There’s now a monthly virtual support group for creators struggling with their mental health

Over the past five years, as our industry stepped into this new era of short-form mega consumption, AI-pushing productivity platforms, and Hollywood nods, two distinct things happened:

1. “Content creator” became a widely recognized career, and the unique stressors that come along with it received more serious acknowledgment.
2. The pressure to be always on, always posting, always engaging, always optimizing and monetizing and diversifying rose to an all time high.

While creators seem to feel more comfortable talking about their mental health than they did in, say, 2018, when Elle Mills broke YouTube a little bit by being one of the first creators to open up about what making content full-time could do to someone’s state of mind, there is still an overall lack of support addressing the issues.

Creators aren’t content factories. And when the expectation that they’ll constantly produce keeps them in front of a camera every day, it can be difficult to step away and connect with real people who understand what they’re dealing with.

That’s why Creators 4 Mental Health (C4MH) and The Jed Foundation teamed up to launch The Check-In, a monthly virtual support group where creators can meet up in a safe space to get stuff off their chests.

“Creators spend so much time showing up for their audiences, but too often they’re navigating the pressures of this work alone,” Shira Lazar, C4MH’s founder, said in a statement. “The Check-In gives them a safe place to show up for themselves and each other.”

The Check-In will take place on the first Wednesday of every month, with each meeting exploring a new theme, bringing in special guests and mental health experts, and hosting “candid conversations about creator life, along with practical tools and resources,” C4MH said in a press release.

Lazar also pointed out C4MH’s 2025 study found that 62% of North American creators experience burnout sometimes or often as a result of making content.

54% of those creators said they wanted access to peer support networks, but only 27% said they had a safe community they felt provided regular emotional and/or career support.

C4MH and The Jed Foundation hope that on top of supporting creators themselves, The Check-In can help them prep to discuss mental health with their audiences, which are often comprised of teens and young adults.

“Creators have tremendous influence on how young people understand and talk about mental health,” Courtney Knowles, JED’s Senior Media Advisor, said. “Supporting their impact starts with supporting them as people.”

The first Check-In takes place Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. ET. Lazar and Knowles will lead the chat alongside special guest/librarian/Reading Rainbow host Mychal Threets. Conversation will focus on “how to show up for your community while taking care of yourself, and the importance of reaching out for support if you’re struggling,” C4MH said.

Creators interested in attending can RSVP on C4MH’s socials.