September 2019 • happiful.com • 9could have
a positive
impact on your
wellbeing
When it comes to health and
wellbeing, social media has a
pretty bad rep. But a new study
from Edge Hill University,
Lancashire, has revealed
that WhatsApp may actually
have a positive impact on our
psychological wellbeing.
Researchers have revealed that
spending time chatting via the
popular messaging app may lead
to a higher sense of self-esteem,
reduced levels of loneliness, and
could help us feel closer to our
friends and family.
Prior research has suggested
social media platforms such as
Instagram and Snapchat may be
detrimental to our health, with
studies linking the time spent on
social media with increased levels
of depression and anxiety.
But when it comes to our
wellbeing, group chats and one-
on-one interactions are thought
to be some of the most beneficial
aspects of social media, thanks
to the increased sense of social
support. It could still be too early
to judge, but these latest findings
suggest tech may be able to
help us create new channels of
communication, and feel more
connected with others.
Now that’s something to text
home about!
Writing | Bonnie Evie GiffordAfter a hysterectomy led her to
experience severe symptoms of the
menopause, psychotherapist Diane
Danzebrink has been campaigning
to raise awareness and improve
understanding, leading to lessons
on the menopause being added to
the school curriculum.
Speaking about her experience of
the menopause, she says it caused
her to fall into a dark place.
“I was lucky; I had a supportive
husband and family who got me
the help I needed when I was not
capable of doing that for myself,”
Diane told the BBC.
“Since then, I have become
increasingly aware of just how
many women are not receiving
the right support and advice about
TECH
HEALTH
Lessons on the menopause will
now be taught in schools
Successful campaign will see changes made to secondary
school sex and relationship lessons in the UK
menopause, from their doctors,
employers, and sometimes even
their own families and friends.”
Diane’s campaign began in
October 2018, and the government
now says the menopause will be
added to secondary school sex and
relationship lessons in the UK.
While the details are still to be
finalised, the then education
secretary, Damian Hinds,
confirmed the government’s
support, saying it was an important
part of reproductive education, and
“all children should learn about this
at school”.
With education comes
understanding and support – here’s
to more of both in the near future.
Writing | Kat Nicholls