By Dr. Larry Goodman
I’ve seen it time and time again: young adults struggling with feelings of inadequacy, isolation, and anxiety—all because of one common habit—comparing themselves to others on social media. It’s a silent epidemic that’s affecting mental health on a large scale, and often, the people suffering don’t even realize the damage it’s causing.
Let me share a story.
A few months ago, a client came to me feeling utterly overwhelmed. She was a bright, ambitious young woman in her mid-twenties, but she had fallen into the social media trap. Every time she logged on, she was bombarded by posts from friends and influencers who seemed to be living the "perfect life"—the ideal relationship, the dream job, flawless looks. Over time, she began to feel like her own life was lacking in every way. She spiraled into depression, withdrew from her friends, and even began questioning her self-worth.
By the time she came to see me, she was at her breaking point.
The truth is, social media had taken a toll on her mental health. What started as a fun way to connect had turned into an endless cycle of comparison, and she felt like she was never measuring up. Sound familiar?
The Turning Point
When we began working together, I helped her understand that what she saw online wasn’t real life. It was a curated, filtered version of someone else’s reality—a highlight reel, not the full story. We began to unpack her patterns of thinking and her constant need for validation through comparison.
One of the first steps in her healing was awareness. We started by identifying her social media triggers—accounts that made her feel inadequate or "less than." Together, we set boundaries around her usage, limiting her screen time and encouraging her to unfollow accounts that fueled these negative emotions.
We replaced her time on social media with intentional, real-world activities—building deeper relationships offline, pursuing hobbies that made her feel accomplished, and practicing self-compassion. Over time, she learned to stop comparing herself to others and started focusing on her own personal growth.
What You Can Do Today
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by social comparison, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves stuck in this cycle, but the good news is that you can break free.
Here are some practical steps you can take today:
Audit Your Social Media Feed Go through the accounts you follow and ask yourself: Do these posts make me feel inspired, or do they make me feel inadequate? Unfollow anyone whose content leaves you feeling worse about yourself.
Set Boundaries. Limit your time on social media, especially if you find yourself mindlessly scrolling. Set specific times during the day to check your accounts, and stick to them.
Focus on Gratitude. When you wake up each morning, write down three things you're grateful for in your own life. This practice shifts your focus from what you lack to what you already have.
Build Real-World Connections. Social media is not a substitute for real relationships. Invest in spending time with people who lift you up and encourage you to be the best version of yourself.
Practice Self-Compassion. Remember, your worth is not determined by likes or followers. You are valuable for who you are—not for how others perceive you online.
The Road Ahead
Breaking free from social comparison is a journey. It’s about unlearning habits that have been ingrained over time and shifting your focus inward—towards your own growth and self-acceptance. If you’re struggling with feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, or even depression from comparing yourself to others, it’s important to seek help.
I’ve helped countless individuals break free from the addiction of social comparison and reclaim their mental health. With the right support, you can find clarity, peace, and confidence in who you are—not who the world tells you to be.
If you're ready to stop comparing and start living authentically, reach out. Together, we can create a plan to help you build a healthier relationship with yourself—and your mind.
Ready to take the next step?Visit my website [Dr. Goodman’s Website] and book a call today.
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