concerned about the declining emotional status of social media users, specifically related to unfavorable social comparisons with other users.³ Increased use tends to be associated with increased unhappiness, depression, suicidal ideations, and suicide attempts in teens.⁴ Conversely, when used as intended, social media can actually help in disseminating educational content and improving patient outcomes.⁵

SOCIAL MEDIA: THE WILD WEST?

A study published in 2017 reported that most Australian doctors are still finding their way with social media; some feel comfortable using it for personal gain, while others are unsure what they should share about themselves and their patients.⁶ A quick search of my own social media page tells me things have changed over the past 7 years, as I have seen more and more medical and health care professionals/influencers evolve from marketing to education, and oftentimes both simultaneously. Retail companies are now partnering with medical influencers to channel their products, and both parties are profiting from the arrangement.

Many health care providers, including optometrists and ophthalmologists, are mainly concerned about the spread of unregulated misinformation on social media. “Everything has to be taken with a grain of salt,” says Kristyna Sipes, OD, owner of Stanford Ranch Optometry in Rocklin, California. It’s easy to misinterpret an ad as factual medical information from a layperson’s perspective, and sponsored ads obviously not labeled for financial gain further complicate the situation. Recognizing this, the Federal Trade Commission now requires the intent of an ad to be clearly stated.⁷

Misinformation and unregulated content by nonprofessionals is also a problem. Bae at al screened YouTube videos of retinopathy of prematurity and found that 33% of them were inaccurate, highlighting the need for more regulated and streamlined educational content on social media.⁸ How do the social comparisons, the stresses of patients finding our personal lives online, and the frustrations of medical misinformation affect our mental health? Let’s dive a bit deeper.

DO WHAT’S GOOD FOR YOU

Most optometrists I have spoken with about this issue understand there is a necessary balance when it comes to social media. Jennifer Wademan, OD, owner of Bidwell Optometry in Folsom, California, highlighted the networking capabilities and professional development side of social media. “Social media can offer ideas and connections, but it can also sometimes produce unfair comparisons and expectations. I’ve been fortunate to meet and connect with a lot of different people online—within eye care and outside of it. I’ve been able to form meaningful connections that have led to some awesome opportunities,” she explained.

Licensed mental health therapist Amrita Kataria, LPCC, LMHC, MA, says using cognitive behavioral therapy to reframe a negative thought into a positive one can be powerful in changing the way we look at and use social media. For example, if you aspire to have a social media account with a large following, rather than believing you need to live up to that expectation, practice positive self-talk that your progress toward that goal is adequate.

Jennifer Shaba, OD, owner of the Dry Eye Healing Institute in West Bloomfield, Michigan, molds her social media algorithm to her benefit. She says, “Depending on the content I am viewing, I only follow accounts that are uplifting and that I can learn from.”

Blythe McPherson, OD, owner of Eyes on Westlake in Westlake, Texas, promotes her practice offerings on her social media account. She recognizes that it can be time-consuming and sets boundaries to protect her time: “The drawbacks to social media manifest in its capacity to consume excessive amounts of time, potentially encroaching upon cherished moments with family. To mitigate this, I adhere to a strict personal policy: When at home, social media becomes inaccessible, safeguarding precious moments spent with my husband and children from distraction.” Amrita Kataria agrees with taking breaks and setting boundaries. “This doesn’t always have to be achieved by completely switching off,” she adds. She encourages mindful engagement, meaning actively engaging with your audience and posts rather than mindlessly scrolling. There is a component of practicing self-compassion here, too.

Avneet Gaur, MD, a cataract, refractive, and glaucoma specialist at Assil Gaur Eye Institute of Los Angeles, finds success in delegating her social media management to protect her time and mental health. “I hired a social media team to create educational videos for my business accounts so that it does not impact my life during work and especially at home,” she says.

Harrison Tsang, OD, a new cold start practice owner of Peak Eyecare Optometry in Santa Clarita, California, feels the negative pressures of comparison on social media. “I feel that social media does have a negative effect on my mental health. It sets unrealistic standards for comparison in both personal and professional life,” he says.

To remove himself from these pressures, Dr. Tsang lets his marketing company handle all the posting for his business. According to Amrita Kataria, this is an example of exercising radical acceptance,⁹ a concept rooted in Buddhism and based on accepting the reality of a situation, such as in the case of social comparison. For example, if someone can only make three posts per week, then she recommends focusing on accepting that reality. This is intertwined with positive self-talk. “Three posts per week is what I can manage, and that is enough.” Don’t focus on denying or criticizing that reality. This also allows us to become more flexible in our acceptance. Alternatively, we may also choose to completely delegate that task, which is another form of radical acceptance—instead of criticizing ourselves for not being able to manage it all.

A HEALTHY WORK-LIFE BALANCE IS WITHIN REACH

Amrita Kataria is firm on her belief that virtual social interaction does not replace in-person social interaction. Ensure you are also focusing on developing your social circle. As Dr. Wademan noted, sometimes virtual interactions can lead to in-person opportunities, so take advantage of those when they arise. Despite how easy it is to become caught up in the digital world of social media, there are many ways to achieve a healthy balance.