TikTokHailing from Nigeria, meet Funmto —a mental health champion on a mission to make 'circle education' fun and relatable, breaking down barriers and demystifying the journey to wellness!
What inspired you to start creating mental health content on TikTok?
I was inspired by mental health creators and therapists in the US and Canada, such as Simon Saunders of the Cognitive Corner, Colby Campbell, and Dr. Raquel Martin. I observed the positive influence they were having on their communities and their engagement with their TikTok followers, which made me see an opportunity for this in the Nigerian content space. It hasn't been the easiest process, but I’m learning more about the platform and my audience, and it has been a rewarding experience so far.
What theme in mental health does your content focus on and why?
My content on TikTok focuses on "circle education" and demystifying mental health as a whole. This comes across in providing tips and insights on common mental health difficulties like trauma, anxiety, depression, life stressors, boundaries, and time management. In addition to this, I focus on demystifying mental health by informing people that there are therapists in Nigeria, as well as sharing my journey to becoming a therapist.
What role do you think TikTok plays in shaping conversations around mental health today?
TikTok plays a VERY BIG role, especially with my younger clients (Gen Z). They often reference things they've seen on the platform. There’s a wealth of mental health content available, which is beneficial as it provides them with the language to articulate experiences they previously struggled to identify. However, there’s a downside: excessive exposure to mental health topics can lead to uncertainty about whether these diagnoses or discussions truly apply to them.
My recommendation would be if you see something that fits you on TikTok, watch it for educational purposes and not diagnose yourself. If you are with a therapist, you can bring it up and have a conversation about it rather than drawing up a hard and fast conclusion for yourself.
What are some effective ways to destigmatize mental health conversations online?
Honestly, I love the online space, especially TikTok, because people are vulnerable and unafraid to show their struggles. It’s important to share more about the positive experiences of therapy and mental health care, whether it’s personal stories, experiences from those within their network, or tools and techniques that have worked for them."
In addition to sharing more, I would suggest safeguarding conversations around mental health. When people spread misinformation on mental health that contributes to stigma and hinders open dialogue, be brave to stand up to those conversations and correct them.
Can you share any specific techniques or tools that have helped you manage your own mental health?
Taking frequent social media breaks is important. I take time off from being online, whether it's on TikTok or other platforms—generally unplugging from the digital world. I aim to reduce my screen time to a certain average and make it a little competition with myself. Spending time away from social media helps me recharge.
Engaging in personal therapy has also been beneficial for managing my mental health. I've been seeing my own therapist since my training days, and it’s been invaluable to have that support where I can receive help and be nurtured.
Additionally, I engage in my hobbies, like working out. I also seek out spaces that nurture me, such as friendships and relationships. Being around people who uplift and support me is essential, especially since much of my work involves pouring into others. It’s crucial for me to ensure that I’m being nurtured as well.
Can you share a TikTok video that resonated with your audience the most and why?
Someone left a comment saying "So we have therapists in this country?", So I responded and said yes and I told people about myself. This video resonated with my audience because it was kind of saying "Yes, we exist. Yes, we are out here despite all that has been said about therapists in Nigeria, therapists in Africa, we still have quality therapists out here, and here's an insight to who I am".
What advice would you give anyone who is currently struggling with mental health issues?
As cliche as this sounds, my advice would be "It's not always going to suck this bad". It might be hard to imagine because your current reality may not be reflective of that statement. But I want you to remember that you've survived your hardest days. So the days when you thought you weren't going to make it, the days you thought were going to get the better of you, you survived it and you are here. I'm so thankful that you are here. I just want you to take it one moment at a time and just remember that it's not always going to be this bad. Things will get better.
What advice would you give to fellow creators looking to share their mental health journeys authentically?
I think that last word emphasizes my answer. Just be authentic. Be yourself. TikTok is a very unique platform that I'm still learning to navigate, but something that I've seen as a creator on TikTok is that people thrive and enjoy the authenticity of TikTok. People enjoy the more relaxed, less glamorized, and produced videos. Just be yourself-this is something I'm trying to remind myself. My TikTok doesn't have to be in tip-top shape or be cinematically wonderful, but people just want to see authenticity, people just want to be real, so pace yourself. Discover what you want to bring to the platform and just go for it!
