Each post matters: a content analysis of #mentalhealth images on Instagram

Abstract

This study examined mental health-related content on a popular visual-based social media platform, Instagram. A content analysis was completed by using the search term ‘#mentalhealth’ on public Instagram posts (N = 758). Our data showed that wellness practices related to mental health (e.g. exercise, healthy eating), anxiety, and depression are the most addressed mental health topics on Instagram. Additionally, posts that mention at least one type of mental health problem seek peer support and engagement from other users at a higher rate compared to posts that do not mention mental health disorder or topic (beyond the search term #mentalhealth). We discussed these findings in detail, as well as their theoretical and practical implications and the limitations of this study. We also suggested avenues for further research to promote evidence-based health communication techniques tailored to current visual-based social media platforms.

Keywords:

• Instagram
• mental health
• social media
• social identity
• visual persuasion

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully thank Carmen Cirstea, Ph.D., M.D., for her valuable comments and conversation that improved our manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.