Mental Health & Spiritual Discernment: Why I’m Choosing to Step Away from Social Media Indefinitely

In today’s episode of God-Sized Dreams, Melissa shares the behind-the-scenes story of why she is stepping away from social media indefinitely — not because she’s stuck, overwhelmed, or burned out, but because God asked her to.

Through months of conviction, quiet nudges, and spiritual discernment, Melissa realized social media had slowly become a coping mechanism, a time-drain, and an area of misalignment with the very things she teaches women every week. What began as a summer break turned into a God-led invitation to choose obedience, presence, and mental health over algorithms and online pressure.

She also shares the powerful parallel God showed her between alcohol and social media, the mental health stats that opened her eyes, and how He reminded her that He doesn’t need social media to reach the women she is called to serve.

If you’ve been sensing the need to slow down, get quiet, or break unhelpful habits around your phone, this episode will encourage you to listen for God’s voice and trust Him with your reach, your time, and your next step.

“If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or unsure what your next step should be, don’t forget I offer coaching designed to help you find clarity. Whether that’s a one-time Breakthrough Unstuck Session or a full 6 months together, you can check out all the details at melissabatt.com/breakthrough-coaching.

Key Takeaways [01:02] Why This Episode Matters

This conversation is more vulnerable than usual — rooted in honesty, mental health, and obedience.

[02:00] The Conviction: God Kept Whispering “Lay It Down”

How a summer break from social media turned into a clear assignment from God.

[05:10] The Alcohol Parallel

The moment God showed Melissa how social media had become a coping mechanism, similar to her past convictions with alcohol.

[08:45] When Social Media Quietly Steals Your Peace & Time

Even without comparison, scrolling can numb, distract, and keep you from hearing God clearly.

[11:50] Mental Health & The Research That Opened My Eyes

How social media impacts anxiety, distraction, loneliness, and our nervous systems.

[15:20] Who I’m Called to Serve Right Now

Why Melissa is shifting her focus to women who are actively searching, listening, and ready for change.

[17:50] Trusting God With My Business & My Message

A reminder of how God brought coaching clients even when she wasn’t marketing online.

[20:55] Choosing Alignment Over Algorithms

Why Melissa refuses to teach women to put down their phones while staying active on platforms that harm their mental health and distract them from their main priorities.

[22:10] Baby Step Challenge

A simple awareness practice to help you understand your own digital habits.

[24:00] A Prayer for Bold, Obedient Steps

Melissa prays over you as you consider what God might be asking you to release.

Baby Step Challenge

This week’s baby step is simple awareness:

1. Check your screen time. Look at today + the last 7 days.

2. Before opening an app, pause and ask:

• Why am I reaching for my phone right now?

• Am I bored, lonely, stressed, avoiding something, or just on autopilot?

3. Consider the invitation: What could I choose instead, and what might God be inviting me into right now?

Resources Mentioned

• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

• The 40-Day Social Media Fast by Wendy Speake

Work With Melissa

Ready for clarity, peace, and purpose? Whether you want a single Breakthrough Unstuck Session or six months of Breakthrough Coaching, your next step is to take action.