What exactly is the phenomenon known as "FOMO?" The Fear Of Missing Out refers to the feeling or perception that others are living better lives, having more fun, or having better experiences than you are. It is becoming increasingly common and can cause a lot of stress in your life. To help you recognize and deal with FOMO, here is what you need to know. 

What we know about FOMO  

FOMO can involve a deep sense of envy and affect self-esteem. It's certainly not a new idea, as it's most likely been around for centuries. However, it's only been researched within the past few decades. Since the introduction of social media, FOMO has become more obvious. Social media has definitely played a part in the acceleration of FOMO in recent years, as it provides an avenue to compare your life to the highlights of others' lives. Therefore, your life can seem worse than others through a skewed perception. 

FOMO can be experienced by anyone. Unsurprisingly, some studies suggest that those who have a higher usage of social media have a greater experience of FOMO. Aside from causing feelings of unhappiness, research shows that FOMO may cause some to become distracted in life. 

How to minimize and deal with FOMO

If you experience FOMO, there are steps to take to live a happier and healthier life. Rather than focusing on the negative or what you lack, try to think about all that you have in your life. This can be difficult, especially as social media can sometimes create a platform for bragging. 

Try adding some positivity to your feed by following or liking pages and profiles that align with your interests and make you happy. Unfollow or hide posts that are causing you to have unhappy thoughts. You can also try keeping a journal to document how you're feeling. This might help you realize all that you have to appreciate in your life. Therapy is also a great way to talk about your feelings and gather new ways to cope. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out to us. We can help. To schedule an appointment, please contact us via phone at 408-210-8487 or email info@clearwatercounselingne.org.