Lele Pons – a Venezuelan–American social media influencer and singer – announced to her 43.6 million followers yesterday that she will be taking a break from social media. Pons cited the importance of prioritizing your own mental health and putting yourself first as reasons for her departure.
Pons shared an image of her visibly crying on Instagram:
“Mental health is extremely important! It is okay not to be happy all the time. It is okay to show your vulnerable side too! You are not alone !!!! We all have our low days and up days! However, it is crucial to take care of your mental health and get help. Today I’m taking a break to do so. Love you guys and will be back soon”.
Pons has not indicated when she will return to the platform.
Pons has been a stern advocate for raising mental health awareness on social media. She has also been very open about her struggles with OCD, Tourette syndrome and cyber-bullying: Her YouTube Originals documentary series The Secret Life of Lele Pons aired on her YouTube channel last year and gave viewers an in-depth look into her personal struggles. Pons’s announcement of her most recent break from social media shows that the star is still battling with these inner demons. The hiatus decision has been supported by celebrities such as Ryan Hoffman, Paris Hilton, Sebastian Yatra and Prince Royce.
In short, Pons’s break is a powerful insight into the unhealthy effect of social media on mental health. With followers ready to attack an influencer’s every move – it is no shock that Pons is taking this well-deserved break.