TikTokAt TikTok, we want our community to feel empowered to express themselves authentically and create a safe space to learn and talk frankly about different life experiences or challenges.
Ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week we're speaking with Fahima Therapy, an individual and relationship therapist who helps people in the community understand their mental health better. Fahima is always keen to raise awareness of different issues and shares tips with the wider community.
She also regularly speaks about the intersectionality between faith and mental health, shedding light on the issues experienced by people of faith who lack representation in this space.
When she's not doing this, she regularly encourages the community to practice more self-love and constantly advises her community to seek help if and when they need it.
With over 44.3k followers and 883.8k likes, it's clear that our community are invested in learning more about mental health and creating safe spaces for these important conversations. We sat down with Fahima to find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week and why she decided to join TikTok in the first place.
What does mental health awareness week mean to you?
For me it’s about educating ourselves and not being afraid to ask questions.
In one of my recent posts I wrote ‘If you can learn to understand the language of physical health then you can learn to understand the language of mental health’. Language is so important and gives room for safe conversations. It can be the difference between shame and acceptance.
Personally, I believe that mental health matters every day but this is a month to amplify our voices even more.
Have you been surprised by the response you have had from the community on TikTok?
Absolutely! I have built an amazing community and sometimes when I look back at messages I feel so much warmth. I was surprised by how much people felt heard, accepted, empowered and found my content relatable.
What do you love most about TikTok?
It’s fun, it’s creative and I can share really important topics in a fun and loving way. I can join trends from around the world and still relate it to mental wellbeing.
What first inspired you to create on TikTok?
I wanted to see more representation. As someone from a marginalised community, this was especially important to me. I wanted people to get a sense of my personality. Movies give a really traditional image of therapists and I wanted to show that there was more than one way to be a therapist. In my community, there is a lack of awareness which usually becomes a barrier for people to access support.
When my video went viral on TikTok, I saw how much representation mattered in my community.
What is your favourite recent challenge or trend on TikTok?
Transition videos. I love fashion and talking about mental health, so I incorporated the trend with a message on confidence (it was so much fun!)
What is your goal on TikTok?
My goal is to reach out to as many people as I can, so they don’t feel alone with their stories. To empower women, to make people feel heard and seen. To support people with their growth, to let people know that they're more than their pain. I want more and more people to feel inspired and build on their resilience. Most importantly, I want to send a message to the world that life isn’t black and white but a huge grey area - which allows us to accept every single individual for who they are.
What else or who else is on your TikTok For You feed?!
My feed is a bit of everything that benefits my well-being. I follow other therapists creators and love watching videos that make me giggle like @hippiearab she’s funny and @therealoverloadcomedy, @wildcookbook and I love watching dancers too- they look so freeing!
What is your favourite TikTok you have made to date and why?
My video on women being good enough. It felt so powerful and overwhelming seeing the comments and duets to the video. A lot of women felt seen and heard.
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!
