5 Healing Online Spaces For Your Mind and Soul
Scroll past those negative thoughts, here’s an uplifting self-note and a hug for you.
Written By Daphne Co
June 2, 2023
We spend almost all of our conscious time consuming information. Using our energy to constantly cope with online content can be extremely draining to the mind and body, especially since most work is now done digitally. It can be a struggle when tough or tedious tasks adversely affect one's well-being. Moreover, with so much negative news and information, it can be quite demotivating to get through the next day with a positive outlook.
While the people, environment and other external stressors around us are beyond our control, we can try to change what we can. We have control over the information we view and consume, particularly ones that we often check in: our social media. Although social media is mostly used for entertainment and marketing, some accounts use their pages to promote uplifting and motivational content for our mental well-being. These postings share quotations, insights, and pieces of art that explore self-care, personal boundaries, growth, and other topics through the use of words and art.
As we spend most of our time and energy online, why not also make room for your safe space? Here are 5 online pages that we think you might like to check out and follow, especially when you need a little bit of motivation, extra positivity, and some affirmations in your timeline.
The Artidote
Images sourced from The Artidote’s Facebook and Instagram. Artwork by @twillostory.
We can’t start without The Artidote being the frontrunner on the list. Well-known for combining words with art pieces that evoke a sense of comfort and empathy, its posts take one’s breath away with the relatability and vulnerability it delivers. Its name, The Artidote, is a play on the words "antidote" (meaning medicine) and “art”. Launched back in 2015, The Artidote was founded and curated by Jovanny Varela-Ferreyra, who started the page as a mark of sharing healing online content. It has become a global support community that has saved, touched, and inspired millions.
The Artidote can be found through Facebook facebook.com/theartidote/, Instagram (@theartidote) instagram.com/theartidote/, and Twitter (@TheArtidote) twitter.com/theartidote.
Jerico Silvers
Images sourced from Jerico Silver’s Facebook.
Nothing touches the soul more than heartfelt words. Dedicated to advocating mental health awareness through poetry, Jerico Silvers also wanted to deepen the understanding and interest in the art. Through his written words, he shows how poetry is more than its technicalities and assumed genre; it is an expression of life and a testament to one’s inspired self— the good, the bad, and even the sad. Indeed, Jericho Silvers’s poetry celebrates beauty, respect, and freedom of one’s perception.
Jericho Silvers has authored two books, namely “Of Flowers That Bloomed at Night” and “Of Flowers That Bloomed in Fire.” Other works and posts can be found through the website jericosilvers.com, Facebook facebook.com/jericosilvers, and Instagram (@jericosilvers) instagram.com/jericosilvers/.
The Latest Kate
Images sourced from The Latest Kate’s Facebook.
What can make your day instantly better? It’s having a timeline of cute animals with motivating quotes! The Latest Kate is a colorful collection of works created by Kate Allan, a mental health illustrator and author. Beyond the cutely drawn animals and unique visuals, each piece meets something more than just the eyes. Her illustrations are vibrant yet tender to the soul, containing snippets about self-realizations and lessons on life. It’s easy for one to be immersed by her works, as she draws and writes with such gentle comfort and encouragement.
The Latest Kate can be found through the website www.thelatestkate.art, Facebook facebook.com/thelatestkate, Instagram (@thelatestkate) instagram.com/thelatestkate/, Twitter (@tlkateart) https://twitter.com/tlkateart, and Tumblr thelatestkate.tumblr.com.
The Sad Ghost Club
Images sourced from The Sad Ghost Club’s Facebook.
Boo! Rather than a scare, they’re here to spread positive validation to the “ghosties'' out there. What started with a few comics back in 2014 that has now expanded to over different mediums and materials, The Sad Ghost Club is a small yet mighty creative team who believes that togetherness and acceptance is the key to unlocking one’s deeper understanding of themselves. Through their whimsical artworks and pieces, they hope to spark conversations about mental health while encouraging others to express their feelings.
The Sad Ghost Club can be found through their website thesadghostclub.com, Facebook facebook.com/thesadghostclub/, Instagram (@theofficialsadghostclub) instagram.com/theofficialsadghostclub/, Pinterest pinterest.co.uk/theofficialsadghostclub/, Twitter (@thesadghostclub) twitter.com/thesadghostclub/ and Tumblr https://thesadghostclub.tumblr.com/
Sundae Kids
Images sourced from Sundae Kids’s Facebook.
Sundae Kids’ works are a sweet treat for the soul (pun intended).
Inspired by their everyday life, the visual pieces weave through the wonders of simplicity—from the meaningful moments up to the valuable lessons drawn. This creative couple has created a wide variety of media, such as comics, graphic novels, and animations. Sundae Kids continues to share the flavors of life with people from all walks of life.
Sundae Kids can be found through their website sundaekids.com, Facebook facebook.com/sundaekidsillustration/, Instagram instagram.com/sundaekids/, and Twitter (@sundaekids_) https://twitter.com/sundaekids_.
P.S. It is good that one is taking steps towards finding themselves better, however, always remember that you are not alone in this journey. It is totally valid to seek professional help, and we highly encourage you if you need to.
Written below is the list of contacts that you can go to.
Department of Health
National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline
Luzon-wide landline toll-free:
1553
Globe / TM Subscribers:
0966-351-4518
0917-899-8727
0917-899-USAP
Smart / Sun / TNT Subscribers:
0908-639-2672
Philippine General Hospital
Contact Number/s:
(02) 554-8400 loc 2436 or 2440(02) 554-88470
(02) 526-0150
(02) 554-8469
HopeLine
Landline:
(02) 8804-4673
Globe:
0917-5584673
Smart:
0918-8784673
Tawag Paglaum-Centro Bisaya
Smart / Sun:
0939-9375433
0939-9365433
Globe / TM:
0927-6541629
In Touch: Crisis Line
Telephone Number:
(02) 88893 7603
