People Are Opening Up About Their Mental Health With This Candid Hashtag

Illustration: Anna Jay

It's undeniable that the stigma surrounding mental ill-health has lifted somewhat in the UK in recent years. Young people, in particular, are more likely to share their experiences on social media than previous generations, and workplaces are increasingly accommodating of our requests for respite.

But we've got a long way to go before everyone feels comfortable enough sharing their stories in polite conversation. In many circles, it's still less acceptable to discuss depression than a slipped disc. Only when this changes will we have reached the holy grail: parity of esteem between mental and physical health.

That's why it's heartening to see mental health-related topics trending on Twitter, as #MyMentalHealthIn5Words has been today. The hashtag does what it says on the tin, inviting people to share the state of their own mental health in five words, and the responses reveal the whole gamut of human experience.

AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT

Some were brave enough to share their current struggles, with many revealing their coping mechanisms and admitting they're suffering more than they usually let on.

Just need one word: anxiety#MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Oh Christmas T (@tlcprincess) December 18, 2017

Hiding the pain with kindness ? #MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Justinnnnnnn?? (@fivefortweeting) December 18, 2017

#MyMentalHealthIn5Words

Hello Darkness, my old friend
— Matthew T. Miller (@mattttmillerrrr) December 18, 2017

#MyMentalHealthIn5Words death jokes as coping mechanism
— mari christmas? (@wthhowell) December 18, 2017

Constantly at war with myself #MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Kel? (@Kella_Belle) December 18, 2017

Looking good while feeling bad #MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Chilly ? (@Chi11yPenguin) December 18, 2017

#MyMentalHealthIn5Words not wanting to wake up
— Isaac • ??????????? (@illegalironman) December 18, 2017

Many people admitted needing or wanting professional help but suggested they were either too scared or lacked the knowledge of where to go. (If you're in a similar quandary, contact a charity like Mind or the Samaritans, and take some time to research the different types of therapy available.)

#MyMentalHealthIn5Words
I probably need professional help.
— SamAttemptsLife ❄️ (@SamAttemptsLife) December 18, 2017

Scared to ask for help #MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— ❄Yule Shoot Your Eye Out❄ (@CxryBxby) December 18, 2017

Some shared their tips for getting out of a bad patch or for maintaining a state of equilibrium.

Much improved since quitting Facebook. #MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Sally (@forglutenssake) December 18, 2017

Improved since I started therapy #MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Jason ?? (@JasonSpellman) December 18, 2017

Suffers with too little sleep #MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Hello Felicia the Xmas Grinch (@hellofelicia14) December 18, 2017

#MyMentalHealthIn5Words
The Twitteratti's kindness saved me.
— Schmoo? (@smilon713) December 18, 2017

Wish I'd got help sooner #MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Bernadette South?? (@BernadetteSout1) December 18, 2017

There were people who talked of coming out the other side and appeared to be in a good place.

#MyMentalHealthIn5Words
I'm finally happy with myself
— Manda Posthumously (@ShutUpAmanda) December 18, 2017

Finally making myself a priority ?? #MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Vicky Jones (@VickyJones7) December 18, 2017

I’ve decided to see a doctor, finally. #MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Laz (@Laz91542485) December 18, 2017

And people revealed that, for them, mental health is a constant project, an ongoing work in progress. Many wanted to reassure others that it's completely normal to go through rough patches.

It's literally an ongoing process. #MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Victoria. (@VIKEEseeks) December 18, 2017

Pretty much a daily struggle.
#MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Aphax (@AphaxUrufu) December 18, 2017

It’s ok to struggle sometimes. #MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Beth Edwards (@bethedwardsuk) December 18, 2017

If you are struggling with your mental health and need support, please call Mind on 0300 123 3393.

Read These Next

What Your Instagram Posts Could Reveal About Your Mental Health
How Did World News Drive These Women To Breaking Point?
What Your Twitter Feed Can Reveal About Your Mental Health

AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT

Evie Muir is a nature writer, founder of Peaks of Colour and author of Radical Rest. In this op-ed, they share their perspective on the importance of havin

It’s a new day for Refinery29, Unbothered, and Somos. We have been acquired by Sundial Media Group (SMG). SMG is a powerhouse media company that owns bra

Diane Abbott is frightened. Let that sink in. On Monday, Britain’s longest-serving Black MP learned that Frank Hester, the Conservative party’s biggest

Why This Candid Mental Health Hashtag Is Trending

This Trending Twitter Hashtag Says A Lot About Mental Health Right Now

More from Global News