In Conversation With Natasha Bailie

On July 5th in London online influencers are coming together for an interactive panel discussion to talk about the issue of mental health on social media. Influencers have been thrown into a position of responsibility with their followers. The ‘Becoming A First Listener’ event will equip influencers with a digital “Mental Health First Aid Kit”. Empowering them with the correct tools and resources to become a “First Listener” — so they can better support themselves and their community with some of the mental health challenges that occur. We’ve interviewed one of our panelists, Natasha Bailie for her views on mental health and social media.

1. Why is raising awareness of mental health so important to you?

1 in 4 people are ‘struggling’ with their mental health, but I believe that number is much higher…I think we are only hearing from the ‘one’ who has decided to break the mould and speak up. We all have a mental health, but saying “I have just been to therapy” is considered strange, weird and or too personal, yet people tweet and share their daily running miles or meals, which is considered admirable, disciplined and will more often than not be applauded. Mental ill health is taking far too many lives and if we can stop that, if we can genuinely help just by talking to each other then I am going to do that. It is important to raise awareness, to highlight the realities of living in 2018 with a mental illness.

The more we talk about our mental health, the more we share and “sharing is caring” when it comes to any topic on health, whether it be physical or mental. Sharing knowledge, resources and experiences opens up a dialogue and only with this can we start having intelligent and important conversations on mental health and mental ill health.

2. What extra challenges do you think social media has created for mental wellbeing?

Comparison, FOMO (fear of missing out), the validation of Likes & Follows, feelings of envy and jealousy, addiction, anonymity and trolling…the list continues.

We suddenly have the world at our fingertips, people at the end of a phone, we are so incredibly connected, but most of us have never felt so lonely. That doesn’t add up right?

Social media plays a huge role in your mental wellbeing, especially if you are on a device throughout your day as it does on your physical wellbeing too. The key is to realise that YOU can change your behaviours and you are in charge of your habits, because ultimately we are responsible for our own mental wellbeing.

3. What advantages has social media had in conversations about mental health?

It has created a conversation that is raw, honest and authentic. People are sharing what works for them when it comes to ‘self care’, people are being mindful, people are meditating, people are realising that mental health is important and people feel like they can stand up and say “I have depression”, “I struggle with OCD” and “I need help”.

We still have a long way to go, but the biggest advantage that social media has had in conversations regarding mental health is progress, we are not moving backwards, we are learning and evolving and that is progress.

4. As an online influencer, what issues do you notice within your community that you would like support with?

Affordable options when it comes to getting support with mental ill health.

Lack of time is a huge issue, what if they are stuck at home with a baby and cannot get out to talk to someone?

They want to feel safe that their children will not be effected if they asked for help. It takes a lot for a parent to say “I am struggling” — with many fearing judgement and social services getting involved. How can we rectify this? What do we know and how can we make them feel at ease? No parent should have to suffer with mental ill health whilst raising kids.

5. What one thing do you think bloggers and influencers can do to better support their own mental health or that of their followers?

SPEAK UP!

Oprah says it better the me: “What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have.”