12 Instagram Accounts to Follow For Mental Health Awareness Month + Beyond

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and I feel it couldn’t be a more appropriate time for this post.

We’re on month two of collectively weathering this storm – and experiencing the trauma – of a public health emergency on a global level. While at the same time, facing the individual traumas that we deal with daily. Things changed pretty much overnight for everyone. We’re navigating a new normal and (if you’re anything like me) slowly realizing just how different our lives will (have to) be going forward.

It’s all a little bit up in the air and, to be honest, that uncertainty feels daunting. But also maybe a little exciting? (Or am I alone in that feeling?) It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, that’s for sure.

I believe that we need a daily dose of positivity and reminders that our feelings – whatever they may be – are valid and normal. May I suggest that positivity and encouragement come from a place we’re all hanging out already: Instagram.

Instagram Accounts to Follow For Mental Health Awareness Month + Beyond

Whether through mantras, rituals, facts, activism, or humor, the following accounts share meaningful content that fills my feed with positive reminders that I’m human and my mental health matters. I’m doing the best I can. And that’s all I have to do – especially while everyday life is constantly shifting beneath my feet.

@maraglatzel

Lean into being a needy human being with sage advice on radical self-care from Mara Glatzel. Follow her on Instagram @maraglatzel and tune into her podcast, Needy with Mara Glatzel.

@chronically_simple

This is an Instagram account for a health management app, but their posts resonate with those facing chronic health issues whose self-care is often overlooked and diminished. Follow along on Instagram at @chronically_simple.

@alyssamariewellness

@millennial.therapist

@i_weigh

@alex_elle

@blessingmanifesting

@drjennhardy

@happynotperfect

@_lisaolivera

@howtogetittogether

@jordanpickellcounselling

Fun Facts About Mental Health Awareness Month

Since I’m me, I dove into the history of Mental Health Awareness Month, and learned some fun facts.

1. The non-profit Mental Health America has observed Mental Health Awareness Month since 1949.
2. President Barack Obama officially proclaimed the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month in 2013.
3. The purpose of the month-long campaign is to raise awareness and educate the public about mental illnesses, the realities of living with these conditions, strategies for attaining mental health and wellness, and to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental illnesses.
4. The theme changes every year. The 2020 theme is Tools 2 Thrive. Download The 2020 Mental Health Month Toolkit for yourself.
5. Clifford Whittingham Beers, the founder of what is now Mental Health America, suffered from depression and paranoia and spent time in mental institutions in the early 1900s. This time in his life impassioned him to work toward reform for the treatment of the mentally ill.
6. He was rewarded for his work by being one of the 37 honorees of The Extra Mile National Monument in Washington, DC, a memorial that pays homage to Americans who set their own self-interest aside to help others and successfully brought positive social change to the United States.

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