Hope Dealers - Suicide - Uncertain Times #DriveHope I am not OK - man reaches out on social media, and the world gave him (and us) hope again!
Photo Cred: Twitter

The father of twins says the response to his tweet, which has been viewed 19 million times, has been “absolutely phenomenal”.

 

Surrey, United Kingdom (21 October 2020) – An unemployed father of two put out a call for help on Twitter, and within hours he received thousands of messages of support from all over the world!

This story is for everyone who is feeling overwhelmed right now. The loss of normalcy, the fear of the unknown, the impending illness we might get with no real understanding of what it might do to our own bodies, the fact that there is no actual end date. We’re all dealing with something so unprecedented and incredibly complex. All while trying to keep ourselves and each other healthy and our businesses healthy too.

It’s like we are in a race we never agreed to be part of, and we’re always ten steps behind. It can feel like its all too much.

And for Edmund O’Leary – who describes himself as a “proud Dad of twin sons – it did feel like too much, but he took to Twitter to reach out and ask for help on Friday night, and the world responded with all the love.

“I am not ok. Feeling rock bottom. Please take a few seconds to say hello if you see this tweet. Thank you.”

Within minutes Twitter users from around the world were responding with messages of support and words of encouragement, reminding us that social media is not always a toxic place and can be used to really help each other.

Check out some of the responses below:

Remember that it is okay not to be okay and sometimes you need to take a time out, or reach out, or do whatever you need to protect yourself. Mental health & wellness is so important, especially right now during this global pandemic and subsequent lockdown. Keep checking in with yourself. Look after you.

Be kinder than necessary to each other and more than ever… purposefully with yourself!

Here are the details for the ‪South African Depression & Anxiety Group if you feel that you need to just talk to someone.

‪Suicidal Emergency: 0800 567 567‬
‪24hr Helpline 0800 456 789‬


Sources: Twitter | I am not OK
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About the Author

Brent Lindeque is the founder and editor in charge at Good Things Guy.

Recognised as one of the Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South African’s as well as a Primedia LeadSA Hero, Brent is a change maker, thought leader, radio host, foodie, vlogger, writer and all round good guy.

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