I Faced Criticism on Instagram for My Mental Health Challenges

Right now, fifteen-year-old Sarah would be cringing at who I’ve become. If she could see me, a writer and content creator proudly embracing my body and living with a trauma-based mental health disorder I only recently recognized, she’d probably want to hide away forever.

As a teenager, I was terrified of being disliked. I sought validation from everyone around me while struggling with feelings of isolation, all while wearing a façade of “I’m okay.” I did my best to suppress my true self, which was wonderfully messy and authentic.

But to my younger self, I’d say, “Hold on tight, because this is just the beginning.”

Hi there! I’m Sarah Johnson, and I’m a mom navigating life with Complex PTSD and Functional Neurological Disorder. I frequently share my healing journey from childhood trauma on social media, where I openly discuss my mental health challenges, including my experiences with non-epileptic seizures and episodes of paralysis. Recently, one of my posts unexpectedly went viral.

The clip that thrust me into social media fame was a thirty-second video of me recovering from a seizure while my toddler initiated a cuddle session. This post has received over 1.5 million views, 60,000 likes, and countless comments.

Amid the outpouring of support from parents and trauma survivors expressing solidarity, I also faced a wave of harsh criticism. So, let’s dive into the nasty comments I received from those who think I shouldn’t be a parent. Grab your favorite mug and settle in as I react to these hurtful remarks, because we need to break the stigma surrounding mental health.

One comment didn’t directly question my parenting but was still quite cruel. The suggestion to “just be normal” is like asking gravity to stop working — it’s just not going to happen!

Another commenter implied I somehow taught my child to comfort me during my seizures. Seriously? My child is cared for by his loving parents, not by some bizarre training session. The insinuation that I should not have children due to my disability is not only offensive but reminiscent of eugenics. Not to mention, the absurdity of telling someone living with a mental health disorder that they shouldn’t procreate while they are happily holding their own child in a photo is deeply troubling.

Let’s clarify what happens in my video. I was enjoying a morning with my kids when I experienced an involuntary seizure. I asked my husband to record it for our medical team and to help destigmatize discussions around trauma and mental health. After the seizure, my toddler came over and repeated kind words we often share with him, which was incredibly heartwarming.

These episodes are real seizures, completely out of my control, stemming from disorders I didn’t choose. It’s not “ridiculous” to share my experiences or to highlight tender moments with my child.

The real absurdity lies in the notion that I could somehow will a seizure to happen or that I’m somehow “wrong” for experiencing one. And let’s not forget about the mental health of my young children. They will likely need support just like any other kids, but they are loved and thriving, enjoying life to the fullest.

Why do some people feel the need to unleash their judgment on a mom managing her mental health challenges? The real trauma comes from the fear of judgment that prevents parents from seeking the help they desperately need. I have faced my own childhood scars with therapy and medication, working tirelessly to break the cycle of dysfunction.

If you’re reading this, I’m not going to wallow in negativity. Instead, I’ll be enjoying a cozy movie night with my kids, cherishing our time together.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

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In summary, facing criticism for my mental health journey on social media has been tough, but I choose to share my story to foster understanding and acceptance. We need to break the stigma around mental health, and I’m committed to doing just that.

Keyphrase: Mental health and parenting

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