Zoe Sugg opens up about feeling ‘suffocated’ on Instagram: ‘I second guess a lot of things I say’

‘I can’t even tell you how many messages I received from you all saying you felt the same way’

Zoe Sugg has spoken about how excessive use of social media can make her feel “suffocated” and “disconnected”, having spent years struggling with the pressure of being in the spotlight.

Having first created her blog Zoella in 2009, Sugg has spent the past decade becoming one of the most influential individuals on the Internet.

Her main YouTube channel, which Sugg uses to share videos about beauty, fashion and her everyday life, currently has 11 million subscribers and has accumulated more than one billion views.

With a following of 10 million on Instagram and 12.8 million on Twitter, it should come as no surprise that the 28-year-old may sometimes feel overwhelmed by the attention she receives on a daily basis.

The vlogger opened up about the impact of social media in the caption of her most recent Instagram post, explaining how her perception of social media has changed in recent times.

“I spoke a bit last year about the pressure, expectation and fear of posting that I have often experienced throughout my decade of sharing, but now more than ever, I second guess a lot of things I say or post,” she wrote.

“I also know that SO many of you do the same thing (regardless of follower count) and you can end up feeling a little suffocated and disconnected.”

Sugg continued, revealing that she regularly receives messages from her followers whose self-esteem has been affected by the unattainable beauty standards of social media.

“I can’t even tell you how many messages I received from you all (including fellow social influencer posters) saying you felt the same way and that you didn’t feel you could compete with the ‘glossiness’ that a large part of Instagram has become,” she said.

“I’m going to make a conscious effort this year, to post more without second guessing, or contemplating a perfect caption that won’t offend anyone, or appear like my life is so well put together.”

Sugg has previously discussed her struggles with anxiety disorder, revealing that she attends weekly therapy sessions and takes “digital detoxes” to cope with the condition.

In 2012, the YouTuber shared a video in which she spoke about how she deals with panic attacks and anxiety.

“One in four people will suffer with some form of mental illness,” she said.

“So I guess the point of this video is to let you guys know that you are not the only person that feels this way.”

In 2017, Instagram scheduling site Hopper HQ estimated that Sugg earns approximately £10,000 for every Instagram post that she shares on the social media platform.