Tips for maintaining your mental health while leading an online community

Written by Jonny Stark, the founder of Secret Tel Aviv.

Managing an online community can be a rewarding, yet challenging experience for community managers. Without formal training and often volunteering their time, it’s easy for the mental health of community managers to be impacted. Here are some tips for maintaining your well-being while leading an online community:

1. Keep your mental space clear by disabling notifications on your phone.

2. Celebrate the successes of your community by recording them for future reference during difficult times.

3. Avoid engaging in conversations with negative individuals, as they may use your responses against you.

4. Prepare for potential crises by implementing a crisis management plan.

5. Establish an appeals process to efficiently handle complaints.

6. Seek support from other community managers and friends to share and learn from similar experiences.

7. Remember that negative feedback is not a reflection of your abilities or character, but rather a reflection of the individual’s own issues.

As a community manager, the daily operations and interactions can take a toll on one’s mental well-being. If you are currently facing challenges in this area, I am here to support you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me on LinkedIn for a confidential and supportive conversation.