Does Facebook make you depressed sometimes?

The more we use Facebook, the likelier well feel depressed and/or unhappy- if we compare. Our brains fill in the blanks from snippets of someones life, based on their highlight reel. At the same time, were so caught up in our mundaneness and whats lacking in our lives, its hard not to feel bad about ourselves- more so when were feeling vulnerable from depression. When our friends live-feed their holiday, their whole day seems wicked. Multiply this by a 300+-size friends list, and well see at least two blow-by-blow holiday fun each month. The whole world always seems to have fun.

Know: We have different motivations for posting (or not)
Weve silent stalkers, people who dont touch their Facebook accounts, those who post sporadically, and then people who post all the time. Personality studies have found that those who are more narcissistic post to brag; open personalities post on intellectual topics; whilst others may whine for attention. Theres nothing wrong with you if you dont post much.Know: The Truth is distorted, or an outright lie.
This week, teen Instagram star Essena ONeil made headlines for re-captioning her previous posts. She outed them as carefully-engineered photos involving hundreds of retakes and filters. Todays filters and apps are perfect for Photoshop-on-demand without advanced technical expertise. Even then, skills make the difference between a Wow! shot and a What-is-this?shot. Years ago, I made my friends head look like it was chopped off and served on a platter. The lighting was atrocious. Her photograph of me on the exact spot, using the same camera, was divine. My take? Skills and technology create the Truth we think we see. Were our own PR directors on social media.Know: Life is what we create
When we feel depressed, everything becomes an effort. Sometimes we spend our days curled in bed or finding solace in the bottle because the day is too painful to face. Then we rage with ourselves for wasting the day. The cycle repeats itself, the future feels hopeless. I know its difficult, and could you try telling yourself The day isnt over yet. No matter what time you start your day. Life is what we create, when we step out of that certainty of what depression brings. What can you do today that makes you feel good or proud of yourself? It doesnt matter if what youre doing isnt as big or wonderful as whats going on on your Facebook wall. Were not comparing here. A good thing is a good thing.Ask: Does engineering photoshoots for your Facebook wall make you feel empty?

Does Facebook make you depressed sometimes? Leave a comment and share your story to help someone with the same experiences.