How TikTok Creators Advocate for Mental Health

I’ll admit it – I didn’t understand TikTok at first. I thought it was all dances, but it turns out that TikTok is a vast platform that has many different “sides” to it. It changes what videos pop up on your feed based off of what videos you interact with, creating your own personal “algorithm.” One of my favorite creators that pops up in my feed is Elyse Myers (@elysemyers).

Elyse became popular – or at least hit my page – with singing and hilarious storytime videos, where she told stories from her life (often her own mishaps), covering the video with little emojis to illustrate the story as she told it. This woman has a fascinating way of looking at the world and shows it off. She was able to widen her content from these singing or storytime TikToks and became diverse with her platform, covering the Bachelor, meeting Lance Bass, and more. Most importantly, she was able to continue spreading her positivity by addressing mental health, encouraging setting boundaries, and encouraging and practicing positive self talk.

Elyse is not afraid of being real with her followers about the anxiety she feels in a variety of situations – she has highlights tabs on her account specifically named “regular anxiety” and “social anxiety.” She encourages herself and others to not accept negative self talk or others’ negative input by repeating the simple phrase “I don’t receive that.” She sets boundaries with people she interacts with, kindly telling them that “If I’m too much, go find less.” For giveaways, the way you enter is by encouraging someone else!

This authenticity, example of setting healthy boundaries, and dedication toward speaking positively toward herself and those around her have led to a huge following. People want to emulate their favorite TikTok creator and are taking positive steps in their own lives. It’s easy for older generations to look down on platforms like TikTok as just another silly app, but it can be used in radical ways to bring about positive change to one’s mental health if consumed in appropriate amounts.

Social media can have negative effects on mental health. We know this is true – there have been countless studies. Instead of banning your child’s social media use altogether, take time with them to sit down and find content creators like Elyse that are changing the game and using it for good. Talk about what they’re consuming, and how long they’re on their devices for. It’s not all bad out there – I promise. We have people like Elyse forging new paths for children and adults alike.

@elysemyers

@elysemyers The shop is OPEN! Link is in my bio ? #ireceivethat #idontreceivethat #gofindless #greatquestion ♬ Unconditional love – Elyse Myers

Ruth Gladwyn Written by Ruth Gladwyn-Nash on October 25, 2022.

Ruth graduated from Iowa State University in 2020 with a degree in English with a heavy emphasis on Secondary Education. During her time at ISU, Ruth worked with kids ages 5-15 at a PMIC facility to support and guide them to build futures of hope. She provided daily group and individual BHIS skill sessions with her clients and helped provide structure and safety as they went about their daily schedule. Ruth wants to help others take their current strengths and abilities and enhance and build upon them while learning and developing new skills. She is passionate about connecting with others in authentic relationships and creating supportive, inclusive, positive spaces where everyone can flourish as they walk on this path of life together.

Get to know Ruth a little better.