Social media and physical activity often live at opposite ends of our day. One keeps us glued to digital platforms and social media sites, and the other gets us moving in ways that support both physical and mental health. Most of us already know which one usually wins, especially when scrolling feels easier than getting up.

Most of us reach for our phones without thinking about it. Between digital devices, work screens, gaming consoles, and the moments we fill by watching TV or scrolling social media, screen time has become part of daily life. It is helpful in many ways, yet it has a real impact on overall well being. If you live with mental health struggles, or you use running to support your mental health, the connection between screen time and health is worth paying attention to.

Stigma gets in the way of honesty. Mental health stigma and the stigma of mental illness convince people it’s safer to stay quiet, even when they’re hurting. It creates pressure to hide symptoms, pretend nothing is wrong, or push through on your own. Those negative attitudes from society can make you feel like your mental health concerns reflect personal weakness, when the truth is that mental illnesses are real health conditions that deserve compassion and care.