Join us this January as we spotlight incredible creators who are passionate about mental health and wellness! These inspiring individuals are using their platforms to break stigmas, promote self-care, and empower others to prioritise their wellbeing. Whether it's sharing personal journeys and advice, or mindfulness and wellness practices, these creators are making a meaningful impact, like poet and podcast host, Daragh Fleming [@daraghfleming].

Q: What first inspired you to talk about mental health/wellness on TikTok? A: I’d been doing it for quite some time before I landed on TikTok, through my blog, Thoughts Too Big, and on other platforms. TikTok seemed like the right next step as people moved away from written content and wanted more video-based stuff. I’ve been giving talks on mental health for the bones of ten years so it made sense to jump on TikTok and do the same.

@daraghfleming Mo’ Poem #29 Part of talking about and advocating around men’s health and mental health issues is also acknowledging and accepting that these issues are our responsibility. We have to be the drivers of change, and we have to have uncomfortable conversations, thoughts and feelings - we can’t ignore it. #Movember #mentalhealth #alltogether ♬ Interstellar Piano - MegaPanda

Q: What’s your favourite thing about connecting with your community through mental wellbeing-focused content? A: For the most part, the people who find my content are kind, gentle, and compassionate. There’s a real sense that the community wants to see others doing well. And I love that. There’s a real feeling of kinship. I always say that we’re all alone in this together, and the community makes it less like being alone.

Q: What TikTok video have you made about mental health that stands out to you as your favourite, and why?
A: That’s a tough one. I think people have really connected with my mental health poetry. I suppose it’s the vulnerability and choice to share in order to help others that connects. There’s a video pinned to my profile where I sort of adlibbed a poem about how loneliness feels. But then there’s the content from my TEDx Talk, and so many other videos that it's hard to choose just one.

@daraghfleming Tá brón orm #poetry #poetrycommunity #poetrystatus #poetrylover #gaeilge ♬ what was I made for? - Instrumental - Wheeler

Q: What TikTok creators in the wellness or mental health space inspire you the most? A: There are so many. I think @niallbreslin is making really good content that connects. @_greengal, while not making wellbeing-specific content, is making incredible content around sustainability and climate change, which obviously affects our wellbeing. And then, of course, poets are a tonic. People like @thewanderingpaddy, @andys.words, and @georgiesroar are sharing such beautiful poetry which lets people know they're not alone in how they’re feeling.

Q: What’s the most rewarding part of being a mental health advocate/creator on TikTok? A: Honestly, my favourite thing that happens is when people message to say one of my poems has helped them - that I was able to put into words what they couldn’t. It means the world. Beyond that, I don’t take any message or comment for granted, nor the real-life friends I’ve made from doing this. It’s really special.

Q: Have you noticed any trends or changes in how people engage with mental health and wellness content on TikTok? A: I think for sure more people are willing to share about their mental health. Which is brave, especially at the beginning. And that’s the power of sharing. You can inspire someone else to do the same. And then all of a sudden we’re all talking about mental health, reducing the stigma as we go. There are so many trends, but beneath all of them is this desire for people to share, to help, to heal. And I love that.

@daraghfleming Here’s a poem for when you’re uncertain of what to do next. #fyp #mentalhealth #poetry #booktok ♬ original sound - daraghfleming

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting their mental health journey? A: Just be yourself. People really connect with authenticity. There might be an urge to follow someone else’s path. It’s already laid out after all. But nobody has had your experience. Nobody sees things exactly as you do. So be yourself. Your people will find you.