Creators Are Sharing The Ways Their Community Has Impacted Their Mental Health

The influence of social media on mental health has been an area of intense scrutiny and debate in recent years. While certain kinds of content and spaces have been linked to increased increased self-comparison, and subsequent risk of stress, anxiety, and depression, during Mental Health Awareness Month in May, several content creators posted videos with a different perspective, about the positive potential of online spaces and communities using the hashtag #mycommunity.

Many of these creators have been building their platforms for years, and several have shared that their own communities were not as open to discussions about mental health as their online communities were, which gave them space to heal and grow. Other creators shared that their online communities encouraged them to be more creative, expressive, which led to a new career or path.

Check out the IG hashtag to see more, but here are just a few of our favorites:

Jeff Jenkins thanked his IG fam for supporting inclusive travel and encouraging him – and the community – to TAKE that trip.

Madison Werner said her community has helped her be more comfortable with her gender transition.

Mikah Jones says content creation and the community around it saved his life.

Iskra Lawrence said her online community is her "internet home."

Dr Kojo Sarfo, a psychotherapist, said his community has helped him overcome shame about talking about mental health that he experienced even as professional in the field.

Mandy Ansari said her internet community helped her through the darkest days of her life.

Asia Jackson said her community inspired her to be vulnerable and share her mental health journey.

Zoe Stoller said her community has taught her about the vastness and intersectionality of the LGBTQ community.

Rhiannan Payne said that she's grateful her community helped her learn to be herself.

Alex says her community has inspired her to live life to the fullest.

Natalia Lafourcade says her community helps her feel less alone.

Aija Mayrock says her community believed in her writing and helped her shape her career as a best-selling author and speaker.

And Ariana Feygin said her community has made her a better artist.

More on Mental Health

• People Are Sharing The Most Profound Change They Made That Drastically Improved Their Mental State, And This Is ImportantRaven Ishak · Dec. 14, 2022

• I Asked A Financial Therapist For Tips On Managing Money With ADHD, And Her Advice Is Genuinely Helpfulathenavalentine · Feb. 3, 2023

• 17 Mental Health Cheat Sheets That Everyone Should Have Bookmarked, HonestlySyd Robinson · May 25, 2021