Social media use is pervasive in many developed societies. Social Media is a form of digital media and expansive platform that allows users to share information, and socialize with other users (Anderson & Jiang, 2018). There are multiple formats of social media being used by society today. Social networking has become such a large part of the everyday life of people such that many individuals repeatedly post or check their social media accounts. College students use social media to create virtual friendships and relationships that allow them to share information about their personal lives. Information that is shared as posts on social media including personal problems and struggles often elicit both positive and negative feedback (comments and likes). Thus, social media use has caused profound changes in the way people share their emotional and psychological concerns. It is unclear however, whether young adults' use of social media to share their personal problems constitute self-therapy and impact the tendency to seek formal mental health services. This paper examines perceptions on social media use, self-therapy and mental health seeking behavior among college students, as well as factors that mediate this behavior. It also explores the implications for mental health help seeking behavior among this group and proposes best practices for providing them with relevant and timely information.

Individuals with HIV/AIDS that live in rural areas experience significant stigma that creates psychosocial stress, depression, anxiety and reduced self-esteem. Coping with stigma and discrimination is a significant aspect of living with HIV/AIDS and has implications for the psychological and physical well-being of these individuals (Moskowitz, Hult, Bussolari & Acree, 2009). This study examined the relationship between stigma and discrimination, and coping strategies used by People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in rural areas using a mixed method study design. HIV-positive individuals served by the Illinois HIV Care Connect in Region 5, completed the survey for the study. The results showed that self-isolation was the most preferred method of coping, closely followed by engaging in destructive behaviors or reactions. The least preferred method was seeking spiritual guidance. Results of regression analysis also revealed that spending more years in care and having more social support really do have an effect on coping with HIV stigma and discrimination among the rural population. Implications for health and human services workers such as rehabilitation counselors and health communication officers are discussed.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused school closures in many countries, including Ghana and Kenya, and disrupted the normal process of education, affecting millions of students in both countries. This chapter focused on examining the impact and challenges of the school closures on educational stakeholders. Qualitative phenomenological design was employed, and participants were selected through purposive sampling and snowballing. Twelve participants, drawn from the stakeholders, participated in the guided interviews through face-to-face and phone. Results were presented in three main themes and showed the challenges confronting students, parents, and school authorities in the wake of the school closures. Recommendations from the researchers and the stakeholders are discussed.