Social Media and Mental Health: Lessons from Rahul’s Journey from Gwalior
In today’s digital-first world, social media is not just a platform for connection—it has become a career, a stage for creativity, and a testing ground for resilience. Yet behind the filters, likes, and viral reels lies a hidden reality: the mental health challenges that content creators face.
At a recent motivational Samvaad session with Rahul, an influencer from Gwalior who also works in the corporate sector, this truth came alive in a very powerful way. Rahul, a passionate photographer and storyteller, opened up about his personal journey—one filled with both achievements and setbacks. But what stood out most was his perspective on the dark side of social media and the role mental health plays in digital marketing.
The Dark Side of Social Media – What No One Tells You
Social media looks glamorous from the outside. Viral reels, thousands of followers, brand collaborations—it seems like a dream life. But Rahul reminded us that behind every post is not just creativity but also pressure, expectation, and vulnerability.
In his words, “Failures on digital platforms don’t just hurt numbers; they hurt emotions. Repeated rejection, low engagement, or even a page not working out can cause anxiety, stress, and in extreme cases, depression.”
He spoke about his own journey where one of his pages—something he worked on for seven months—had to be wrapped up because it didn’t click with audiences. The rejection was tough to accept. But rather than letting it define him, Rahul chose to see it as a lesson.
This is the reality that many creators face but rarely talk about. Social media can impact mental health deeply, especially when success feels tied to likes, shares, and comments.
Reel World vs Real World
One of the most striking takeaways from Rahul’s talk was his reminder that “This is the reel world, not the real world.”
Audiences react to content based on their personal preferences, moods, and biases. Their reactions are their opinions—not a reflection of your true talent. Getting overwhelmed by likes or disheartened by fewer views only creates unnecessary emotional baggage.
Instead, Rahul urged everyone to keep the real and reel worlds separate. “Make your real life happy. Do your work, pursue your passion, but don’t measure your worth by online validation,” he said.
This is a golden rule not just for influencers but for anyone who spends time on social media.
Believe in Yourself – Consistency Pays
President of Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association, MPCA
Another lesson Rahul highlighted was the importance of self-belief and consistency. In creative fields, luck may not favor you immediately. It takes patience, hard work, and persistence to carve your space. Success rarely comes overnight, but it will definitely arrive if you stay true to your craft.
Rahul is living proof of this mindset. Alongside his corporate career, he continues to run a successful page today, showcasing his love for photography. Balancing two demanding worlds is not easy, but his passion fuels him. The setbacks he faced in the past only made him more resilient.
Mental Health in the Digital Age
Rahul’s story ties beautifully into a larger conversation: the need to prioritize mental health in the digital age. Content creation, digital marketing, and influencer journeys demand not only creativity but also emotional strength.
- Failures are part of growth: Just because one page or project fails doesn’t mean you fail as a person.
- Don’t take things to heart: Online reactions are fleeting. What matters is your own confidence in your skills.
- Separate identity from output: You are more than your followers, likes, or comments.
- Balance is key: Real life—relationships, hobbies, health—should always be bigger than reel life.
After the pandemic, many creators like Rahul faced rejection, burnout, and uncertainty. But those who bounced back did so by embracing failures as stepping stones and by taking care of their mental well-being.
A Lesson for All of Us
Rahul’s journey is not just about social media—it’s about life. Whether in a corporate job, entrepreneurship, or creative field, resilience and self-belief are the real success factors.
His advice to all budding creators and professionals is simple yet profound:
- Keep working hard.
- Don’t get attached to short-term outcomes.
- Believe in your unique skills.
- Take care of your mental health.
Because at the end of the day, social media is a platform—but life is much bigger.
Final Thoughts
The motivational Samvaad with Rahul was a reminder that success is not just about visibility but about emotional balance and consistency. Social media will continue to evolve, algorithms will change, and trends will come and go. But if you believe in yourself, stay consistent, and protect your mental health, your moment will come.
As Rahul beautifully put it: “Don’t let failures break you; let them shape you. Reel life is temporary, but your real life and passion are permanent.”
Connect with us
At SAMVAAD Connect, we are dedicated to exploring new dimensions of mental health, inspirational stories, and resielence.
Stay connected with us:
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Saumya D Tewari
