Brave New World of Social Media

Utilizing Social Media and Online Tools

for Greater Mental Health

Presented by:

Todd HashMay 23, 2011

What We’ll Explore

• Why is Social Media Unique?

•The Big 5 of Social Media

• Other Social Media & Online Tools

• Cautionary Tales & Final Thoughts

What Is Social Media? And why is it unique

15 Years Ago • Corporations, newspapers, and other organizations were the focus

• We were the consumers of their content and THEIR VOICE

The Rise of Social Media Today• We create the most interesting content with Our VOICE

• We determine if something goes VIRAL – Not a marketing director

»Did I mention? Social media is cheap!»If you have a computer and internet, you can be a part of the conversation.

Benefits of Social Media & the Internet for Mental Health

• Connections – Avoiding isolation and withdrawal, finding and building support systems online and off. Reconnecting with friends and family across the miles.

• HOWEVER … it’s a double-edged sword

• Inspiration & Support – There are countless personal blogs and websites devoted to nearly every diagnosis under the sun. Some provide daily insights and inspiration straight to your e-mail each morning.

• Education – Endless resources and tools are available online, many for free.

• Online Tools – Some websites provide tools to enhance personal or group accountability as well as monitoring moods or keeping journals

The Big 5 of Social Media

Facebook The Kudzu of Social Media

Key Facts• Fantastic personal social network• Reconnect with old friends with very little effort –

It’s so easy finding connections, it’s almost scary• Stay in touch with family across the country• Chose who you share information with, but privacy controls are tricky & evolving

YouTube Create Your own Videos & Share

Key Facts• Personal and Business Content• Upload your own homemade videos

» Choose who can see them • Great place for fun, education, how-to videos and more• Embed personal videos into your own website

LinkedIn Your Resume on the Web

Key Facts• Professional social network• Step-by-Step online resume creation• Incredible networking opportunities for job hunting • Core service is free and vast, but you can upgrade for additional benefits

TwitterThe World in 140 Characters

Key Facts• Twitter is like sending a phone text message to the entire world (or select friends)• Some Tweeters keep up with friends and family while others use it for business and marketing• A great way to learn about breaking news and follow discussions about ongoing events

Key Facts• Real life – Real People

•There is almost certainly someone sharing your particular experience with mental health challenges

• Any topic under the sun • Amateur vs. Professional Bloggers

–And the FTC

To search specific blogs: Google “blog” and your diagnosis or other interest.

Or contact other mental health bloggers and ask for their favorites. Great bloggers love to hear from

readers.

Personal Blogs

Examples• McMan’s Depression & Bipolar Blog

www.mcmanweb.com (see intro video)

•Reality of Anxiety - Aimee’s Blog: www.anxiousnomore.blogspot.com

•Beyond Blue: Spiritually-based blogs and news in mental health www.blog.beliefnet.com/beyondblue (see list of her blog links)

•Storied Mind: Writing to Recover Life from Depression www.storiedmind.com

•Research Digest – Blogging on Brain & Behavior http://bps-research-digest.blogspot.com

To search for Ning Communities:http://creators.ning.com/

Personal Blogs

Reality• Too Much Content – Few people can read every post on every blog

they enjoy – especially if they follow a dozen blogs or more• So Little Time – Often we miss the most important blog posts

because we don’t have time to browse a dozen or more blogs every

day

Solution – Bring the blogs to you!RSS Readers – There are many good, free readers out there, but I stick with one of the most popular the Google Reader. If you already have a Gmail address, then you already have access to an RSS Reader.

Keeping Trackof it all

Fast & Free Blogging

To learn more about free blogs:

• www.wordpress.com

• www.blogspot.com

Other Social Media

Meetup.com

Specialty Social Networks

Meetup.comGo online in order to go offline

Unique Features• Find people – With similar interests/hobbies• Get Involved – Quickly get involved with interesting groups• Great socialization tool – Make new friends out in the real world rather than cyberspace

Downside – It may be more difficult to find and build groups in smaller communities

Specialty SocialNetworks

Key Facts• Specialty Social Networks – Usually dedicated to a specific topic, hobby, etc• Many Features – Discussion boards, blogs, personal profiles and more• Examples:

– www.48days.net– www.wegohealth.com

Is Ning old news?

Online Tools• Skype – Text, audio, and video chatting across the world

– Keep in touch with friends and family across the country– Get assistance remotely from therapists, counselors, life coaches (maybe)– Free software for download. You will need a webcam and broadband for video chats

• HabitForge.com – Forge new habits. Change your Life– A free resource to help users form new habits in 21 days

• Daily or Weekly Tips/Affirmations (examples)– John Maxwell – Daily Word at http://johnmaxwellteam.com/– Happiness Project – Daily, weekly and monthly challenges and inspiration at http://www.happiness-project.com/

Cautionary TalesFive things to keep in mind1. Mental Health History – What are you willing to reveal and what have you

already revealed online? This is a personal decision.

2. Privacy Settings – Be aware of privacy settings on social networks or wherever you may reveal personal information online. For example:

• Facebook – I recommend using privacy settings that only permit accepted “Friends” to see and share your information.

3. Who is Watching? – If you don’t want family, friends or a pastor to know something, then don’t write it online (or at least be certain it is private).

4. Employers – Many employers now research their applicants online to learn as much as possible. This is another reason to be cautious about anything you post.

5. The Internet is Permanent – So give thought to what you write before posting it to a blog, social network or other site.

"It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt."

~ Mark Twain

Two Final ThoughtsAbout Life Online

“Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.” ~ Rodin

Be Purposeful with Online Time

“A little nonsense, now and then, is relished by the wisest men.” ~ Willy Wonka

But Have Fun Too

My Corners of Cyberspace

Email: todd@serenityhunter.com

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/toddhash

Facebook: facebook.com/serenityhunter

Youtube: www.youtube.com/theserenityhunter

Flickr: www.flickr.com/bestdestiny2000

Skype: policy_czar

Future site (August 2011): www.serenityhunter.com

Bonus Tips

•Google Alerts – Setup a free alert that will email you whenever your name appears online

•LeechBlock Utility – This is a Firefox browser tool designed to help manage online time.

• Limit access to certain websites

• Limit times of day when you can be online

• Find it at: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/leechblock/