Bindi Irwin steps away from social media to focus on family

June 21 (UPI) -- Bindi Irwin said she is stepping away from social media to focus on her family and well-being.

The 22-year-old television personality and conservationist announced a break from social media in an Instagram post Monday.

Irwin shared the news alongside a photo of herself holding Grace Warrior, her 3-month-old daughter with her husband, Chandler Powell.

"Hi guys, just a note to say thank you for your support. I'm taking a break from social media and most of my work in the public eye for a month to be with my beautiful daughter and my wonderful family," Irwin captioned the post. "I feel tremendously grateful to share our life and conservation work with you but I need some time to focus on the happiness that is my family (both human and animal)."

Irwin then addressed the importance of taking care of one's mental health.

"Recently, I've had many people reaching out to share their own stories of working hard to protect their mental health. Thank you for sharing and speaking your truth," the star said. "To my friends who are dealing with depression, anxiety and other battles every day - I see you. These issues are very real and deserve to be discussed and addressed."

"Surround yourself with the light of people who genuinely care about you and will support you during the good times and the hard times. Remember there are helplines available," she added. "Mental health deserves more understanding and support instead of being dismissed or patronised. You are absolutely worthy of love and kindness."

Irwin's announcement came one day after she addressed her estrangement from her grandfather Bob Irwin. She posted a Father's Day tribute to Powell, her late father, Steve Irwin, and her father-in-law Sunday on Facebook and was asked why she didn't include Steve Irwin's father.

"Unfortunately my grandfather Bob has shown no interest in spending time with me or my family," Bindi Irwin responded in the comments. "Publicly he continues to claim that he wants to spend time with us while privately me entire life has been psychological abuse from him."

Irwin said she's never had a relationship with Bob Irwin but that her family supports him financially and does their best "to ensure his well-being."

"From the time I was a little girl he has ignored me," she said. "Preferring to spend time doing anything else rather than being with me. He has never said a single kind word to me personally. It breaks my heart but it is not healthy to engage in an abusive relationship."

Steve Irwin, who starred with his family on The Crocodile Hunter, died at age 44 in September 2006 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb. Bindi Irwin's daughter's middle name of Warrior is a tribute to Steve Irwin's legacy as a "Wildlife Warrior."