TikTok's Mental Health Awareness Month: Empowering the Community

At TikTok, they prioritize empowering the community to express themselves authentically and create a safe space for open conversations about various life experiences and challenges. In line with Mental Health Awareness Month observed in May in the US, their focus this year is on helping people find a supportive community, share their stories, learn from experts, and access mental health resources and information.

Throughout the month, they will host a range of TikTok LIVE programs and community spotlights featuring creators and organizations that aim to raise awareness and destigmatize mental health conversations.

Encouraging Supportive Conversations

Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment is at the core of their mission. Hashtags play a crucial role in connecting people with common interests and experiences. Whether you have a personal story to share or are seeking a mental health community, there are several ways to connect through hashtags, including:

#MentalHealthAwareness: Explore this month's hashtag to find content related to mental health, personal stories, and guidance on supporting loved ones in need.
#SelfCare: Discover soothing videos, tips, and tricks to relax and prioritize well-being.
#LetsTalkMentalHealth: Engage with personal stories shared under this hashtag to find support and understanding from others who may be going through similar experiences.

Spotlighting Groundbreaking Creators

They celebrate creators who openly discuss their journey towards better mental health. From conversations about depression, anxiety, body image, and self-esteem issues to tips on managing these challenges, these creators play a vital role in fostering authentic and empathetic discussions. Today, they recognize some of these creators who contribute to the mental health conversation:

@micheline.maalouf: Micheline Maalouf, a licensed trauma therapist, shares her experiences as both a therapist and a therapy patient, providing information and inspiration.
@hunterprosper: Hunter Prosper, an ICU nurse and content creator, shares heartfelt stories from uplifting encounters with everyday people, highlighting the importance of everyone's story.
@doctorshepard_md: Dr. Melissa Shepard, a psychiatrist and therapist, educates people about mental health in an accessible way, covering topics such as choosing the right therapist and understanding different manifestations of depression.
@jayshetty: Jay Shetty, a bestselling author, purpose coach, and podcaster, promotes positive thinking and inner reflection to achieve inner peace and increase self-confidence.
@theshaniproject: Shani Tran, a licensed professional clinical counselor, advocates for inclusivity in therapy spaces through humor and emphasizes the importance of cultural competency and well-being practices.
@jakegoodmanmd: Dr. Jake Goodman, a psychiatry resident physician and mental health activist, shares compassionate insights into mental healthcare and his personal mental health journey.
@anisabenitez: Anisa Benitez, an actor, model, filmmaker, and wellness advocate, uses storytelling to detail her experiences with therapy, guide meditations, and share mindfulness tips.
@amoderntherapist: Dr. Justin Puder, a therapist and licensed psychologist, creates informative content addressing mental health challenges, including anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and toxic relationships, to break down misconceptions about therapy and therapists.
@thetherapygal: Leeor Gal, a licensed marriage and family therapist, creatively shares a wide range of information, from different types of therapies to effective communication in relationships and managing anxiety and stress.
@ijorgealvarez: Jorge Alvarez, a mental health advocate, digital strategist, and content creator, uses creative storytelling to inspire action, empower others, and build a community for collective reflection, unlearning limiting beliefs, and generational healing.
@christina_lpc: Christina Guarino, a licensed therapist, dispels myths about mental health, therapy, and treatment through humor and compassion.

Partnering for Greater Impact

While each person's mental health experience is unique, achieving a world where everyone can openly discuss their mental well-being and receive necessary care requires collective action. They believe in the power of collaboration and are grateful to the organizations that share their expertise on TikTok. This month, they are spotlighting several nonprofits working towards a more inclusive future:

Born This Way Foundation (@btwfoundation): Co-founded by @ladygaga and Cynthia Germanotta, the foundation supports youth mental health and promotes kindness and bravery.
Crisis Text Line (@crisistextline): Provides free, 24/7 text-based mental health support and crisis intervention.
JED Foundation (@jedfoundation): Works to protect emotional health and prevent suicide among teens and young adults.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (@nami): The largest grassroots mental health organization in the US, dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by mental illness.
National Eating Disorders Association (@neda): Supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders through helplines, informative content, and advocacy.
Peer Health Exchange (@peerhealthexchange): Builds healthier communities by providing education opportunities for peers to share tools and resources for making healthy decisions.
RAINN (@rainn): The nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization, operating the National Sexual Assault Hotline and programs to prevent sexual violence and support survivors.
Sound Mind Live (@soundmindlive): Uses the power of music to build community and open dialogue around mental health.

Programming for Change

Music and sound have the ability to bring people together, help them relax, and provide solace during difficult times. In this spirit, they invite everyone to join their special LIVE programming events throughout the month, including:

A LIVE discussion on setting boundaries with parents, led by psychotherapist Dr. Courtney Tracy (@the.truth.doctor) and hosted by @cosmopolitan on May 10th.
A 'Get Ready with Me' mental health check-in with Leyna Bloom (@leynabloom) and Olivia Ponton (@iamoliviaponton), hosted by @sportsillustratedswim on May 19th.
The 4th Annual Sound Mind Live (@soundmindlive) Music Festival for Mental Health on May 21st, featuring performances by KAMAUU (@kamauuworld), Wrabel (@wrabelofficial), Allison Russell (@allisonrussell), The Cold War Kids, Big Boi (@bigboi), and American Authors (@theamericanauthors), with proceeds supporting free mental health programs offered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
A LIVE musical performance by @yungblud, followed by a mental health discussion on May 25th, with proceeds supporting @crisistextline's critical work.
A curated wellness-themed playlist featuring @tylershawmusic.

Supporting Well-being

They prioritize the well-being of their community members and partner with experts to develop resources that connect the community to information. Their Well-Being Guide provides tips for mindful sharing of personal journeys, and their Eating Disorder Guide offers support for those struggling with eating or body image concerns.

They believe in creating a safe exploration environment, which is why they redirect searches and block harmful hashtags. When users search for terms like #eatingdisorders or #suicide, they will find support resources such as helplines and information on how to seek assistance. Additionally, they offer features that help users manage their screen time, tailor their feeds to avoid potentially triggering content, and filter their comments.

Mental Health Awareness Month on TikTok showcases the progress made in discussing well-being. They are proud to be a platform where people can share their stories, break down stigma, and find a supportive community. They recognize that mental health is complex and aim to navigate it with the help of experts, nuance, and above all, kindness.