Lucy Spraggan explained to fans that she had taken a break from social media to focus on her mental health.
The 29-year-old former X Factor star, who shot to fame in 2012, revealed to her followers that using social media started to feel like 'death by a thousand cuts' due to the relentless criticism she faced from strangers.
As a result, the songwriter decided to step away from Twitter and instead focused on being outdoors in nature and doing what she loves.
In a candid social media statement, Lucy urged fans to be mindful of how every comment can have an effect and for them to be conscious of the damage they can do.
"If you're wondering why I've been quieter than normal on here it's because over the album campaign I got myself into a rhythm with social media that did not work for my mental health," she wrote on Twitter.
"The rhythm was constant checking, refreshing, searching, comparing, absorbing. It became second, or maybe even first nature.
"You have all seen some of the messages I get - about me, about my body, about my personality, about my confidence ... Some stuff got a bit too much.
The songstress added: "When it came to defending myself on here the 'you put yourself out there so you should expect it' started getting flung around and then I felt the need to explain why that is a problem in itself."
Lucy went on to admit that she wishes it was easy enough just to focus on the positive messages, but she struggled to ignore the trolls.
In her absence from social media, she has instead cast her focus on being outdoors and taking time to do things that she enjoys.
Lucy continued: "My camera roll is literally empty but I feel like my brain is more colourful. My body image is better and I am not drawing as many comparisons in general.
"I hope you are all happy and well. I heard the phrase 'death by a thousand cuts' the other day and it reminded me of how social media made be feel"
The songstress concluded with: "Be conscious and careful with words: sharp ones hurt, but the dull ones cause damage over time too.
Lucy - who recently released her sixth album - was quickly inundated with supportive messages from fans who urged her to take all the time out that she needed.
Others agreed with the musician and acknowledged that social media can be toxic, and expressed hopes that users can be educated on how to cope with online vitriol.
Alarming statistics about cyberbullying have revealed that it's not only celebrities that are viciously attacked by people online and struggle with their mental health. Last year, it was revealed that one-quarter of children are afraid of being trolled online.
*If you are struggling with mental health, you can speak to a trained advisor from Mind mental health charity on 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk
