Nedra Glover Tawwab, a Charlotte-based therapist, recognized the potential of social media as a tool for expanding mental health awareness when she joined Instagram in 2017. With only a few therapists using the platform at the time, Tawwab saw it as an opportunity to reach a wider audience beyond her in-person therapy sessions.
Fast forward six years, and Tawwab has become one of the most followed people in her profession on Instagram with over 1.8 million followers and nearly 16,000 on TikTok. Her unique approach to therapy resonates with individuals who may not have access to traditional therapy or believe it’s not for them. As a Black woman herself, Tawwab is able to relate to these marginalized communities by drawing from their culture in her work.
Tawwab’s recent posts have focused on topics such as maintaining hope, nurturing healthy relationships between parents and adult children, and reflecting on the past year with a set of questions. She also works to destigmatize difficult emotions like grief by creating a safe space for her followers to explore their feelings openly.
While Tawwab recognizes the potential of social media as a tool for expanding mental health awareness, she emphasizes that it’s just the starting point in the journey toward better mental health. Her goal is to provide information and support that encourages individuals to seek professional help and develop therapeutic relationships in their local area. Social media serves as a valuable entry point for those beginning to explore mental health topics, paving the way for deeper personal growth and healing in the hands of trained professionals.