When Nedra Glover Tawwab created her Instagram account in July 2017, there were only a few therapists sharing information about mental health on the platform. Fast forward six years, and she now has over 1.8 million followers on Instagram and nearly 16,000 on TikTok, making her one of the most popular professionals in her field. Based in Charlotte, N.C., Tawwab views her online presence as a way to reach a larger audience than she can see in her day job. She recognizes the impact that social media allows her to have, reaching hundreds, thousands, or even millions of people that she wouldn’t be able to connect with through traditional therapy.
Being a Black therapist, Tawwab is able to bridge the gap for people who may not have access to therapy or may feel that it’s not for them. She draws on her Black culture to connect with her audience, using language and styles that are familiar to them. By being authentic to herself and her culture, Tawwab has been able to resonate with her followers on a deeper level, creating a sense of trust and relatability.
In her recent posts, Tawwab gives her followers permission to feel hopeful, shares advice on healthy relationships, and provides thoughtful reflections on various mental health topics. She aims to normalize difficult emotions, like grief, to show her followers that it’s okay to feel and express those feelings. As a mental health professional, she is mindful of what she shares on social media, avoiding personal feedback and diagnoses, and instead focusing on providing informative content that encourages seeking professional help.
Tawwab emphasizes that social media is just a starting point for improving mental health, not a substitute for therapy. She encourages her followers to develop relationships with local therapists if they need help beyond social media. By setting boundaries and providing valuable insights, Tawwab has created a safe space online where people can begin their journey towards better mental health.