10 Mental Health Accounts You Should be Following on Instagram

Social media has been a controversial topic for as long as it’s been around, especially when it comes to mental health. If you’ve ever been on Instagram, there’s a good chance you’ve seen something that makes you feel bad about yourself in some way. Seeing these kinds of posts multiple times every day can trigger or worsen mental health conditions. Sometimes, a social media detox is exactly what you need.

But can social media, and Instagram in particular, have any benefits for mental health?

If used in the right way, social media can help you find a community and build a support system that will lift you up in times of need. Additionally, there is an entire side of Instagram dedicated to posts about mental health. They range from inspirational quotes to educational posts to relatable cartoons. At the very least, following accounts like these can help brighten your feed a little! I’ve compiled a list of 10 suggestions of mental health accounts to follow on Instagram.

1. Let’s Talk About Mental Health — @letstalkaboutmentalhealth

This account is based on stories, pieces of advice, realizations, and inspiration from real people with mental health issues. Either the post itself or the caption will feature someone’s personal anecdote, and there are some original illustrations thrown into the mix. Their bold aesthetic and distinctive colour scheme will definitely stand out on your feed.

2. The Blurt Foundation — @theblurtfoundation

With a mix of thoughtful, well-written captions and curated mental health quotes and illustrations, the Blurt Foundation has a little something for everyone. They also promote their blog posts that cover a wide variety of specific mental health topics, such as environmental anxiety and postoperative depression. A great feature of this account is that they provide image descriptions in most of their captions for followers who may be visually impaired.

3. Sarah Crosby — @themindgeek

Sarah Crosby is a psychotherapist on Instagram that goes by “the mind geek.” Her account is comprised of posts featuring “mental health sticky notes,” which are illustrated tidbits of information related to various mental health and emotional issues. The sticky notes provide the basics, but she goes into more detail in her captions. She often makes a series of posts about one topic, which range from gaslighting to myths about suicide to defense mechanisms.

4. Mental Health Quotes — @mentalhealthquotess

You’ve probably come across several Instagram accounts that offer “daily inspiration and motivation” like this one. This account posts fairly regularly and there’s a mix of quotes, screenshots from other social media posts, and illustrations- all focused on mental health. A unique feature of this account is their “Vent Sundays,” a weekly post that hundreds of followers comment under and vent about anything going on in their lives and offer support to others.

5. DLC Anxiety Support — @dlcanxietysupport

This “anxiety support platform” focuses on issues surrounding anxiety specifically but branches out to address a variety of topics related to mental health, self-care, and wellness. The account mainly reposts illustrated quotes and infographics, but often provides meaningful insight in their captions. They post regularly to their story and also offer coaching sessions via direct message.

6. Dr. Jenn Hardy — @drjennhardy

Jenn Hardy is a psychologist with an inspirational Instagram account. Her posts are a mix of short insights on sticky notes and quote graphics. She usually expands her thoughts in her captions, which often include prompts for the readers to think critically about their own situations. However, she does emphasize that while Instagram can provide inspiration and information, it does not replace therapy or genuine relationships.

7. Project UROK — @projecturok

Project UROK is an initiative supported by the Child Mind Institute, a nonprofit that helps youth living with mental health disorders. The project is working towards ending the stigma about mental illness and offering support to youth struggling with it. They offer expert mental health support and a platform for young people to share their personal stories about mental illness. Their Instagram account features messages of self-care from followers amongst a colourful collection of inspirational art.

8. Matt Haig — @mattzhaig

Matt Haig is a British author who has published several books about mental health. His Instagram and Twitter accounts feature well-written insights about mental health, advice based on his own experiences, and sometimes his thoughts on current events. He also regularly posts about his family and updates about his books.

9. Melissa Webb — @mellow.doodles

You might come across Melissa’s art reposted on another mental health account. Her pink and yellow theme and unique handwriting create a distinct aesthetic that will probably catch your eye as you scroll. Her posts are mostly illustrated quotes or lists with corresponding doodles, but her talent also extends into her captions which offer personal anecdotes and advice.

10. SMASH — @ryersonsmash

By: Annemarie Cutruzzola