Social Media in 2016 has affected so many people-- girls especially. Girls log onto their accounts and keep scrolling through pictures of fit women. Depression can occur because they look at their bodies and compare how they look to the women on the screen and tell themselves that they need to lose weight to look "perfect". There is no need to compare yourself to others because you are made for this world to be different. All shapes, sizes and colors. Accept who you are. No one will ever be like you. The world is full of many different people, that is what makes us alike.

I fall into this category. On social media, I follow accounts like @squatspo, @fitnessgirlsmotivation, and other accounts that show very fit women. I usually look at myself in the mirror maybe 35 times a day, judging myself and telling my body to work out for an hour a day. My self-esteem wouldn't be so low if I didn't have social media. I wouldn't need to compare myself to other women in this world. My ex boyfriend told me straight up that I was addicted to Instagram. I have to learn accept myself and that I am beautiful no matter what anyone says. You can be your own worst critic or your biggest supporter. There is no reason for anyone to be judging their own body. Models or anyone on social media can be photoshopped and make themselves look better just for the good feedback and to make them feel superior. Photoshopping your on body and being plastered all over the world is not a good way to make yourself feel better on the inside. Social media has affected so many men and women around the world. Is there really a need for it?

I set a goal for myself and so should you. I told myself to turn off my notifications for all of the social media I use so it wouldn't make me want to go on it. I have been doing this for a week now and I saw such a difference in my mood. My depression has gotten better without any therapy or medication. I strongly suggest we all do this challenge for more than a week and see how everything changes inside and out. I have looked in the mirror with a smile on my face-- so ready to start my day.

This picture I took of my best friend who has been suffering from depression for a long time. She has also been going along with my challenge with me, and I have seen such an amazing difference in the way she has acted by herself and in public. She was obsessed with social media and the women being portrayed on the internet as "perfect". We have both learned to conquer depression and I hope you will as well!