When a person shares their mental struggles on social media–and I notice their followers grow in exponential jumps–my belly tightens. And before anyone reading this gets offended, yes, I agree: There are many positives to publicly sharing first-person mental health stories. For instance, let’s revisit the pandemic.
During Covid, issues like anxiety, depression, and eating disorders skyrocketed. Content creators helped to spread mental health information and support at rates unsurpassed. Historically unavailable information became accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Firsthand stories connected people, helping quarantined and isolated individuals feel less alone and likely more hopeful about their own struggles. And those benefits are not limited to a global pandemic.
However, repeatedly, I see that building a following by sharing personal stories of mental health journeys can box people in–keep them stuck. I’m a lurker online who has been watching this phenomenon for a while. And an observable pattern follows. (Click for full article)
