Every 10 October, World Mental Health Day is celebrated to raise awareness and visibility of the importance of psychological wellbeing. In recent years, the rise of social media has changed the way we approach these issues, with influencers emerging as key voices in the conversation. In this blog, we will explore the impact, risks and role of influencers in addressing mental health networking.
The Context of Mental Health in Networks
The rise of social media has created a new landscape in the treatment of sensitive topics such as mental health. While influencers have managed to break taboos and generate greater visibility, there is growing concern about how some trivialise or romanticise complex psychological problems. The line between raising awareness and generating content for popularity is increasingly blurred.
Data reveals that social media has amplified the conversation around mental health. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram host millions of videos with hashtags like #mentalhealth, where creators discuss topics ranging from depression to bipolar disorder. According to an article in El País, this trend has helped more people talk openly about their emotional problems. However, there is an obvious danger: many influencers lack proper training and offer advice that may be inaccurate or harmful. Some even abuse their platforms to self-diagnose or romanticize depression, trivializing the severity of the problem.
Público’s article on influencers who psychologically “burn out” raises another crucial point: the negative effect this constant exposure can have on the mental health of the creators themselves. The need to maintain popularity and the pressure to deliver increasingly emotional content leads many to experience anxiety, burnout and other mental health problems. It is a paradox: those who talk about the importance of taking care of mental health end up neglecting their own because of the demands of the platforms.
Also read: types of influencers
Influencers with Responsibility
However, it’s not all negative. According to the BrandMe article, there are influencers on Instagram who do address mental health responsibly, using their influence to educate their followers. These creators collaborate with psychologists or therapists, creating content that not only raises visibility, but also guides towards seeking professional help.
Here are some examples of influencers – psychologists who help their communities, providing value and helping thousands of people.
Kati Morton (@katimorton)
Kati is a licensed therapist who shares mental health education in an accessible and engaging way. Her content focuses on topics like anxiety, depression, trauma, and eating disorders, offering helpful tips and resources for emotional well-being.
Minaa B.LMSW (@minaa_b)
Minaa is a licensed social worker, author, and mental health educator who focuses on self-care, trauma healing, and community care. Her posts often discuss boundaries, emotional resilience, and healing through social justice and collective support.
Dr.Julie Smith (@drjulie)
Dr. Julie is a clinical psychologist who creates bite-sized videos with practical advice on mental health topics such as anxiety, stress management, and emotional regulation. Her content is informative, relatable, and designed to empower individuals with tools for better mental health.
Rebecca Anderson (@navigate_psychology)
Rebecca is a psychologist who shares insights on therapy, emotional intelligence, and psychological growth. Her content is focused on helping people navigate life challenges, enhance self-awareness, and improve their mental health.
Dr. Nicole LePera (@the.holistic.psychologist)
Dr. Nicole is known for promoting holistic approaches to mental health. Her content covers topics like self-healing, trauma, inner child work, and nervous system regulation, encouraging her followers to take an active role in their mental health and healing process.
The role of influencers in the mental health field is complex. While some manage to open useful and necessary conversations, others may be tempted to use psychological problems to gain popularity. That is why it is important to verify the source of the information and follow professionals who are experts in the field of mental health.
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