The mental health benefit of social media: The use of social media skits for depression treatment among women in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Social media skits have become a regular feature on social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Despite this, limited studies from developing countries like Nigeria have examined its mental health benefits. Objective: This study aimed to determine the use of social media skits for depression treatment among women in Nigeria. Methods: The study was a descriptive survey of 330 women who were social media users. The questionnaire served as the instrument for data collection. Results: The researcher found that overall, women use social media for depression treatment. However, this is determined by the age of the women. Younger women use it most, followed by middle-aged women. Older women above 40 years do not use social media skits for depression treatment. The current study has also shown that self-care consciousness significantly moderates the relationship between social media skits and depression treatment among women. Contribution: This study has shown that women who possess high awareness regarding self-care are more likely to make deliberate efforts to address their depressive mood than those who do not. Conclusion: Social media skits are important mental health tools for treating depression among women. Key recommendation: Interventions should be designed and implemented to promote self-care awareness among women.

Keywords

• depression
• self-care
• social media
• women
• Nigeria