Irrespective of how we have progressed as humans across the globe, mental health still remains a topic many people shy away from. Whether it is the social stigma associated with it or simply the inhibitions we may have to reveal a certain vulnerability, some people generally try and avoid telling family, friends, and acquaintances about something as simple as visiting a therapist.
We do have a lot of films, books and other mediums actively used to support the ideology that depression, anxiety and the likes are nothing but normal issues any individual may experience. However, for the society we currently live in, talking about it is much simpler than executing it. We support mental health in words but rarely find ourselves accepting somebody’s frailties and understanding that a certain behaviour may have a backstory.
However, with social media becoming a platform for people to freely express themselves, there is a huge community out there which understands and often indulges in conversations about being mentally different. Through experiences, art or simply a dialogue, the community extends massive support to those who need it.
Where visuals tend to be the most impactful, in terms of influencing or healing through art, these instagram accounts spread a very positive message.
As the name suggests, the Artidote is defined as a space which uses storytelling and powerful imagery to empathize, bond and heal as a community, all through art. Created and curated by Jova Ferreyra, this page (present across social media platforms) uses artwork to address mental health and self-awareness on a positive note.
Art is the best form to communicate a message packaged with more than what just words can tell. If you’re an art lover, this instagram handle will leave you amazed. Narrating little stories and ideologies through paintings, this page is all you need to get a daily dose of detox from the everyday humdrum in our lives.
Being a woman in a world saturated with the idea of an ideal body type, in terms of colour and size, is a tough road. Some women collectively find themselves dealing with low self-esteem and confidence because of the way we are judged. Believe it or not, this tampers with self-awareness and consciousness. This page is all about regaining that. Following this page, one will realise that there is so much content with women with a darker skin staying body positive, appreciating and embracing themselves as who they are and not what they ought to be.
This instagram account, handled by a comic artist, illustrates anxiety and similar thoughts we refrain from being vocal about. Beth uses the medium to draw thoughts, not in an explicitly funny, but a more relatable way, eventually making you feel better as someone seems to relate to those similar thoughts in your head.
With many celebrities across the globe taking a step towards mental health, talking about their own experiences, there is a sense of awareness in the air about depression and anxiety. This instagram handle is the official account for the mental health initiative by the very graceful Deepika Padukone. Extending support to the community, this account is a must follow.
Although there are people finely advocating the mental health narrative, social media has a dark side too. Using our sense of discretion to whether a certain subject is giving us solace or causing further damage is a personal analysis. Where there are accounts helping a cause, there are also those worsening the situation. If we tread carefully, the community by and large helps, supports and understands that mental health is nothing different from physical health. Seeking help is nothing different or unusual.
Photo Credits: The Artidote