Today marks the start of #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, and on TikTok we are committed to building a supportive space where our community feels empowered to express themselves authentically and learn and share their different life experiences, challenges and their mental wellbeing.

We've been inspired by the way that our community has been opening up and engaging with mental health topics on our platform using hashtags such as #MentalHealthAwareness and #SelfCare to raise awareness of struggles while also creating communities of support. From @drjuliesmith raising awareness of habits which can be related to anxiety, to @benjy_lookbook providing practical tips on how to avoid burnout, TikTok is increasingly becoming a home for wellbeing conversations, helping us all learn about our own mindfulness while creating a much-needed sense of community.

This year's theme for Mental Health Awareness focuses on loneliness and whether you’re young or old, we're sure you can agree that loneliness affects everyone.

In order to mark this important week, we are launching a new series of #TikTokUnpacks, where we will be partnering with creators across the platform to speak about loneliness, what it means to them, and how they combat it. Check our TikTok Unpacks Hub to follow all of the conversation in app and here's a little snapshot of what we've seen so far:

LGBTQIA+ and disability advocate @EllaEllaW (176.3k followers) has been sharing how they combat loneliness as someone with autism.

@ellaellaw AD - Loneliness can be really difficult to overcome, so for TikTok unpacks, I’m talking about my struggles with loneliness and opening up about my mental health :)) #tiktokunpacks#mentalhealthmatters#mentalhealthawareness#mentalhealthweek#fyp#viral#tiktokuk ♬ Pieces (Solo Piano Version) - Danilo Stankovic

Every wondered exactly what loneliness is or why you can feel that way? Individual and relationship therapist @fahima.therapy (44.7k followers) has been offering a detailed breakdown, along with tips on how to deal with it.

@fahima.therapy Sharing tips at the end ✨ #tiktokunpacks #loneliness #mentalhealthawarness ♬ SUN GOES DOWN - Andreas Roehrig

@lewbearbrown (435.5k followers) has been sharing tips on dealing with anxiety whilst on stage.

@lewbearbrown #theatre #theatrekid #musicaltheatre #dancer #tiktokunpacks ♬ Pieces (Solo Piano Version) - Danilo Stankovic

By spotlighting this important calendar moment, we hope that our community feels that they are not alone, and know how they can ask for the right help and support. But we know that encouraging a better conversation about our mental health isn't a one-off event.

We want to ensure that these important conversations continue, and so that's why, we've launched TikTok Unpacks, to direct people to the right advice and support in order to look after their mental health.

For more support and advice, check out the TikTok Unpacks and Every Mind Matters – Loneliness webpage for ways to help others in your community. Alternatively, if you'd like to learn more, take the Mind Plan quiz to get a personalised mental health action plan with practical tips to help you deal with stress, anxiety, low mood and trouble sleeping, as well as advice on how to cope with feelings of loneliness.

New to TikTok and keen to learn more about Mental Health Awareness Week? It couldn't be easier, simply download the app for free via the Apple App Store, Google Play or Amazon!