A candid Instagram post from fitness influencer and YouTuber Stephanie Buttermore about her mental health has resurfaced online following her death at the age of 36. Buttermore’s long-term fiancée, Jeff NippardShe announced her death in a post on March 6. “We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Jeff’s fiancée and partner of ten years, Stephanie,” the post read.
“She will be remembered for her warmth and compassion, her love for her family and her doctoral research into ovarian cancer,” the statement continued.
Buttermore is known for her science-based fitness content and candid discussions about eating habits and body image. She has gained a large following through her educational content on nutrition and training.
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Buttermore talks about her mental health
In her May 2024 post titled “What I Learned from Taking a Break,” Instagram,” Buttermore said taking a break from social media has greatly improved her mental health.
“My mental health is the best it’s ever been,” she wrote, explaining that she had previously struggled with severe anxiety. According to the influencer, her anxiety became so intense at one point that she was unable to leave her home.
“I no longer struggle with anxiety. Not at all,” she wrote, adding that she once experienced “almost paralyzing” panic attacks.
Buttermore further elaborated that taking a break from social media can help eliminate the constant pressure to measure your self-worth through likes or comments. “I live in a judgment-free space and it’s quiet,” she wrote.
She acknowledged that social media also has some “negative” aspects. She said she missed interacting with the online community, explaining that the platform allowed her to connect with friends, learn from others and stay motivated.
However, she admits, “Overall, the pros outweigh the cons for me. Sometimes I still feel a void in my daily life from being away from the app, but the benefits of this break are worth it.”
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Live more in the moment
Buttermore also wrote that taking a break from social media has allowed her to be more active in her daily life.
She described spending more meaningful time with loved ones (including her partner Nippard) and focusing on real-world experiences rather than documenting them online.
“When I’m with my family or Jeff, I’m more in the moment,” she wrote, explaining that she had stopped checking notifications and instead spent time with other people.
Fans continue to get glimpses of Buttermore on Nippard’s account; the latest comes two weeks before her death. The photo, captioned “Boost your relationship with tea time to lower cortisol levels,” shows the couple cuddling up on the couch. “Love you forever,” Buttermore said in the comments on the post.
