Bindi Irwin says she's taking a break from social media to focus on her family
Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP
- Bindi Irwin announced today that she's taking a break from social media.
- The wildlife conservationist said she'll be spending time with her daughter and family.
- She also took the opportunity to advocate for mental health.
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Television personality and wildlife conservationist Bindi Irwin took to Instagram this morning to share that she will be taking a step back from social media.
Irwin told her millions of followers across platforms that she will be taking a month away from sharing her life with them directly and focusing on spending time with her nearly 3-month-old daughter. (Irwin has 4.7 million followers on Instagram and nearly 800,000 followers on Twitter.)
"Hi guys, Just a note to say thank you for your support," she captioned a photo of her and daughter Grace Warrior Irwin Powell. "I'm taking a break from social media and most of my work in the public eye for a month to be with my beautiful daughter and my wonderful family. I feel tremendously grateful to share our life and conservation work with you but I need some time to focus on the happiness that is my family (both human and animal)."
The Australian native suggested her followers keep up with her family for the time being by following other family members and the Australia Zoo on social media.
She said she's become inundated with people reaching out to share personal stories of how they "protect their mental health," and thanked them all for their words.
"To my friends who are dealing with depression, anxiety, and other battles every day - I see you," she wrote. "These issues are very real and deserve to be discussed and addressed."
Irwin continued: "Surround yourself with the light of people who genuinely care about you and will support you during the good times and the hard times."
She also mentioned that there are helplines and resources available to anyone who may be having difficulties in conjunction with their mental health. Her husband, Chandler Powell, also posted the same photo and praised his wife for her "ability to stand up for what is right."
"Mental health deserves more understanding and support instead of being dismissed or patronized [sic]," she wrote at the end of her caption. "You are absolutely worthy of love and kindness."