THE WEIGHT OF THE SCROLL

NAVIGATING MENTAL HEALTH AS A PLUS-SIZE PERSON ON SOCIAL MEDIA

In a world ruled by double taps and filtered lives, social media can feel like both a lifeline and a landmine—especially for those of us living life out loud in plus-size bodies. While these digital spaces have opened doors to visibility, community, and confidence, they’ve also ushered in new pressures and vulnerabilities that can weigh heavy on mental health.

From body-shaming trolls to toxic “wellness” attacks, being plus-size online often means navigating a minefield of unsolicited advice, comparison traps, and microaggressions disguised as concern. It’s exhausting. It’s real. And it’s okay to admit it takes a toll.

Let’s talk about it. More importantly, let’s talk about how to protect your peace and thrive unapologetically online.

The Double-Edged Sword of Visibility

Social media has undoubtedly transformed how plus-size people are seen—and how we see ourselves. We’ve built movements, celebrated our beauty, and found community like never before. But that increased visibility often comes with an unwanted spotlight. Every post becomes a potential battleground between self-expression and scrutiny.

The comments section? Sometimes it’s all fire emojis and love. Other times, it’s “concern trolls” questioning your health or strangers projecting their insecurities onto your confidence.

This constant performance of self-love, especially when you're just trying to exist, can lead to burnout, anxiety, and self-doubt.

5 Tips to Protect Your Mental Health on Social Media

1. Curate Your Feed Like Your Life Depends on It—Because It Might
You don’t have to follow accounts that make you feel small, less-than, or pressured to conform. Fill your feed with creators who look like you, affirm your experiences, and inspire you—not just aesthetically but emotionally. Follow pages that celebrate joy, not just body size.

2. Take Your Power Back: Unfollow, Delete, Block, Repeat
Let’s be clear: boundaries are not optional—they're essential. Hit that Unfollow button and follow it up with a Delete. If you are trying to permanently make them disappear, then Block them trolls. Mute the holier than thou “fitness influencer” cousin that shames you for not jumping on the bandwagon. Restrict the coworker who sends you DMs with diet tips. You owe no one access to your mental space.

3. Disconnect to Reconnect
If you find yourself spiraling in comparison or internalizing negativity, step away. Social media will still be there when you’re ready. Take a walk. Journal. Call a friend. Go where the algorithm can't reach you.

4. Affirm Yourself—Loudly and Often
Daily affirmations can counteract online negativity. Remind yourself: My body is not a trend. I am worthy as I am. I do not need to shrink to belong. Say it. Believe it. Repeat.

5. Find Your Safe Spaces
Whether it’s a Facebook group, a Twitter circle, or a body-positive Discord server, surround yourself with people who get it. There's magic in shared experience, and there’s healing in not having to explain yourself.

When the Likes Stop Liking You

Even for influencers and creators, social media can feel performative. Engagement ebbs and flows, and so does validation. Tying your worth to likes or followers is a dangerous game. Remember: your value is not dictated by an algorithm.

If content creation is your job or passion, set emotional boundaries too. Create a separation between your identity and your content. And never be afraid to take a digital detox—even Beyoncé takes breaks.

Let’s Normalize Digital Self-Care

Mental health doesn’t just apply offline. The internet is real life, and the effects of online harm are just as real. If you're experiencing serious anxiety, depression, or feel overwhelmed, please seek professional help. Therapy is not just valid—it’s vital.

You deserve joy. You deserve rest. You deserve to be seen without scrutiny and to take up space without apology. Social media might not always make that easy, but with intention and self-compassion, it is possible.

So post that picture. Share that reel. Take that break. Protect your energy. And remember: you are more than worthy—online and off.

And more importantly…. If or when you become the popular influencer, Try not to become the person that someone needs to be protected from.