The Deep Dive: Creator Mental Health With Influencer and Psychotherapist Tina Sadri
3 minute read time
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so we’re tackling a subject that isn’t being talked about enough: Creator mental health.
While being a Creator has so many upsides—working for yourself! Flexible hours! Expressing your creativity!—it doesn’t mean it’s easy. Long hours, feeling like you’re always “on,” the lack of social media boundaries can be a recipe for anxiety, self-doubt, and exhaustion. In fact, 61% of Creators have reportedly dealt with burnout.
So we spoke with Tina Sadri, a licensed Psychotherapist and Creator in her own right, to learn more about how Creators can manage the mental stressors of the job, and how to find resources that can help.
How has your background in psychotherapy influenced your relationship with your career as a Creator?
My whole premise on my social is a well-balanced life, meaning I pay equal attention to each section of my life. The subjects that I try to cover in my posts and in my life are mental health, physical health, family life, work life, and social life. I write my captions thinking about and being sensitive to others’ perspectives; for example, if I write a caption about Mother’s Day, I’ll write a message about all kinds of Mothers. If I post a family pic, I’ll write a caption about understanding how others may be missing their family or hoping to have a family.
I also try to tape a therapy related video every 2-3 weeks. This helps my audience understand inner work like meditation and rationalizing, as well as outer work like exercise, eating well, and work-life balance.
How do you personally balance the demands of being a Creator with setting mental health boundaries?
Social media can be demanding and emotionally draining, so I try to take it easy on the weekends. On vacation, I may take photos and tape videos, but I’ll leave editing for after the trip. If I feel overwhelmed, I won’t post for a couple of days and then go back to it.
I make an effort to go on social to post more than to scroll, so I won’t just scroll with no purpose or intention. So I will log in only to post, and occasionally do a quick 15 min check to engage with content from my close friends or fellow influencers. I
What are some common misconceptions about mental health in the Creator community?
People think that Creators are very confident or even in love with themselves. They also think that all influencers are happy because you must be happy to smile and pose. But this is just like any other job—you put on your work face, but what’s going on inside is just like anyone in any other industry. There are people who are majorly depressed but are carrying on because this is their job, and they have to.
We also live very public lives, an there are always so many things that people bring to our attention—often times those things are insecurities that you already have. So insecurities run deep amongst influencers.
Why do you think burnout is so common amongst social media Creators?
It’s exhausting because it is the most rapidly changing world. One day, you’re posting single photos, and the next day, you’re told that actually, you need to post more the carousels. Then, there are Stories, and Reels, and it’s non-stop. So you constantly need to pivot and have a new game plan while being able to shift your expertise.
How can Creators recognize the signs of burnout, and what steps should they take to address it?
When you don’t feel like posting or when logging onto your social account is the last thing you want to do, then you’re probably already burned out.
You should make an effort to track your mood when posting and after posting. If posting on social is changing your mood for the worse, then it’s time to take a social media break and come back stronger.
What are some effective self-care practices that you recommend to fellow Creators to help manage stress and anxiety?
Take at least 24 hours each week off posting or engaging in anything that makes you feel anxious or like you’re falling behind.
And find other Creator friends because you need people in your life who relate to what you are doing and understand what you’re going through. Create a safe community for yourself where you can talk about your emotions and work related issues.
What advice do you have for Creators who may be dealing with imposter syndrome or self-doubt?
Your success as a Creator depends on your view of yourself. If you want to succeed, you’ve got to be your own biggest fan. So before you break down with self doubt ask yourself this question: What can I improve on in my life to feel like I’m worthy of following and being an inspiration?
Then, write five short term goals and give long term goals. Make these goals realistic and something you can truly accomplish, then hold yourself accountable to these goals. When you check off each goal, your self confidence will start to increase more and more.
Once you believe in yourself, others will believe in you too!
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with a qualified and licensed physician or other medical care provider.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, know that you’re not alone. SAMHSA, Mental Health America, the CDC, and the National Institute of Mental Health all have resources and information that can help.
