8 Mental Health Artists On Instagram Who Will Make You Feel 1000% Better With Their Illustrations

Making life easier, one post at a time.

The past two years have been a complete roller-coaster ride for most people, including myself, and they certainly have been detrimental to my mental health. After being in front of a screen, practically all day — right from watching YouTube videos and endlessly scrolling through Instagram Reels, to even simply typing out stuff for work — I decided to make this space a bit more healthy for myself.

@percolategalactic on GIPHY / Via giphy.com

Although it is now being touted as an ad space, Instagram is actually a pretty great place for discovering artists and creative accounts. Their work, particularly on mental health, has become a respite for me, especially when the platform gets a bit too overwhelming with the constant life updates and travel videos.

Here are 8 artists whose work you should look up in order to give yourself a nice, relaxing break, while also to help yourself acknowledge why you are feeling the way you are.

Don't forget to give them a follow if you like their work! 💯

1. @crazyheadcomics | Matilda

Instagram: @crazyheadcomics / Via instagram.com

Matilda is a 23-year-old mental health advocate based in Sweden. She talks about the various facets across the spectrum of mental health such as childhood trauma, procrastination, and body dysmorphia. Her illustrations are colourful, comforting, and very calming. They have helped me understand the reasons behind certain aspects of my behaviour.

2. @sonaksha | Sonaksha

Instagram: @sonaksha / Via instagram.com

Extremely bright and eye-catching, Sonaksha's art is thought-provoking and certainly very informative. They helped me realise that it's okay to rest, to hope for a better future, to not have a plan, and to not be comfortable with change. They've helped me understand that the fact that I am alive, is sometimes enough.

3. @bethdrawsthings | Beth Evans

Instagram: @bethdrawsthings / Via instagram.com

Beth Evans is an illustrator whose artwork is the literal embodiment of good vibes. Her page is full of cute characters who are always there who give you a pat on the back and make you feel all things nice! 😌

4. @recipesforselflove | Alison Rachel

Instagram: @recipesforselflove / Via instagram.com

Alison is an artist based in Amsterdam and dives into themes around feminism, healing, anxiety, hope, forgiveness, and more. Their work is inclusive, straightforward, and easy to read and I personally love the simple affirmations.

5. @selfcarespotlight | Steph

Instagram: @selfcarespotlight / Via instagram.com

Steph started this page in July 2020 — right in the middle of the pandemic. Her art is adorable and made me self-reflect and have conversations with myself. As a result, I saw a tremendous change in how I perceived my mental health and I could figure out easy ways to cope with mood swings, stress, and anxious feelings.

6. @gmfdesigns | Gabby

Instagram: @gmf.designs / Via instagram.com

Gabby is a 24-year-old artist who lives in Philadelphia. She has been a strong mental health advocate ever since she was 14 and even has her own non-profit called Buddy Project!

Her artistic style is very fresh and simply makes me smile whenever I see a new post that's empowering and full of love.

7. @peopleiveloved | Carissa Potter Carlson

Instagram: @peopleiveloved / Via instagram.com

Carissa's work is a great source of inspiration for me. The style, the words, and the thoughts conveyed through her art are extremely relatable and have encouraged me to identify why I needn't always please people and that it's absolutely okay if I take out time for myself to heal, to grow, or to just exist. 

8. @laurajaneillustrations | Laura Lane Jones

Instagram: @laurajaneillustrations / Via instagram.com

Laura's posts are an incredible burst of positivity along with a nice sprinkling of aesthetics. They're very vibrant and an utter joy to look at. Each post is a detailed view of different concepts such as human needs, comfort zones, things you should let go of, and more. 

Here are some other mental health resources that you might find helpful.

If you need to talk to someone immediately, if you have suicidal thoughts, or know someone in distress, please reach out. You can speak to someone by calling AASRA’s 24x7 helpline at [phone]. Alternatively, you can call these numbers of other local helplines, emergency services, and mental health organisations.

If you found this post helpful, also check out 9 Mental Health Accounts On Instagram That'll Make 2022 So Much Better For You.