From a TikTok experiment to a vibrant community, Kamnelechukwu has created a lively space celebrating shared mental health journeys!

What inspired you to start creating mental health content on TikTok?

My inspiration came from a conversation with a friend about the struggle of living with mental health challenges in Nigeria. It often felt like being invisible. She suggested that I start sharing my perspective on TikTok and see if I can find people who could relate. I thought, why not? And here we are! I think more than anything, sharing this content on the platform has not only validated my lived experience in a lot of ways but also made it easier for others to say. Hey, I deal with this too. Thank you for sharing. I don't feel so weird anymore.

What theme in mental health does your content focus on and why?

My content focuses mostly on lifestyle, wellness, and self-care. When I was growing up, I was bullied a lot for my interests and things I enjoyed doing, so the type of content I make has been a cool way to express myself in a way that feels safe to do so. I also live in a really fun, fast-paced, and chaotic city, but I have managed to find pockets of peace and joy in how I move through it, especially with my slow life. I wanted to show people what it’s like to live with a bit more intention in a city like Lagos while being yourself and finding community while at it.

What role do you think TikTok plays in shaping conversations around mental health today?

I believe the most significant achievement has been creating an app that allows people to share their experiences and insights easily. It's incredibly rewarding because, for the first time in my life, I finally have the language to express and articulate my own feelings. In a country like Nigeria, where many of us grew up thinking mental health issues were either nonexistent or the subject of jokes, it’s been refreshing to see others open up about their experiences. The support and understanding people offer each other on the app is truly uplifting and creates a safe space for sharing.

What are some effective ways to destigmatize mental health conversations online?

When it comes to destigmatizing mental health conversations online, there are several effective approaches all of us can take:

  • Sharing personal stories is incredibly powerful. When people open up about their own experiences, it creates a sense of connection and makes these topics feel less daunting to talk about.
  • Focus on using inclusive and empathetic language when creating content. It goes a long way. It’s important to avoid judgmental terms that could push people away.
  • Creating safe spaces online where people feel comfortable sharing is essential. I’ve seen how the group chat feature on TikTok has helped me foster relationships that help people feel supported, seen, and heard.

Can you share any specific techniques or tools that have helped you manage your own mental health?

For me, receiving a formal diagnosis has been crucial in understanding what I was facing. Working with a therapist has been incredibly beneficial, as their professional support has helped me develop effective coping strategies.

I’ve found several techniques and tools that help me manage my mental health:

  • One of my favorites is using mindfulness and meditation apps to help me centre my thoughts and reduce stress or anxiety.
  • Journaling has also been a game-changer for me. Writing down my feelings helps me process my emotions and identify patterns in my thoughts.
  • Movement is another big part of my routine; even a short walk or dancing around my living room can lift my mood and I do love a solo dance sesh with a pet
  • I’ve learned that building a joy/rest routine brings a sense of stability to my life. I make sure to carve out time for my interests/hobbies, relaxation, and self-care.

Can you share a TikTok video that resonated with your audience the most and why?

I think the reason this video resonated with people was that at some level we all struggle with looking at our bodies through the lens of other people and that affects you on a deep level even without you knowing it until one day the sun is shining and you realize OMG I am alive, what a thing to be joyful about.

@joydragger This is vulnerable for me and i like that i get to share it. #bodypositive #slowliving #tendernessmatters #minivlogs #dailyvlogs #intuitiveliving #loveyourbelly💖 ♬ Ambient-style emotional piano - MoppySound

What advice would you give anyone who is currently struggling with mental health issues?

I recognize that being able to afford therapy in Nigeria is a privilege, which is why I don’t recommend it as often as I should. However, if you can, I believe that seeking professional support can help you navigate challenges much more effectively than trying to do it alone. Also, be kind and gentle with yourself - this is something I wish someone had told me as a teenager, the world is already mean to you, so don’t be mean to yourself. It’s not your fault that your brain is different from other people’s own.

What advice would you give to fellow creators looking to share their mental health journeys authentically?

Your voice and experiences matter and if you ever choose to share them with the rest of the world, please know that your vulnerability is a beautiful sight and we’d all be cheering you on.