Social media and mental health don’t always go hand in hand. And when it comes to stuff like self-esteem, anxiety, and depression, it is no surprise that Instagram makes the top of the list for most toxic social media platforms. But social media doesn’t have to have a negative effect on our mental health. In fact, we can use our social media, whether it be Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, to improve our self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and overall mental health.

Recommended Reading: Social Media and Mental Health

I spend most of my social media time on Instagram, and I have found a lot of awesome accounts that promote mental health. Here is what I look for in an account and which accounts make my top five!

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What I Look For

Before I hit the follow button on any account claiming to be an advocate for mental health, I like to check off a few boxes.

First, what is the message or goal of the account? It may be social anxiety, body positivity, stress, equality, and the list goes on and on. Whatever the goal of the account is, it’s important that it is made clear through posts, stories, bio info, highlights, etc. For me, when the message that the account is trying to send is clear, the content tends to be more impactful.

Second, what is the actual content being shared on the account? When looking at a new mental health account, scroll through and pick a few random posts to check out. This can help determine if the content is consistent and if the message is helpful. This also helps with deciding if the approach and aesthetic of the content is enjoyable and easy to digest. For me, content is the most important element of any account, so checking this box is a must.

Third, how consistent is the account holder? When deciding whether you want to follow an account or not, consider how often the account holder posts. You may be looking for a lot of content, or a little, so checking the consistency of what is being shared is helpful. Looking at the dates on recent posts and clicking through a days worth of stories are two good ways to check this box. For me, about a post a day and a few stories from the accounts I follow is perfect.

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My Top 5

With each account that made this list, I include the three qualities I look for; goal, content, and consistency. This list is in no particular order.

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When it comes to mental health, social media can actually help us feel better. If you’ve been wanting to make a change in your social media feed, these accounts would be a great start. Comment some mental health related accounts that you follow and check out my Instagram to find more awesome mental health content to follow.