Impact of Smartphone Use On Mental Health in Adult Women

Excessive smartphone and social media use have been linked to negative mental health outcomes, particularly among adult women, contributing to anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, headaches, and reduced well-being (Sserunkuuma et al., 2023; Pandya & Lodha, 2021; Small et al., 2020). This study examines the relationship between smartphone use and mental health symptoms and evaluates whether a structured digital wellness intervention can help mitigate these effects. A pre- and post-study survey design assessed changes in self-reported mental health symptoms before and after the Sunday Self Care intervention. A total of 39 participants completed the initial questionnaire, and 22 completed the post-study survey. The intervention consisted of four weekly educational emails providing strategies for reducing screen time, improving sleep, and managing anxiety, headaches, and depression. Findings showed high smartphone use, with 80% of participants using devices for more than two hours per day and 67% spending over an hour on social media. Additionally, 100% reported sleep disturbances, 82% experienced anxiety, 77% had headaches, and 74% exhibited depressive symptoms. After the intervention, 85% found the emails helpful for anxiety, 80% for sleep, 45% for headaches, and 65% for depression. Moreover, 60% reported mental health improvements, and 90% expressed a positive outlook post-study. These results highlight the potential role of digital wellness strategies in promoting awareness and healthier technology habits. While long-term effects were not assessed, findings suggest structured interventions may encourage self-awareness and support mental health. Future research should explore the long-term impact of digital wellness strategies and ways to optimize engagement. These findings have practical implications for nursing, public health, and mental health education.