Gen Zs are commonly called the online generation since we grew up with widespread internet and mobile technology access. Social media, digital forums, and many other online platforms allowed us to stay connected with and discover the world, but they also unlocked new stressors that could trigger anxiety.

If you are experiencing feelings of anxiety from being online, you are not alone; this article will help you find ease amidst all the noise and reclaim your inner peace.

Why Does the Internet Make Me Feel Anxious?

Do you remember seeing a post about an acquaintance who went on a holiday vacation this year? Upon seeing that, you might have felt immense pressure, or even jealousy, that could transform into anxiety about your life.

This is how social media and the internet often trigger anxiety in Gen Z. The virtual landscape frequently sows self-comparison and feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out) in many of us. Sometimes, we get carried away by the number of likes and shares on a post, or our dependence on these platforms makes us feel stressed.

Additionally, the internet and social media can be breeding grounds for negativity, from bullying and harassment to exposure to traumatic content and information overload.

How Can I Manage My Online Anxiety?

Managing your online anxiety does not mean you should go off-grid. From turning your phone off to trying cognitive behavioural therapy CBT therapy in Thornhill, consider the following tips to balance online engagement with mental well-being:

Digital Detox

Excess screen time can result in harmful habits like doomscrolling, further exposing you to negative content and an overload of information. To mitigate anxious feelings, allocate specific time to go online and take a break from all technology.

Consider limiting your screen time to two hours per day, and use tools to help track the time you spend on the internet. Designate tech-free areas in your home, such as the bedroom, for relaxation and improved sleep.

Limit Social Media Use

Social media platforms are notorious for showing cultivated and glorified versions of people’s lives, triggering FOMO, feelings of inadequacy, and anxiety. Scrolling on platforms like Instagram and TikTok can harm your mental health, so consider logging off for a while.

A social media mental health break can do wonders for your well-being. Try not going online for a few weeks to focus on yourself and experience being genuine in the real world.

Exercise Your Body

Besides helping you stay fit, exercising can relieve symptoms of anxiety. It can be something as simple as morning or yoga or something more active like jogging and going to the gym. Active movement releases endorphins, the body’s natural stress reliever.

Seek Support and Professional Help

Sometimes, the anxiety we feel can be so overwhelming that it becomes difficult to manage alone. When you think you cannot handle the stress anymore, do not hesitate to seek help from a professional therapist.

A professional therapist will listen and provide advice and guidance on how you can effectively combat online anxiety. They can offer various approaches like Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in Thornhill (DBT) and tools to address underlying concerns for long-term health.

We Can Get Through It Together

Online anxiety can be overwhelming and even suffocating, but you are not alone. In this chaotic and loud world, some people genuinely wish to help you get better.

If you are a Gen Z or millennial drowning in persistent anxious thoughts and feelings, please feel free to talk to one of our therapists at Wild Sage Therapy. We are a psychological services group offering effective online counselling to help you regain control of your life.

Take the first step to healing today; contact us to book a free consultation.