I didn’t receive my diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder until my thirties, despite battling anxiety for as long as I can remember. It turns out, I’m not alone; almost 20% of adults in the U.S. experience some form of anxiety disorder, with women being more than twice as likely to be diagnosed compared to men. Depression follows the same trend.
For those of you who have been diagnosed with anxiety or depression, the ongoing pandemic may be exacerbating your mental health challenges. The COVID-19 crisis has significantly impacted many aspects of our lives, including finances, sleep, emotions, and of course, mental well-being. If you find yourself aimlessly scrolling through social media to escape the realities of quarantine, you’re not alone—this can often lead to increased anxiety rather than relief. Thankfully, I’ve stumbled upon some uplifting Instagram accounts created by women that focus on mental health. If I’m going to be on social media, I might as well fill my feed with positivity to help ease my anxiety.
While it’s essential to work with healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action for your mental health—which may include medication and therapy—there are also lifestyle changes recommended by the Mayo Clinic. These include regular exercise, adequate sleep, relaxation methods (like yoga and meditation), maintaining a nutritious diet, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and quitting habits such as smoking and excessive caffeine consumption. As someone managing anxiety, I can attest that these strategies have been beneficial, particularly when combined with a positive newsfeed.
Here are some inspiring female-led Instagram accounts that encourage us to prioritize our mental well-being:
Mindfully Present
Artist Jamie Lark shares her philosophy of living in the moment, stating, “The present is all we truly possess; let’s make this moment a positive one.” Her posts promote the belief that life is most fulfilling when we focus on the now and encourages us to “Be positive. Be present. This is your life.”
Dr. Maya
Dr. Maya Thompson, a psychologist and advocate, frequently shares insights on cultivating healthy boundaries and embracing our true feelings instead of suppressing them. She emphasizes how sharing our experiences with compassion can lead to meaningful healing. “When we speak truthfully and lovingly, we empower others who have walked similar paths,” she says.
Embracing Serenity
Joanna Fields is no stranger to the mental health challenges women often face. On her page, she shares her journey through anxiety and depression, along with appealing art and self-care tips that leave her followers eagerly anticipating her next post.
Illustrated Strength
Sophia Lane, an illustrator and cancer survivor, uses her experiences to motivate women dealing with anxiety and self-worth issues. Her artwork resonates with many who are navigating their own challenges.
Cultural Wellness Collective
Founded by experts Dr. Lisa Carter and Dr. Angela Smith, this account offers culturally relevant resources centered on mental health in the Black community. Social media platforms like theirs work to combat the stigma surrounding mental health, especially for Black women who are statistically less likely to seek help for depression.
Carmen Joy
Writer and activist Carmen Joy is recognized for her heartfelt poetry that addresses mental health. She believes in the power of vulnerability, stating, “When we are honest about our struggles, we can transform our words into healing and our experiences into wisdom.”
Maya Harper
Maya Harper, known for her poetic and artistic endeavors, runs two popular Instagram accounts that inspire self-reflection and empathy through her creative expression.
Women are often juggling numerous responsibilities, and the challenges presented by COVID-19 have added to that burden. While we cannot control many external factors, we can choose to fill our social media feeds with uplifting voices that encourage and support us. For more insights on related topics, check out this blog post on home insemination, which provides excellent resources for pregnancy and mental health as well: Home Insemination and Women’s Health.
In summary, it’s crucial for women to prioritize their mental health, especially during trying times like these. By engaging with supportive and positive content on social media, we can create a nurturing environment that promotes emotional well-being.