A couple of years ago, the Royal Society for Public Health and the Young Health Movement released a survey that found Instagram to be the worst social media platform for one’s mental health. The constantly updated feed of people posting how happening their lives are resulted in feelings of anxiety, alienation and constant fear of missing out. On the other hand, Instagram has also been harnessed by a few as a medium of global communication and source of support. Mental health advocates, activists and writers are challenging the notion of Instagram as a breeding ground for complexes and encouraging people to build positive feeds.

On that note, here are 6 intersectional Instagram accounts that propagate mental health awareness, body positivity, healing, self-care and self-love:

1) Recipes For Self Love

 

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You’re not perfect and you don’t have to be. You’re not going to be everyone’s cup of tea but it doesn’t matter. Don’t change yourself to get others’ approval, don’t apologise for who you are. . . . . . #recipesforselflove #support #love #joy #quotes #beyourself #instagood #selflove #selfcare #loveyourself #smashthepatriarchy #book #bookstagram #hijabi #bookstagrammer #feminism #lifestyle #unique #feminsta #feminist #zine #illustration #digital #drawing #pastel #design #graphic #art #instalove #love #yourself

A post shared by Recipes For Self Love (@recipesforselflove) on Apr 24, 2019 at 10:47am PDT

 

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This if often easier said than done but it’s really helpful when you can get it right. Don’t worry about other people, what they’re doing or what they think of you. Stay focused on yourself and your goals 💖. . . . . . #recipesforselflove #dontworry #strength #goals #focus #focusonyourself #selflove #selfcare #loveyourself #smashthepatriarchy #youarebeautiful #fuckthepatriarchy #effyourbeautystandards #feminism #lifestyle #lifestyle #feminsta #feminist #zine #illustration #digital #drawing #quotesdaily #design #graphic #art #love #yourself

A post shared by Recipes For Self Love (@recipesforselflove) on Apr 4, 2019 at 9:27am PDT

 

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Our patriarchal society paints a picture of masculinity as monolithic, this has many toxic effects on people and the world. We need to work on interrogating and breaking down the gender binary and creating safe environments for all people to explore and express what masculinity means to them. Remember that masculinity is multidimensional and multifaceted @sexeducation @netflixuk . . . #recipesforselflove #masculinity #bodypositive #sexeducation #selflove #selfcare #loveyourself #champion #youareperfect #genderisaconstruct #genderisfluid #netflix #feminism #lifestyle #instagood #feminsta #feminist #instagood #instalove #illustration #digital #drawing #love #design #graphic #art #quotes #yourself

A post shared by Recipes For Self Love (@recipesforselflove) on Jan 24, 2019 at 6:57am PST

2) Self-Care Station

 

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Are you feeling physically, mentally, or emotionally overwhelmed? Here’s a helpful checklist!! Tag a friend who may be feeling overwhelmed too. ♥️ ( 🎨 by @heyamberrae ) #finalsweek #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #overwhelmed #yougotthis

A post shared by Self-Care Station (@selfcareisforeveryone) on May 2, 2019 at 8:16am PDT

 

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Isn’t it incredible that our hearts are capable of being soft & tender or tough & strong when necessary? #feelings #feelthefeels ( 🎨 by @alyserurianidesign )

A post shared by Self-Care Station (@selfcareisforeveryone) on Mar 31, 2019 at 9:47am PDT

 

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It’s important to celebrate the tiny victories! 🎉 What small accomplishment have you done today? Even the simple accomplishments deserve recognition. 💓 Double tap to celebrate ♥️♥️ ( 🎨 by @gmf.designs ) #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness

A post shared by Self-Care Station (@selfcareisforeveryone) on Mar 13, 2019 at 8:38pm PDT

3) Marcela Sabiá

 

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Even a wonderful princess like Moana is not defined by her hair. I dedicate this illustration to all the amazing women who are bald for various reasons – whether by choice or not. You remain feminine and powerful. You are much more than your hair 💕 ps this illustration was based on the incredible version of Moana made by @jirkavinse 🙃 #moana #bald #realprincesses #disney #disneyprincesses #drawing #art #alopecia #loveyourself #bopo #bopowarrior

A post shared by Marcela Sabiá (@marcelailustra) on Mar 10, 2019 at 7:39pm PDT

 

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Do you want more illustrated princesses from this series? What are your ideas? Share your thoughts :)🥰 #realprincesses #disney #bopo #bodypositivity #bodypositive #bopowarrior #disneyprincess #snowwhite #jasmine #mulan #cinderella #ariel #selflove

A post shared by Marcela Sabiá (@marcelailustra) on Mar 4, 2019 at 4:57pm PST

 

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Your skin doesn’t define your worth 💕#skinpositivity #acnepositivity #loveyourself #selflove #loveyourbody #bopowarrior #bodypositivity #bodypositive #selfloveclub #acne #draw #drawing #art #illustration #illustrator #illustrationartists #artistsoninstagram #ilustradora #arte #desenho #dibujo

A post shared by Marcela Sabiá (@marcelailustra) on Jan 13, 2019 at 10:35am PST

4) Seanie Draws

 

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A post shared by @seaniedraws on May 5, 2019 at 8:08pm PDT

 

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brighter times to come ( #tbt #repost )

A post shared by @ seaniedraws on Mar 1, 2018 at 6:54am PST

 

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A post shared by @seaniedraws on Feb 1, 2018 at 9:44pm PST

5) The Latest Kate

 

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Some gentle reminders for your Saturday. ♥️ If you find any of these illustrations helpful, and would like to have them around as a reminder, they’re all available as stickers in my shop. Link in profile. 🙂 #mentalhealth #wholesomemes #wholesome #depressionmemes #depressionrecovery #mentalhealthrecovery #cuteart #selfcompassion #selflove #selfcare #cbttherapy #mindfulness

A post shared by @ thelatestkate on Apr 20, 2019 at 8:58am PDT

 

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♥️♥️♥️ #dikdik #antelope #recovery #recoverymemes #recoveryispossible #anxiety #anxietymemes #wholesome #wholesomemes #pastelaesthetic #pastel

A post shared by @ thelatestkate on Mar 3, 2019 at 6:40am PST

 

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Let’s ring in the New Year with some self compassion, shall we? #affirmations #affirmation #platypus #pastelaesthetic #illustratorsofinstagram #beautysecret #selfcompassion #depressionmemes #depressionrecovery

A post shared by @ thelatestkate on Dec 30, 2018 at 8:22am PST

6) Sanity Soap

 

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A post shared by Sanity Soap (@sanitysoap) on Jan 24, 2019 at 10:24am PST

 

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A post shared by Sanity Soap (@sanitysoap) on Oct 11, 2018 at 11:18am PDT

 

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A post shared by Sanity Soap (@sanitysoap) on Oct 6, 2018 at 8:43am PDT

Also Read: 5 Twitter Accounts Dedicated To Mental Health And Self-Care

Featured Image used for representational purpose only. Image source: Parent Zone