Mental health and social media don't work well together, but what if I told that there is a community that is changing that?
Even with haters and drama, bookstagram can be the best social media community for people with anxiety and depression.
I am sure that most people are aware that social media is not a good place for people with mental health issues. But do people really know to what extend does that goes?
The American physiological association confirms in a recent (2019) research that:
"Excessive Instagram use may contribute to negative psychological outcomes and poor appearance-related self-perception, in line with prior research".
Just as the NHS approved the findings of a UK survey that suggests:
"Instagram is rated as the worst social media platform when it comes to its impact on young people's mental health".
Between being called "addiction" to being associated with depression, anxiety and even suicide, Instagram does not have a good association with mental health, even more when it comes to young adults.
Instagram biggest audience is people between 18-24 year-old, making them fall into this category.
Iolanda Melo, who is a psychologist, gives some advice on how to deal with the mental health issues that come with social media:
Have discipline with the time spent in social media.
Have a clear understanding of the value of present relationships and real friends (not only virtual friends).
Value the time spent with family and friends outside the net and the social media.
Have hobbies and other interests beside social media.
But, there may be a community that is changing all of this.
Bookstagram has been described as a good place to be in even if you are experiencing anxiety or depression, here is a podcast about this:
"Social media gives me the chance to express everything on my mind without me thinking of other people’s judgements and thoughts", said Tooba who is a bookstagrammer from Australia.
1.Haters
The truth is that there are haters in all communities, even bookstagram. Maybe you expressed your opinion about a book and someone does not agree.
"Don't focus on the haters, focus on the loving accounts that like your photos", said Mariana who is a bookstagrammer that has dealt with hate in the past.
But, in the sources interviewed, many actually talked about how little hate they get in their posts and that most people are kind!
2.Obsessing over content quality
"I don't believe in creating content just to have something to publish. If it is not good it is not worth posting", said Rita who is a bookstagrammer from Portugal.
In bookstagram-land it is easy to feel out of place and inferior to others, maybe because you don't have the capability to buy all the new books or you just don't have the skills over how to edit your photos properly: here is an article about this.
Whatever it is, obsessing over content quality is never worth it if it hurts your mental health.
We all see those 10K accounts with colour coordination and think to ourselves that we will never be able to get there: look at how many posts they have.
You will get to the conclusion that 90% of those accounts have a LOT of posts, and you know what that means? That it took time and hard work to get where they are.
3.Creator's Block
Being unique is impossible.
Bringing uniqueness is possible.
Creator's block is a real problem in bookstagram and it creates anxiety and stress management problems, and if you add the pressure to post regularly it all becomes a recipe for disaster.
But you are not alone:
Sara who is a New York bookstagrammer said: "Any creative person can experience a block, it starts with an inability to create fresh ideas, and it leads you to procrastination"
Tips on how to cope with creator's block:
1.Take a break. Of an hour, a day, a week.
2.Do something else entirely different. Try that hobby you always wanted to and have fun with it.
3.Search for Inspiration. You can do this on Instagram or Pinterest for example.
4.Remember to make it yours. When you are trying to take a photo for bookstagram and its not going well, or its not unique, or maybe you just don't know what to take photos of in the first place: make it something you love, combine patterns and props and get wild with it.