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:
Hi Edmund! I'm sorry to hear you're having a tough time at the moment. One day at a time. Sometimes, that's one minute at a time. I'm so glad you reached out. What a great way to help yourself in that minute, and receive so many positive minutes in return! My pup Daisy says Hi! pic.twitter.com/oT2ukBrDfH
— Debby Robello (@VitamynD) October 17, 2020
Hello Edmund, Matt here in NYC. Here’s a photo I took recently of some clouds rolling off into the distance. While they carry a lot of weight, and they appear to be dark and gloomy, they are drenched with sunlight behind that weight and do not go unnoticed. The clouds will clear. pic.twitter.com/vKp2DhrJOP
— Matt (@MatthewGerrard) October 17, 2020
Took this a couple of days ago here in London. On a day I was feeling particularly low. I hope it does for you what it did for me. there’s beauty in the small things. hang in there 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ha6Ur0G5C8
— Sarah Schijen (@SarahSchijen) October 17, 2020
Hi Edmund, thanks for setting off this beautiful thread. You've reminded me how kind the world essentially is. I'm just a few miles from you in Carshalton. Such tough times at the moment. Hang in there. There's sunshine around the corner when you least expect it pic.twitter.com/jt1VDULQYu
— Nillu Nasser (@nillunasser) October 17, 2020
Hi, Edmund. Here is one of the greatest photo-bombs of all time for a smile. pic.twitter.com/47r9otX3Dz
— Jeffrey Goldfarb (@jgfarb) October 18, 2020
Hold fast Edmund… We need strong, brave, articulate men such as yourself in our world now more than ever to show our future generations what true courage looks like. As someone who is afraid to ask for help, especially when it inconveniences others, you inspired me today.
— Jack Bender (@implicitBENDER) October 17, 2020
Edmund, I saw your tweet and the replies this morning, and it restored my faith in humanity in a year I’ve been questioning it quite a bit… you did that. I hope today feels better and brighter than yesterday, and that things turn around ❤️ and, as requested… hello! 🙋🏻♀️
— Elika Sadeghi (@elikasadeghi) October 17, 2020
Hello Edmund! We don’t know each other, but I know that so so so many people are feeling heavy right now. The toll of this year is immense. Just remember that it’s a relay; we can all share the baton. You’re not alone. Better days are coming. You deserve to see them. Sending ♥️
— Sophia Bush (@SophiaBush) October 17, 2020
I hope it’s okay that I’m reading your tweet as though it’s for me. This year has been one of the hardest I can remember and I’ve been trying to keep my head up and not get weighed down by the circumstances of those I love, circumstances that I can’t fix no matter how much I (c)
— Beth (@BethHoller) October 17, 2020
Hi Edmund, you are not alone. So many people are feeling exactly that way at the minute. Never forget that you are loved & there are people who care about you. We see you like 747s; here’s one just for you, along with a picture of dawn in Dublin. Sending you hugs from back home. pic.twitter.com/x2TyI06uD7
— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) October 17, 2020
Hello, Edmund. I was just there recently, as a matter of fact. From my experience, there is a way up and out of it — and all the time you need to make your progress. Please hang in there.
— Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) October 17, 2020
Hi Edmund! We gave our baby girl (she’s wearing her brother’s old pajamas 😂) her 1st food this morning! I’m sure you remember that fun time with your twin sons. There’s always good out there that can beat out the bad and your kids will always bring that light! pic.twitter.com/qxJ2zqcvCG
— 𝙏𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙊𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙠𝙮 (@TMOluvsSports) October 17, 2020
hello Edmund 💛 I hope today was a better day. You’ve gotten through the hardest days of your life thus far, and that is remarkable. Keep going 💛
— Sarah Jeffery (@sarahjeffery) October 18, 2020
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