Even though we all like our small lighthearted moments that helps us when we’re feeling low, whether it is a funny viral video or a classic meme that just gets you to chuckle every time. Sometimes we need to stop for a second and put our serious faces on (pun not intended). When it comes to mental health, it can be very hard for some to discuss or express how they are feeling. Having someone who you can relate to during hard times can be most helpful to someone with anxiety, depression or any other mental health issue, even if it is someone you don’t actually know.
YouTube is the most popular website for uploading videos, around 60 hours of videos are uploaded to the platform every minute! And it is no surprise to know that many YouTubers openly talk about their own mental health or mental health issues in general; YouTubers like Jack Howard, TomSka, Shane Dawson, Zoella and many others.
Check out these YouTubers videos on anxiety. They discuss their own mental health issues and some give out great tips and tricks that just might help you or a friend out during a tough time (Note that none of these YouTubers are medical professionals; any tips and advice they give may work for them but unfortunately, may not work for everyone. If you feel like you have anxiety, depression or any other mental health issue, it’s best to see a doctor or professional and get advice from them before seeking for alternative ways to help.):
~ John Green (vlogbrothers) – ‘On Mental Illness’
You may know John Green for his authorship of multiple books such as The Fault in Our Stars, Looking For Alaska and Paper Towns (along with many others!) You may also know him for his vlogging on YouTube, where he discusses multiple issues, one video being his own mental illness of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). He also provides resources in the description of his video that’s not only helped him but also people he knows.
~ Thomas Ridgewell (DarkSquidge aka TomSka) – ‘Non-Depressing Depression Video’
Thomas ‘Tomska’ Ridgewell is an English comedian and YouTube celeb, he’s best known for his asdfmovie series, but if you watch his videos you’ll also know him for his random comedic sketches. On his second channel (DarkSquidge) he posted a video about his depression but tried to communicate about it in a ‘non-depressing’ way, making it lighthearted but also at the same time talking about what depression is, what it’s like to live with it and how to deal with it.
~ Luke Cutforth (LukeIsNotSexy) – ‘My Depression Story’
Luke Cutforth has been vlogging since 2011, his channel is full of different types of videos from parody videos to random ‘truth or dare’ videos. Back in 2014, he posted a video about his depression. In this, he states that he’s now happy and fine and continues to say how depression is different for everyone before talking about his story.
“It’s the way that you’re feeling that matters, not the situation.”
~ Jouelzy – ‘On Dealing w/ Anxiety + Depression’
Jouelzy describes her channel as her posting ‘weekly videos with witty commentary on current cultural topics that impact women of colour’. In 2015, she posted a slightly different video, being about dealing with anxiety and depression. She has been clinically diagnosed with anxiety and has slightly dealt with depression also, this video she discusses how she copes and deals with it all and gives out some advice and tips for it.
~ Zoe Sugg (Zoella) – ‘Dealing with Panic Attacks & Anxiety’
Zoe Sugg, better known as Zoella, is possibly the most well-known YouTuber on this list. She hosts a blog, where she has spoken about her anxiety and panic attacks before (check out those posts here and here) but in 2012, she decided to discuss it on camera to her YouTube audience. She talks about the background of her own anxiety and panic attacks and eventually talks about how to deal with them.
These are just some of the many YouTuber’s who express their mental illnesses online. Though Behind the Mask is specifically focused on anxiety and depression, there is nothing wrong with raising more awareness on the multiple different mental illnesses that many people have to deal with on a daily basis.
Other YouTubers to check out for different issues:
- Jack Howard (JackHoward)
- Shane Dawson (shane)
- Caspar Lee (Caspar)
- Charlie McDonnell (charlieissocoollike)
- Rebecca Brown (BeckieO)
- CourtneyPants
Don’t forget to do your own research, some YouTubers might seem to be more helpful than others. The videos above, if you click the links to watch them on YouTube, you’ll be able to access the description boxes where some of them have provided useful links that helped them and could help you or someone you know who may need tips, tricks or general advice.
Until next time,
Stay safe. Stay strong.
~ Behind The Mask