With the New Year underway and social media feeds once again full of polished lifestyles and perfect routines, Irish mental health charity Turn2Me is encouraging people to start 2026 grounded in reality rather than comparison.
The charity has shared a list of seven everyday realities it says are completely normal, challenging online messages that can quietly take a toll on mental wellbeing. According to Turn2Me, constant exposure to unrealistic portrayals of happiness, success and spending can fuel anxiety, low self-esteem and financial stress, particularly at a time of year when many people already feel pressure to “start fresh”.
Among the points highlighted is the idea that feeling low sometimes is part of being human. Social media often presents a picture of people being happy all the time, but that is not realistic. Difficult days and periods are normal, and talking to friends, family or seeking support can make a real difference.
The charity also points to ageing as something that is routinely portrayed online as a problem to be fixed rather than a natural part of life. This pressure to look young forever can negatively affect confidence and self-worth.
Not going on holidays every month is another reality many people recognise but rarely see reflected online. Most people take one holiday a year, either at home or abroad, and going into debt for non-essential spending can create long-term stress.
Re-wearing outfits, including to weddings or social events, is also entirely normal. The expectation that every occasion requires something new is driven by online culture rather than real life, and contributes to unnecessary spending and environmental damage.
The list also challenges the idea that quitting a job without another lined up is always empowering. While leaving a toxic workplace can sometimes be necessary, doing so without financial security can be deeply stressful. Influencers promoting this as freedom often have income streams that are not obvious online.
Bringing lunch to work, rather than buying food out every day, is another practical habit that deserves to be normalised, as is saying no to social plans or purchases you simply cannot afford. Setting financial boundaries, the charity says, protects both mental and financial wellbeing.
Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Turn2Me, said social media often presents a distorted version of everyday life.
“When people compare their real lives to a highlight reel, it can have a serious impact on mental health. It is okay to live a normal life, with ups and downs, limits and boundaries.”
The charity says it will continue to highlight these messages throughout January, encouraging people to approach the New Year with more compassion for themselves and less comparison with others online.
Turn2Me provides free professional mental health supports, including counselling sessions, for those who may be struggling.
