8 TikToks to Watch if You're Struggling With Suicidal Thoughts Right Now
When people are struggling, especially with their mental health, we tell them to reach out. Talk to someone. Tell a trusted adult. But the unfortunate reality is that not everyone has a person they can text when suicidal thoughts get too loud and the pain gets too heavy. Even if someone has a great support system, when you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts, feeling like a burden can make it incredibly difficult to reach out. And yes, crisis lines exist, but they have a time and a place (and plenty that needs fixing). Sometimes you just need the face of another person who understands, spending 60 seconds with you, being supportive and empathetic.
That’s why I’m thankful for TikTok, and especially these videos. People can say what they will about screen time and mindless scrolling, but there are far more destructive coping mechanisms, and I’m certainly not one to judge. I know how lonely and isolating living with suicidal thoughts can be. I can’t tell you how many nights I’ve watched these videos on repeat, and how many times they’ve saved me. If you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts right now, I want you to know I see you. And I hope you find as much comfort and support in these videos as I have. Save them, bookmark them, come back to them when you need to; they’ll be here.
1. POV: You see us struggling with suicidal thoughts.
A wildly popular mental health advocate with years of lived experience, Jazz Thornton is always there to remind you the world is better with you in it. The way she uses her story to help so many who are struggling with such dark thoughts is inspiring. This point-of-view style video, talking directly to you, is one of my favorites.
@jazzthornton_ Reply to @why_am_i_here820 for anyone who needs to hear this today – please keep fighting, you deserve to be here ???? #fyp
2. “I see you.”
Another mental health advocate with lived experience, Anna Muller has a way of making people feel seen when you feel so alone. This video made me cry the first (hundred) times I watched it.
@annaboebana I see you, I noticed. #peptalk
3. For the nights you just really need a hug.
Sometimes all you want is for someone to just hold you and sit with you. But sometimes, there isn’t anyone to do that. Frankie’s video talking you through holding yourself isn’t the same as getting a hug from someone, but it’s the next best thing if you’re alone tonight.
@heyfrankiesimmons You’re doing a really really good job #internetbigsister #nervoussystemcare #polyvagal
4. POV: A teacher can sense you’re struggling.
To all the Mr. Shutes out there, thank you for making this world a better place. Suicidal thoughts don’t just happen in the confines of your bedroom; for some, school is where it’s the worst. I’m alive because of teachers who cared enough to check in and could sense when I wasn’t doing well. Whether you have that teacher in your life or not, Mr. Shutes is here for you.
@danshutes Trust your gut. #teacher #teachersoftiktok #teacherlife #school #fyp
5. “Hold the phone up to your ear right now…”
Another one from Jazz, because she has so many great videos I constantly find myself coming back to on particularly hard days. In a pseudo-phone call/voicemail, she talks to anyone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts right now.
@jazzthornton_ I don’t know who needs this – But if it’s you, thank you for still being here ????#voiceeffects #mentalhealthmatters
6. Take this space.
Dr. Kali is one of my favorites — there’s something comforting in a medical professional truly seeing you, and sitting with you. If you need that reminder and a safe space right now, here it is.
@drkalimd Here’s your space. Your emotions are safe here. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #coping #break #news #world #therapy #therapist #psychiatrist
7. Tonight’s not the night.
Sometimes you just need someone to tell you not to kill yourself. It may seem blunt or obvious, but hearing those words from someone — even if they’re a stranger — can be a powerful thing. You can always count on Madi to remind you of that.
@themadivlog Tonight reach out tonight, don’t do it. We need u #Hyperfixated #WhatILearned #fyp #mentalhealth
♬ Emotional Piano Instrumental In E Minor – Tom Bailey Backing Tracks
8. “I know you’re tired… give it one more time.”
Another from Anna because this video is so special to me. On my worst suicidal nights, so much of it comes from dealing with this for so long. Trying so many things, just to be at the same place again. This video is a response to a comment that said “I’m tired of one more times” left on another of her videos encouraging people to try one more time. If you need validation that what you’re going through is exhausting, if you need someone who understands what it’s like to struggle for years, and if you’re sick of fighting, watch this video.
@annaboebana Reply to @chloweee_k let’s try something different, one more time. #onemoretime #mentalhealth #peptalk #ClearGenius #XfinityFanthem #foryou #fypシ
I know how hard living with suicidal thoughts can be, and I know what those nights alone feel like all too well. I hope these videos help you hold on a little longer, ground you, calm you, and remind you that you are not alone, and we need you here. I love you.
Lead image via TikTok
Through multiple suicide attempts, living with depression, PTSD, and anxiety for over 10 years now, and having struggled with anorexia and bulimia-- I have a much closer relationship with mental illness than I'd like. But I believe in community and that we need each other. I believe in hope and that better days are ahead. I believe in the kindness of people. And I believe continuing to show up (for yourself and others) when everything is pointing the opposite way, is one of the bravest things a person can do.
sky_taylor