I Unfollowed 200 People for My Mental Health—And It Was the Best Decision I Made

Why My Feed Became a War Zone for My Mental Health

At first, I didn’t notice it. The constant scrolling. The subtle comparison. The self-doubt creeping in after every story, every perfect photo, every “look at my life” reel. My feed, which once felt entertaining and light, had turned into a battleground—and my mental health was the casualty.

Every morning I woke up and opened my apps. Within seconds, I was spiraling. I wasn’t good enough. Not successful enough. Not fit enough. Not… enough. That’s when it hit me—I didn’t need a new mindset. I needed a digital detox. And it began with a single, bold step: I unfollowed 200 people.

Social Media and the Subtle Erosion of Mental Health

Social media is marketed as connection—but too often, it becomes comparison.

Here’s how your feed might be hurting your mental health without you realizing it:

📸 Highlight reels make real life feel inadequate
🧠 Algorithm loops feed you more of what triggers you
😔 Inconsistent validation causes emotional instability
💰 Influencer lifestyles create financial pressure
💬 Toxic commentary damages self-worth

Every scroll was chipping away at my peace. And the scariest part? I thought it was normal. It’s not. Mental health deserves better than being compromised for likes and follows.

The Unfollow Spree: What I Actually Did

Let me be honest—it wasn’t easy. Clicking that “Unfollow” button made me anxious at first. I worried about what people would think. But the deeper truth was: they weren’t thinking about me at all. And that’s okay.

Here’s how I approached it:

🧹 Step 1: Unfollow high-curated accounts that made me feel inferior
🤳 Step 2: Remove people I don’t talk to anymore—dead digital weight
🧘‍♀️ Step 3: Keep accounts that made me feel uplifted or inspired
📵 Step 4: Set screen limits to avoid falling back into the trap

This wasn’t about hate. It was about healing. My mental health needed a boundary—and this was mine.

What Changed After I Unfollowed 200 People

Now for the part no one tells you about: what happens after the cleanse. The shift was almost immediate—and honestly, miraculous.

Here’s what improved in my life:

🌅 Mornings became calmer – I stopped starting my day with comparison
🧠 My mind felt lighter – Less noise, less chaos, more clarity
💡 Focus returned – I was finally thinking my own thoughts again
😊 Self-worth went up – No more “Why not me?”
💬 Relationships deepened – I engaged with real people more intentionally

It was a hard reset. And it worked.

Why Protecting Your Mental Health Online Is Non-Negotiable

We protect our homes, our passwords, our money—but what about our peace of mind?

Mental health isn’t just something to talk about in therapy or on “World Mental Health Day.” It’s a daily priority. And your online world plays a bigger role than you think.

Ask yourself:

Does my feed inspire or drain me?
Do I follow people who reflect who I want to be—or who I feel pressured by?
Am I using social media… or is it using me?

The answers will lead you to your own version of freedom.

Tips to Rebuild a Mentally Healthy Social Media Space

It’s not about deleting every app or living offline forever. It’s about curating your digital world the same way you curate your life.

Try these habits to safeguard your mental health:

✂️ Monthly unfollow sessions – Clean it like you clean your room
🧘‍♂️ Follow value-based accounts – Think wellness, creativity, realness
⏳ Use time blockers – Schedule screen-free hours
❤️ Engage mindfully – Quality over quantity when interacting
🚫 Mute without guilt – You don’t owe everyone access to your mind

Building a better digital experience = building a better brain space.

You Deserve Peace More Than You Deserve to Be “Updated”

Here’s the truth I learned too late: You are not missing out. You are freeing up.

When I unfollowed 200 people for the sake of my mental health, I didn’t lose connection—I found it. With myself. With my values. With reality.

Stop carrying digital clutter in the name of staying “in the loop.” Protect your energy like your life depends on it—because your mental health just might.

Final Thought: Make Peace Your Priority

You don’t need to wait for burnout. Or rock bottom. Start today. Log in, evaluate, unfollow. Choose you. Choose stillness. Choose mental clarity.

Because in a world shouting for your attention, silence might just be the loudest act of self-love you make.