Social Relations: Exploring How Youth Use Social Media to Communicate Signs and Symptoms of Depression and Suicidal Ideation

Abstract

Over the last decade it has become apparent that social media may act as a vehicle for youth to communicate signs and symptoms of mental health distress. Therefore, this qualitative case study explored (1) how signs and symptoms of suicide ideation and severe depression can present within the context of social media and (2) how on-line signs and symptoms can be used to create screening tools for the general public. Content analysis of media reports, newspapers, and social media sites revealed several themes such as (1) loneliness, depression and hopelessness were key symptoms, (2) personality characteristics and frequency of social media use acted as mediators to identifying escalation of mental health distress, and (3) engaging in social media may provide both support and further pain for a person experiencing depression. These insights are used to make recommendations for future studies and the development of online screening tools.