Iskra Lawrence posts Instagram selfie of her crying to show followers 'realness'

The model has previously used the platform to promote self-acceptance

Iskra Lawrence uploaded a photo of herself crying to Instagram to show her followers that the perfect lives depicted on social media are rarely authentic - and that it's okay to be real.

According to Lawrence, her “emotional breakdown” was the result of unspecified personal issues - but she wanted to share it on Instagram because the platform can be “completely unrelatable, overwhelming, triggering, and even damaging for our mental health” and she wants to change that.

The 28-year-old model captioned the selfie: “It’s still an internal struggle to post absolutely everything.

“I try and commit to showing you ALL the realness, even though I do feel more comfortable posting the ‘best bits’ which there is nothing wrong with but I’m hoping this post can make at least one person feel better with not being OK.”

The plus-size model, who frequently uses her platform to promote body positivity, then reminded her more than four million followers that they should not compare their “happiness, confidence, body, beauty, relationships, success or life to ANYONE online.”

Lawrence concluded her post acknowledging that it’s completely okay to cry - while expressing the importance of practising self-care in those moments.

“I’ve surrounded myself with family, friends and faith so I know I’m supported and loved no matter what and I’m beyond grateful to have that,” she wrote, before encouraging her followers to also post crying selfies and tag her.

The post, which has been liked more than 277,000 people, has been met with support and gratitude on social media.

“This is so brave of you! I hope we all can become a little more like you and be open to talk about our emotional struggles,” one person wrote.

Another commented: “Really hope you’re doing okay, but thanks for posting - everyone should know it’s fine to cry and that the kindness you will find when you’re down will astound you.”