5 Mental Health & Wellness Advocates to Follow on Instagram Today
Scrolling through social media isn't just about perfectly curated coffee shots and dreamy vacation reels anymore. A powerful transformation is happening in our feeds, and it's changing the way we talk about something that affects every single one of us—our mental health. Sure, May is officially Mental Health Awareness Month, but there's a remarkable tribe of influencers who are keeping it raw and real about mental wellness 365 days a year.
Millions of us are dealing with anxiety that makes our hearts race, depression that leaves us feeling stuck in bed, and countless other mental hurdles that can make even the simplest Instagram story feel like climbing Mount Everest. That's exactly why these game-changing social media feeds have made it their mission (and yes, their brand) to pull back the curtain on mental health conversations that used to be limited to therapists' offices and late-night Facetime calls with best friends.
These influential voices are serving up a fresh dose of authenticity, turning their platforms into digital safe spaces, sharing both their tough moments and triumph stories. Ready to discover your new favorite follows? We're spotlighting the must-follow accounts that are revolutionizing how we talk about mental health on social media, building communities that feel less like a fan base and more like a supportive sisterhood.
1. Girls Night In
This is a two-in-one because Girls’ Night In is not only an Instagram account, but also a weekly newsletter meant to help you relax at home (hence the name) while still having fun alone, or with friends sans the guilt. Their team recently launched campaigns to help deal with the global pandemic. Stay Home Take Care is a go-to resource of activities to do while stuck at home which has opened up conversations between followers about the hobbies that are keeping them sane. Their next campaign, How Do I Deal? which launched this month is dedicated to mental health. Even though their content already touches on wellness, they have taken this opportunity to dive deeper into “talking through the basics of therapy, managing mental health during COVID-19… grappling with grief in various forms, and more” according to their Instagram. If you need more tools on how to deal with your new normal, this is a great page to check out.
Image Source: @GirlsNightInClub
2. BrownGirlTherapy
There is a growing need for mental health resources in Black and brown communities. Enter BrownGirlTherapy, a destination for children of immigrants, promoting therapy and identity exploration. The founder shares tips on finding a therapist, how to take advantage of therapy sessions, and relatable notes on what it’s like being the child of immigrants. As the demand for mental health services and the struggle to find a therapist with a similar background increases in BIPOC communities, inclusivity in the mental health community continues to be a rarity, making this account a special one to follow.
Image Source: @BrownGirlTherapy
3. Vivian Nuñez
As a writer and mental health advocate, Vivian Nuñez has openly shared her struggles with depression. From losing her mother and grandmother, Nuñez has turned her grief into an Instagram platform filled with relatable feelings — think waking up in an anxious mood to then experiencing joy a couple of hours later thanks to simple things like a donut. She makes the effort to check in on her audience with genuine questions on how they are feeling and guides to help set goals for the week. For those of you who prefer an interactive relationship, this is a great account to follow to keep yourself accountable and honest about your true feelings. During Mental Health Awareness Month, Nuñez has amplified her content to daily IG TV lives on topics such as the music she listens to when facing anxiety.
Image Source: @VivNunez
4. Shine Text
If you like a mix of fun visuals and helpful mental health resources, Shine Text is a valuable page to follow. The comment section alone provides support among community members. They recently relaunched their second annual National Mental Health Break, full of group meditations, mental health experts, and special guests. Even if you missed this virtual gathering, Shine Text continues to encourage their followers to prioritize mental health. If you’re in need of this reminder, Shine Text’s work is one to follow.
Image Source: @ShineText
5. Chelsea Williams
As a plant-based public health nutritionist and wellness expert, Chelsea Williams encourages her audience to eat whole foods that are fresh and minimally processed. According to Williams, “Highly processed, fried, and fatty foods, cause inflammation in the body, a risk factor for depression and anxiety. I encourage my audience to take a more intentional approach to mindful eating by becoming their own best advocate.” The foods she suggests promote brain health, showing the important link between physical and mental health. If you are looking to explore the connection between what you eat and how it affects your mental health, visit her Instagram page.
Image Source: @ThatsChelsea
This post first appeared on Her Agenda, an award-winning inspiration and information hub for ambitious millennial women, providing the best resources found online to motivate them to reach their full potential. Named a top website for millennial women by Forbes.com, Her Agenda’s content-driven resource portal attracts driven women and gives them the tools to become accomplished women. Her Agenda curates, collects, and creates the latest news, events, career advice, jobs, workshops, panels, and conferences to help women with their careers. Her Agenda also features interviews with powerful, successful women to offer direct advice from their career journey to readers. For more, visit www.HerAgenda.com.