The past year has been a challenging time for mental health. Uncertainty, unemployment, and isolation all make it hard to feel good.
Although mental health awareness has been building in the last five years, the need for resources and visibility has recently skyrocketed. The pandemic also has given people time to reflect on why mental health can be a struggle. Many have come up with creative solutions for themselves (and others) to thrive against the odds.
It’s encouraging to see social media influencers take mental health awareness to their audiences and lead the way through positive change. They’ve adapted to the new reality but forged a different, more mindful path. Here are six ways influencers are making the world — and minds — a better place.
1. Keeping it real and breaking through Insta walls
There was a time when having the perfect Insta grid was all the rage, but now that exquisitely curated “perfection” is getting old. Gone are the days of perfectly manicured feeds and stuffy posturing; now, Instagram culture is about keeping it real. Gina Martin, popular for her political activism and vibrant fashion photography, is a great example of the shift toward reality. Shortly after the pandemic began, she noticed a change in her moods. As she became more aware of her struggle, she became mindful of the struggles others were going through, too. Posts like this one:
Gina has her hair up and is using a skincare mask, bringing her audience into a quiet, personal moment. Showing herself practicing self-care models that behavior for others and opens a conversation with her audience about taking time for stress-reducing activities. 2. Facilitating escapism with aspirational, nonpandemic content.
Katie Sands began her all-in, less-perfection-more-reality approach in March 2020. She shares photos of herself chilling on the sofa and news about how the fashion industry has helped us through the pandemic with face masks and PPE.
Katie’s followers appreciate the shift because, after all, everyone’s living in their sweats! But over time, followers have asked her to post aspirational content again. It’s good for their mental health because it’s something to look forward to once the pandemic is over. Katie agreed. Not all of her posts are perfect, but she’s back to killing it with gorgeous fashion that gets followers excited. This content helps them escape reality for just a moment, and that feels good.
2. Using influencer powers for good
Bad news overload can lead to anxiety and depression — and that takes up a lot of mental space. Sometimes everyone needs to hear good news. Influencers are doing just that, and their audiences are there for the full variety they’re posting.
Bishop T.D. Jakes, motivational speaker and head of The Potter’s House Church in Dallas, Texas, has created a whole lot of good. The Bishop streams services straight to the homes of church members and followers around the world. This helps many feel less isolated and disconnected. The Bishop also hosted a panel to clear up fears about the vaccine, and the church created pandemic-specialized Youtube content for people dealing with PTSD, stress, anxiety, and addiction.
Some influencers use their time and talent to help in surprising and fun ways. Jennifer Garner and Amy Adams founded the Instagram account, @SavewithStories. Their channel features influential people like Kamala Harris and Taye Diggs reading books to children who may be experiencing fear and isolation at home. The account also raises awareness and funds for food banks.
Josh Gad, the human behind the cheerful voice of Olaf in Frozen, posts his own mental health videos to reach those who need a little TLC. Josh even surprised an Olaf-loving 7-year-old whose healthcare-worker mom hadn’t had a day off at home in over five months. Be forewarned — this type of good may make you misty-eyed!
3. Directly sharing mental health tips and resources
Many struggling with mental health issues don't know where to begin. In fact, it can be so overwhelming that they need someone to point them in the right direction. Many therapists and experts on wellbeing have made therapeutic practices accessible online. Here are just a few examples:
Therapist + Wellness Coach Minaa B created content on Covid-related dating boundaries.
Chinae Alexander openly talks about her experience with mental health, seeing a therapist, and body confidence.
Nicole Cardoza eats, sleeps, and breathes wellness. She’s written a downloadable book, founded @antiracismdaily and @bewellemental, and pioneered $5,000 impact grants that make wellness more accessible.
Lauren Ash, founder of @blackgirlinom, shows how it’s done with a focus on yoga, meditation, and practical content. A bit like a sleep EP on Spotify, Lauren helps followers work on personal and intergenerational healing, deep rest, and self-love.
4. Influencers rallying their family members, too
Sometimes the support we need is right in front of us. Take Bollywood actor-turned-influencer Sameera Reddy, who found herself locked down with a nine-month-old and a four-year-old. She soon felt her anxiety going through the roof. But Sameera luckily discovered a hidden blessing in lockdown as her mother-in-law began recording their cooking sessions together. Sameera's collaboration with family has inspired others to do the same.
Parenting influencers have ramped up their parent-focused content and created support groups and communities. There’s so much out there — from Instagram’s @betseelovee that helps followers make the pandemic easier on kids’ education to @makelleahlin.and.thelostboys who champions teachers for all their hard work.
5. Fitness influencers supporting healthy body, healthy mind
As the pandemic continues, everyone can agree that fitness doesn’t always make it to the top of the "to do" list. Yet the benefits of the healthy body–healthy mind approach are well known. Fitness influencers have stepped up with content that promotes mental health through apps, YouTube, and social media:
Founder of the Sculpt Society, Megan Roup expanded her app from just offering fitness classes to offering support and guided meditations from a mindset coach.
Ameerah Omar and Reiki Master Kelsey Patel lead meditations. Master trainer Traci Copeland leads yoga sessions, and also uses workouts to fundraise.
Yoga instructor Sophie Jaffe provides wellness-focused live-stream classes and makes Spotify lists for at-home yoga. Her health food company runs under COVID-19 safety guidelines while supporting its employees throughout the pandemic.
Boxer and trainer Taylor Rae Almonte provides a series on mental health in BIPOC communities, alongside her fitness content.
Raw Fitness provides specialized content on coping with fear and anxiety and finding peace amid chaos,
How are you making mental health a priority?
Mental health is a high-priority issue that influencers are well-positioned to tackle. The pandemic has forced many influencers to reevaluate how they can contribute to this important work. By simply being real about how they’re doing personally, they help thousands feel a bit better about how they’re doing, too. The question is, are you ready to get real and make mental health a priority — for you, your loved ones, and your followers?
For more ways you can support the cause, check out the International Day of Happiness, which happens every March 20th. The website is packed with mental health resources, as well as information about how people are finding ways to celebrate — and how to keep calm, stay wise, and be kind.
Discover more good in Impact’s list of mental health and wellbeing influencers, or get in touch to learn more about how Activate can help connect you with conscientious creators. If you are a creator, join our network to collaborate with complementary brands.