With Mental Health Awareness week taking place from May 12-18, Dev Skehan's [@dev_skehan] uplifting content blends humour, authenticity, and mental health advocacy, reminding us all to prioritise our wellbeing. Read more below!!

Q: What first inspired you to talk about wellness on TikTok?
A: If I’m being completely honest, it all started with struggle. I was in a dark place—hating my life, who I was, my habits, my outlook, and my environment. I felt trapped. Change wasn’t just a choice; it was a necessity. At the time, I was a wannabe actress working late nights in a chipper, frequently in and out of the hospital. But everything shifted when I got a job at a gym. I started as a receptionist, but witnessing firsthand how movement and community could transform lives was eye-opening. I fell in love with the energy, the progress, and the way people’s eyes lit up after a workout—I knew I had to be part of it. My manager, Laura, became one of my biggest inspirations. She was a powerhouse, radiating life and energy, balancing hard work with joy, play, and dance. As I immersed myself in fitness, everything else started to change. I got out of bed more. I read more. I quit drinking. I avoided spaces that drained me. I began sharing my journey on TikTok. It wasn’t easy doing it alone, but it was the choice I had to make. And it’s the reason I’m still here today.

Q: What’s your favourite thing about connecting with your community through mental wellbeing and wellness-focused content?
A: My online community is truly the best (I might be biased, but it’s the truth). Their support means the world to me, but what inspires me most is their bravery. That’s why I host meet-ups—I know how intimidating it can be to do things alone. Yet, they show up anyway. Whether it’s for a swim, a coffee, or stand-up paddleboarding, they push past their anxiety and step outside their comfort zones. Their courage fuels me. They remind me how kind and compassionate strangers can be, how powerful connection is. They offer fresh perspectives on life, relationships, and—on a lighter note—some of the best coffee recommendations! I truly believe there’s nothing they can’t do.On the days when my mental health feels like my greatest enemy, when I want to quit, cancel, or disappear, they are the reason I keep going. Both online and offline, they are my strength.

@dev_skehan Looking to meet new people in Dublin {your not a runner or early riser?} I got you 🫱🏻🫲🏾 Welcome to SUP & SIP! 🌞🌊☕️ Sometimes we get FOMO when we see everyone on a night out even when we know we’d hate it if we were there, so heres something we can do together ☘️🌀 When I moved to Dublin I felt so isolated and alone, 👤especially since I don’t enjoy going out too often or just drinking for hours on end. 👀 {fine sometimes but not ever second weekend} I love getting out and trying something new, that’s how the SUP & SIP was born! 🌈 So what’s the craic? ⏰ Friday 26th @ 6 PM 🗺️ Big Style Stand Up Paddle Dun Laoghaire ☕️🍷 Then over to Happy Out DL (10 minute walk for a sip and some nibbles if you wish) it’s the perfect spot for sunset! 🎟️ Ticketed event What’s included: 🏄♀️ 1.5hr Stand Up Paddle Lesson 🩷 board, paddle, wetsuit, buoyancy aid and even wetsuit booties if you need them – so all you have to bring is shorts and a towel There’s plenty of parking beside the slip way, it costs €2 per hour OR you can get the DART! There are changing rooms down in the harbour but would be great if you could come wearing your shorts, ready to mingle and paddle! 🏄♀️🌊 TICKETS ARE EXTREMELY LIMITED SO ACT FAST! 🌊🩷 And I hope to Sea you there! Grá mór Dev x #seaswimming #dublin #irish #dublinevents #irishsea #wildatlanticway #kerry #galway #donegal #wicklow #youarenotalone #seaswimming #discoverireland #waterford #corkcity #westcork #seaswimmingireland #supportsmallbusiness #dublinfood #dublinfood #dublinbars #sup #standuppaddleboarding #standuppaddle ♬ original sound - Dev skehan

Q: What TikTok video have you made about wellness that stands out to you as your favourite, and why?
A: The videos that stand out the most to me are the ones where I get vulnerable and truly speak my mind. The first one that really made a difference—one that seemed to bring the most comfort—was back when I was still living in Cork, working in a chipper, and going through a breakup. I was struggling with intense social anxiety, barely able to leave the house or do things alone. As a perfectionist, I told myself, “I’ll try going for a coffee alone today, and if I record it, I’ll have to finish the video.” So, I went to Bean & Leaf on Oliver Plunkett Street, sat outside, and immediately felt the nerves take over. I was sweating, fidgeting, trying to distract myself with a book—but in reality, I was just using it as a security blanket. That ‘solo date’ lasted maybe 20 minutes before I rushed home. To my surprise, when I posted the video, people felt the EXACT SAME. My comments and messages were flooded with responses from people who were going through the exact same thing. That’s when it clicked. There was space online for this kind of content. The days of picture-perfect lives, unattainable body goals, and flaunting material things were gone. For the first time, I felt truly accepted—flaws, struggles, quirks, and all.

@dev_skehan I’m glad you are still here. #2024 #endoftheyear ♬ The Wisp Sings - Winter Aid

Q: What TikTok creators in the wellness or mental health space inspire you the most?
A: My biggest inspirations are the creators who focus on mental wellness. Don’t get me wrong, the fitness guys and gals are incredible, but I’m drawn to those who go deeper than just the external.

