By Michaela Gordoni
Jill Wagner feels a little weighed down by all the negativity on social media, so she’s taking a hiatus.
“I guess my heart’s been pretty heavy for the past couple weeks. There’s been a lot of things that have happened…They’re all horrible,” the Great American Family actress said on Instagram last week.
“What I can say is my heart is sad. I see some good things…on social media, and then I see a lot of bad things, and I think that I’m just at a place right now…just processing humanity, and I don’t have all the answers,” Wagner said. “I’m definitely not political. I’m just a dumb actress…but I am filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Wagner explained that she’s not stepping back in faith but just taking a social media break.
“Social media is the devil, man. I have to be on it because it’s part of my job and…if I didn’t have to be on here I wouldn’t. I love you all, and I love communicating with people, and the good part about it is I can share what we do at the farm and raise money for groups of people that I’m trying to support.”
Related: Sadie Robertson Huff Takes Social Media Break to Focus on Family: ‘So Thankful’
Wagner lives on a farm with her children and husband and often shares videos about their peaceful life there.
“Other than that, I grew up in a world in which there were no cellphones; there were no computers,” Wagner said. “That’s how old I am, and I’m proud of it because I had a great childhood roaming around outside in the dirt and the leaves, and I need to go back to that, so I’m gonna go and work and be present. I’m gonna go toodle around in nature because that’s what feeds my soul.”
“I’m gonna go to church. I’m going to walk around and smile at people and have conversations with strangers, and I’m going to remember all of the good things about humanity, and I’m gonna fill my cup up… Just know that I’ll be back.”
Many others have found social media breaks to beneficial to their mood and mental health.
Singer John Legend previously said, “After a while, having that much transparency between you and your audience — not just coming from you, but also coming to you — all the incoming [discourse], it was just a lot. After a while, I was just like, ‘You know, I don’t need that.’ And it’s truly better for my mental health. I just found it better for my mental health to stay away.”
Australian animal conservation star Bindi Irwin took a break shortly after her daughter was born to focus on her family and mental health.
“I’m taking a break from social media and most of my work in the public eye for a month to be with my beautiful daughter and my wonderful family,” she said. “I feel tremendously grateful to share our life and conservation work with you but I need some time to focus on the happiness that is my family (both human and animal).”
“Surround yourself with the light of people who genuinely care about you and will support you during the good times and the hard times,” she said. “Remember there are helplines available. Mental health deserves more understanding and support instead of being dismissed or patronised. You are absolutely worthy of love and kindness.”
If you’re feeling heavy-hearted like Wagner, try taking a digital break. Chances are, you won’t regret it.
Read Next: Valerie Bertinelli Announces Social Media Break for ‘Mental Health’
Questions or comments? Please write to us here.
– Content: +3Share:
– Content: +4