The Mental Health Struggles of Creators in the Age of Virality

Going viral is every creator’s dream, until it actually happens. The rush of likes, comments, and followers feels like a dopamine hit. But what follows? Pressure, expectation, and sometimes, a surprising sense of loneliness.

The conversation around mental health in the creator economy has grown louder in the past few years, and it’s about time. We often forget that behind every viral reel is a human being navigating a rollercoaster of emotions.

The Pressure Cooker of Virality

When your content blows up, the world suddenly expects you to “do it again.” That one lucky viral hit becomes the benchmark for all future work. Creators often describe this as a mix of excitement and anxiety.

Dolly Singh, known for her relatable sketches, has spoken about the crippling pressure of meeting audience expectations and how therapy became an anchor for her. Prajakta Koli (MostlySane) has been vocal about her struggles with anxiety and how taking mental health seriously made her a better creator.

Even Ranveer Allahbadia (BeerBiceps), who often talks about mental fitness, has shared about going through therapy and taking mental health breaks to keep up with the demands of content creation.

The Troll Factor

Another invisible weight? Internet hate. Trolls can be relentless, and viral content attracts attention, good and bad. Niharika NM once admitted in an interview that the hate comments were initially so overwhelming that she considered quitting.

For many, the journey involves learning to separate their self-worth from strangers’ opinions. “I realised I can’t give random people on the internet the power to ruin my day,” she shared in a podcast.

Creators Are Choosing Balance

What’s refreshing is that we’re now seeing more creators take intentional breaks. Bhuvan Bam paused content after personal loss, focusing on grief before returning to YouTube. Sejal Kumar has been honest about her struggles with burnout and shared openly about her therapy journey.

This shift is important, it reminds both creators and audiences that it’s okay to step back. Views and engagement can wait; mental health can’t.

Why This Conversation Matters

The creator economy is here to stay, and so is the need for healthier work habits. Going viral should feel like a celebration, not a panic attack. Conversations like these help normalise therapy, set boundaries, and remind us that creators are human first.

At the end of the day, you are more than your metrics. Your mental health matters more than the algorithm.

So if you’re a creator reading this, breathe. Your next post doesn’t have to break the internet. It just has to be you.