One creator I look for every day is @ciarammcnulty—a dietitian and an absolute ray of sunshine. I’d say she has a degree in truly living life. She perfectly balances work, workouts, and travel while embracing all aspects of food and fun. One night, she’s sipping spicy margs, the next, she’s in bed by 9 p.m.

I also adore @erica_bracken, an Irish yoga teacher living in Lisbon. She’s a light in this world. I turn to her online yoga classes when I need space to practice self-love and acceptance. She kindly shares her past battles with an eating disorder and now her own journey through grief. She’s vulnerable, inspiring, and truly a delight to see on my screen each day.

Lastly, I have to mention @aoibhqueen, another incredible Irish creator. She’s the founder of Dublin-based running club, Sole Mates, and another Irish girlie sharing the struggles of a ‘sad gal.’ Her vulnerability is undeniably raw and real. She showcases her panic attack episodes, sad days and all round emotionally expresses herself without hesitation. She’s a breath of fresh air and truly one of my top favourites

Q: What’s the most rewarding part of being a wellness creator on TikTok?
A: The most rewarding part has to be the people. I cannot imagine life without them. The friendships I have made from it have truly saved my life in ways they will never understand. I don’t think I could ever put into words the sheer joy that these people bring to the world. From fellow creators to those who have attended my events and group trips, I’ve been lucky enough to connect with the most incredible, kind, hilarious, and all-around wonderful souls. Their energy, their kindness, their ability to make even the simplest moments special—it’s something I’ll never take for granted. I count myself beyond lucky to be experiencing this life with them.

@dev_skehan WANT TO DO THE CAMINO WITH STRANGERS? 🐚🌞🥾 Buen Camino! [again eekk] I did this last year with a group and it was THE BEST EXPERIENCE of my life. I can’t just recommend it, I have to show you it! That’s why we are heading back there together! AND ADDING A NEW ROUTE! If you are looking to meet new likeminded people, see a new area of the world, eat unbelievable food and discover more about yourself… this is the trip for you! We will be walking two sections of the Camino: THE FRENCH WAY: Sarria - Santiago de Compostela When: 16th - 23rd July * 5 days walking & 2 days of fun {new route baby} THE PORTUGUESE COSTAL WAY: Porto - Biaona When: 7th -14th September So what’s included? * 7 nights accommodation * Breakfast daily * Transfers to & from the airport * 1 x 20kg bag transferred daily * Camino Passport * Local guide Tickets go on sale: 🥾 Wednesday 10th Dec at 10 AM ! 🥾 {it’s first come first serve basis so be ready} It will only be €100 non refundable deposits to hold your spot, then pay the rest in instalments coming up to the time of the trip. This is open to EVERYONE! He, she’s, theys and thems of all ages so bring your bestie or the whole family! This is your open invitation 💌🏹🌞 (must be 21+) Last year this taught me so much about how with good people around you, you can do anything you set your mind to. It’s taught me more than 24 years of school! Along with making friends for life and memories that’ll never fade. This will be a week of love, support and adventure one you’ve never experienced before. 🩵 Now I want you to experience it too! #camino #caminodesantiago #porto #Biaona #thePortuguesecamino #caminofrances #buencamino #seaswimming #dublin #irish #dublinevents #irishsea #wildatlanticway #kerry #galway #donegal #wicklow #youarenotalone #seaswimming #discoverireland #waterford #corkcity #westcork #seaswimmingireland #grouptrip #grouptravel #supportsmallbusiness #dublinfood #dublinbars ♬ Soulful Strut - Shogo Hamada & The J.S. Inspirations

Q: Have you noticed any trends or changes in how people engage with wellness content on TikTok?
A: Yes there’s been a huge shift in the wellness/fitness online industry, THANK GOD! Now people want to hear you not see you. Having the best six pack or perfect arms is no longer the draw to follow someone. It’s what they say, their actions, their attitude towards life - both the good and the bad situations. I believe you should be able to scroll with your eyes closed and be made to feel seen by a creator. Their words and offerings are better than their external appearance or materialistic possessions. I love to see the world of creators offering new ideas, opinions and ways of thinking rather than ab workouts, fad diets, and self-criticism.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting their wellness journey?
A: The best advice would be to do what brings you joy. Simple to say but hard to follow. For example, don’t force yourself to run if you don’t like running. Don’t force yourself to eat avocado if you can’t stand it. Find the joy in life, find the happiness and chase that! Don’t run? Maybe try dance classes! Detest avocado? Try nuts! You will never continue driving down a bumpy, muddy, pothole filled road when you know there’s a smoother path available. Take the most enjoyable route. That doesn’t mean it isn’t hard. Believe me, motivation only goes so far, but it’s the fun of overcoming. When you don’t want to workout or move, imagine the feeling AFTER then chase that. You have to find your joy otherwise you are wasting time. My best advice would be to start habit stacking (from the book Atomic Habits, James Clear), it’s like adding a little treat or reward to tasks. One of mine is I don’t enjoy doing laundry (I know I know) but I habit stack like this: “ if I put on my laundry I will go out for a walk and get a stunning overpriced coffee so by the time I am home it’s finished.” There's a little reward attached to help entice you to overcome the barrier. All in all, you must give yourself permission to exist just as you are.