How Instagram can tell if you're depressed or not

It’s usually used for those #sorrynotsorry holiday snaps and epic breakfast spreads, but now research says Instagram can actually be an indicator of someone’s mental health.

RELATED: Selena Gomez cancels Revival tour, takes time off due to 'anxiety' and 'depression'
RELATED: This video about depression will give you goosebumps

A study from the US has found if someone you know is frequently posting Insta-snaps in darker colours, it might be a sign they’re experiencing depression.

After analysing over 40,000 photos from 166 people, researchers found darker filters – and especially “Inkwell” which turns colour snaps into black and white – were commonly used by those suffering from depression.

“In studies associating mood, colour, and mental health, healthy individuals identified darker, greyer colours with negative mood, and generally preferred brighter, more vivid colours,” researchers Andrew Reece of Harvard University and Chris Danforth of the University of Vermont wrote. “By contrast, depressed individuals were found to prefer darker, greyer colours.”

Frequent posting and pictures which included faces were also said to be an indicator of mental health issues, the research found.

With the findings said to “suggest new avenues for early screening and detection of mental illness,” it’s definitely something to be aware of when you're scrolling through your friends' photos.

If you or anyone you know needs support and help, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit Beyond Blue.

Want more celebrity, entertainment and lifestyle news? Follow Be on Facebook,Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram