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More youth are seeking therapy related to social media usage
Access to mental health care for young people is an issue gaining more attention in the U.S. Studies show social media use has changed the landscape for many adolescents.
Sarah Masad is a therapist at My Mental Wellness, a free mental health clinic located inside the Islamic Center of Detroit.
She says many girls come in with body issues stemming from social media usage.
“There’s a lot of depression that comes with that, a lot of family issues that come with that, feeling misunderstood, ” she explains.
She sees clients between 7 years old and 27 years old from Arab American and South Asian communities.
Masad says the clinic offers the option of incorporating faith-based therapy into sessions.
“I do see that identity struggle a lot too, figuring out what they believe in, what their values are, with what they want to do, and then that struggle is like what they want to do versus what their family says, or what society says,” she shares.
Masad says a lot of people are also turning to ChatGPT, when they don’t have access to their therapist. She says this can be harmful for people who may be dealing with extreme delusions or other mental health issues. As a therapist, she tries to play a supportive role.
“I think that it’s like the struggle with dealing with the AI and social media, and being young, and then also trying to be their therapist, and make sure that they know that I’m with them and not against them, have some sort of like authority trying to make you a better person.”
“The best thing I think for trauma is meeting them where they’re at, and also giving them autonomy.”
She works with clients to provide different strategies that may work for each client.
“Every single person is different…even if that person is dealing with these very, very similar trauma. The way that they are dealing with it and the way that they are coping with it is not the same.
Creating access to faith-based mental health care
The Islamic Center of Detroit opened the My Mental Wellness clinic in 2024 as a fully staffed mental health clinic to provide free services and remove stigma and barriers to accessing care.
Masad says she was drawn to work in this space.
“I felt more fulfilled and allowing me to have the space to do support groups was another big thing, and creating these events for my clients, curating events for my clients, so that there’s a thing for everybody,” she says.
Previously, she’s held peer groups for young professionals who are the children of immigrants, exploring the toll it may take on people and their daily lives, and future career choices.
She’s also starting a Sisters Stroll, a guided meditation with nature walks for people to meet new people and go outdoors together.
“I have a deep passion for nutrition and health in the world, and teaching people how to take care of themselves even when they’re at their low point,” she explains.
Masad says she’s trying to teach people more about the connection between gut health and mental health. She says a lot of older clients come into therapy with physical symptoms of mental health.
“I’m trying to fill that gap, trying to see how do I approach this with people who feel hopeless and helpless, and it’s not about solving, it’s about getting through whatever situation that they’re going through,” she explains.
The post More youth are seeking therapy related to social media usage appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.
