To remove myself from social media?

[YellowBlankets]

Social media is a real trigger for my social anxiety and it’s gotten worse the last few days. It makes me feel crazed and needy especially when someone messages me then walks away or if someone doesn’t reply to something I’ve sent but is online and seen it. And because I could theoretically get messages at any time it’s hard to switch off. So I’m thinking of going offline for a few weeks to sort my head out.

But -my best friend is going through a really hard time at present and while they live on the other side of the world we talk every single day online. Going offline means not being available to them.

WIBU to do it anyway? I honestly can’t decide.

I’ve worked hard to manage sm better but it hasn’t worked and think I’m hoping some time out will help.

What was the book bag puss I fancy a read

I removed myself from all social media 2 years ago. It's only now in hindsight I can see just what a massive impact it's had on me. I also removed news apps from my phone.

I agree bagpuss. The more you’re in touch with someone the more the quality of conversation can drop too.

This thread has been so helpful

Do it do it do it.

I did for similar reasons in September, I feel so much lighter! When you get detached you realise how weird and toxic and attention seeking it all is.

You know it’s actually so nice catching up with friends and HEARING what they’ve been up to instead of them telling you and you saying “oh yeah I saw on Facebook”

Delete your profiles. You won’t regret it. Just use whatsap or viber for sending your friend messages.

The book was Someone at a Distance by Dorothy Whipple.
It is from the Persephone Classics range which are books, usually from the past, by women authors which have been republished recently.

Your friend sounds like a user and toxic. Is she threatening self harm?

Came off FB last summer and it’s been brilliant. I got a phone message from FB 2 days ago telling me to get back online by clicking a link. Erm, no thanks! The only reason I haven’t deleted everything is because I have old videos and pictures I’d hate to lose so will keep it deactivated.

It makes me feel crazed and needy especially when someone messages me then walks away or if someone doesn’t reply to something I’ve sent but is online and seen it

I've seen this sort of thing before in friends. A very high level of anxiety associated with not getting a reply is usually to do with a fear of abandonment. It is commonly found in conjunction with borderline personality disorder.

Read these threads as examples. You can probably find more if you search. You are not alone.

www.psychforums.com/borderline-personality/topic159950.html

www.psychforums.com/borderline-personality/topic132112.html

I think understanding why its an issue for you is the first step and minimising your exposure to things likely to give you anxiety is another good idea.