This is probably not news to you, but social media can sometimes make a person feel bad. People’s posts are almost always designed to make it seem as though they’re living their best possible lives which can easily lead to feelings of insecurity and inadequacy in the people viewing them. It’s hard not to compare your own life unfavorably to the well-curated feeds of some of your friends’ Instagrams and Facebook pages.
But not all Instagrammers use the platform the same way. Artist Kate Alan, who struggles with anxiety and depression, is using her own Instagram to share what she learns in therapy, turned into adorable drawings. Her feed, @thelatestkate, features sweet illustrations filled with words of truth and encouragement.
She points out the universal truth that depression lies to us and makes us believe things that aren’t true.
And she reminds us that it’s okay to be scared sometimes.
She urges us to be all right knowing we’re trying our best.
Working towards mental health may not be easy, but it’s definitely worth it.
In a ten-panel comic she uses a bunny to teach people about the benefits of mindfulness.
#Mindfulness can be useful for literally
E V E R Y O N E, but I found it particularly helpful for #anxiety– this exercise got me out of the house and functioning again. 1 of 3 pic.twitter.com/inb7ZCFWfs— TheLatestKate (@tlkateart) February 28, 2019
And she encourages us to remember to take care of ourselves, above all else.
Speaking to Bored Panda, Kate explained, “Mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy have both been helpful in managing my mental health.” She added, eating well, exercising, creating, and working to have solid relationships have helped, too.”
Kate, 29, has a book of her drawings, and a Redbubble shop. And you can follow her at @thelatestkate on Instagram for more of her lovely pieces.
h/t: Bored Panda, @thelatestkate