The Importance of Mental Health in Content Creation

For this year’s #WorldMentalHealthDay, I reconnected with my former colleague, Pious Saraswat , for a candid conversation about an issue that hits home for many creators. In a world where success is often defined by likes, shares, and follower counts, the emotional toll on creators is too often overlooked.

Pious—a former Googler, gifted photographer, podcast host, and writer—opened up about his journey transitioning from the corporate world to content creation, his struggles with mental health, and ultimately finding his own space and freedom. While creative freedom brings immense joy, the relentless pressure to perform, fend off trolls, and stay relevant can wear down even the most passionate creators. We both agreed that content creation isn’t just about churning out content—it’s about staying true to yourself while navigating the emotional ups and downs of being in the spotlight..

The Toll of Content Creation on Mental Health

The Pressure to Perform

• Burnout and Anxiety: The constant demand for fresh content can lead to burnout. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 50% of creators report work-related stress. “With so many people giving opinions about a ‘right way’ to create content online, you feel that if the ‘algorithm isn’t favoring you’ you need to follow these common advices - post daily, get better lighting. That creates unnecessary pressure that you don’t need in your life” - said Pious
• Imposter Syndrome: Many creators battle imposter syndrome, where they question their worth. Up to 70% of individuals experience this, according to the Journal of Behavioral Science. Pious admitted to moments of crippling self-doubt, wondering, There’s so much good stuff out there - am I good enough to be sharing anything online?

Comparison Culture

• Unrealistic Standards: The curated perfection of social media warps our sense of reality. Studies by the Royal Society for Public Health highlight how platforms like Instagram fuel anxiety and depression, especially among younger users. Early in his career, Pious often found himself comparing his work to the glossy, seemingly flawless creations of others—leading to feelings of inadequacy.
• Highlight Reels vs. Reality: Social media amplifies the gap between what’s real and what’s presented. The constant scroll of highlight reels leaves creators feeling inadequate and overwhelmed by the pressure to match unrealistic standards.

Why Does This Happen?

Lack of Support

• Isolation in the Industry: Many creators work in isolation, which amplifies feelings of loneliness. Pious recounted - “I was doing by myself. You don’t realise that the same feelings of self-doubt that I felt is very common for anyone putting their work out there. Knowing others on the same journey is really helpful”
• Mental Health Stigma: Despite progress, mental health still carries a stigma that prevents many creators from seeking help. Around 60% of individuals with mental health issues don't seek treatment, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Pious shared how this stigma made it harder for him to ask for the help he needed.

Unrealistic Expectations

• Content Over Quality: The pressure to constantly churn out content can push creators to prioritize quantity over quality. There’s this idea that’s common among creators that you have to keep moving forward and keep creating even when you are not feeling your creative self.?
• Fear of Failure: Fear of not meeting audience expectations can paralyze creators. They often follow trends they don’t care about, feeling obligated to conform rather than focusing on what genuinely resonated with them.

Navigating Mental Health Challenges

Establish Boundaries

• Know When to Step Back: Pious emphasised the importance of rest and recharge. “Posting and working on creative projects involves a lot of lean time. Creativity flows on long walk, through journalling and spending time with nature” he recounted.
• Digital Detox: Research shows that reducing social media use leads to significant mental health improvements. Pious regularly schedules digital detoxes to disconnect and clear his mind, allowing space for reflection without distractions.

Focus on Authenticity

• Create from the Heart: Shifting his focus to creating from a place of authenticity transformed Pious’s approach. Crafting work that reflected his true self liberated him from the comparison trap. “Now I’ve realized the only audience to create for is myself. And then there’s no pressure” he noted.
• Embrace Imperfection: Letting go of perfectionism was key for Pious. By embracing imperfection, he found deeper connections with his audience. “People resonate with realness,” he said. “They don’t want someone trying to be perfect.”

Finding Balance Between Mental Health and Goals

Setting Realistic Goals

• Celebrate Small Wins: Pious stressed the importance of setting achievable goals. By breaking large aspirations into smaller, manageable tasks, he found renewed motivation and confidence along the way.
• Redefine Success: Instead of defining success by numbers and followers, Pious redefined it as the impact his work had on others. Focusing on intrinsic fulfillment, rather than external validation, helped him nurture a healthier relationship with his creative work.

Build a Supportive Community

• Find Your Tribe: Pious spoke of the importance of building a supportive network. Connecting with fellow creators to share experiences fosters a sense of belonging and reminds creators that they are not alone.
• Collaborate: Collaboration can be a powerful antidote to isolation. Pious found that working with others sparked new ideas and reduced the burden of doing it all alone.

Pious’s Personal Journey

Finding Healing Through Creation

• A Path of Self-Discovery: Pious recounted how his creative journey became a vehicle for healing. Through photography and writing, he processed emotions and experiences that might have otherwise remained unaddressed. For him, creating art became a sanctuary—a space to express vulnerability and explore
• Art as Therapy: The therapeutic effects of creative expression are well-documented. Research in the Journal of Arts and Health shows that engaging in creative activities enhances emotional well-being and promotes resilience. For Pious, this research rang true; his creative pursuits became integral to maintaining his mental health.

The Importance of Authenticity

• Passion Over Competition: Pious believes that pursuing passion over competition is vital for mental health. He encourages creators to focus on what they love rather than getting caught in the rat race of likes and followers. “When you create for joy instead of approval, that’s when the magic happens,” he shared.

• Sharing Your Story: By sharing his experiences, Pious inspires others to embrace their authenticity. He believes every creator has a unique story worth telling, and vulnerability can foster profound connections with others.

A Healthier Future for Creators

As our conversation wrapped up, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. While the digital landscape may be fraught with challenges, the message is clear: prioritize authenticity, protect your mental well-being, and embrace your journey as a creator.

The road to success isn’t paved with likes or followers—it’s built on the power of storytelling, self-expression, and genuine connections. By choosing authenticity over competition, we can cultivate a creator community that uplifts rather than divides. Because in the end, it’s our true voices that will resonate the most.