Can TikTok Save Lives?: Creators on Suicide Prevention Month
As Suicide Prevention Month comes to a close, we are reflecting on all of the stories, support, and lessons that come with it. Many organizations and schools across the county spread awareness throughout the month of September as a means to “create hope through action,” says the World Health Organization.
This year, TikTok played a huge role in spreading awareness about suicide prevention. Though some creators turned these trends toxic, others shared their stories, fostering a positive community on the app.
Source: San Mateo County Libraries
Under the #SuicidePreventionMonth hashtag there are about 244.2 M views. Whether creators shared their personal stories, loved ones’ stories, or just sent out positive affirmations to the TikTok community, it is undeniable that TikTok was a big contender in promoting the message of the month.
Let’s take a look at some of the TikTok trends that took over our FYP this Suicide Prevention Month.
In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, here is my story…
Throughout the month of September, many creators decided to share their stories. Whether it be someone that attempted suicide, considered attempting, or lost a loved one to suicide, they used TikTok as a platform to talk about their experiences. Many of these videos used the slide function that TikTok provides to create a collage of images from a time they were at their worst to the present day.
Below are a few examples of this trend:
Point of View Videos
Another common TikTok trend is “POV” videos. These videos never really go out of style as creators are always coming up with fresh ideas and points of view. Many decided to create POV TikTok videos surrounding Suicide Prevention Month this month.
The video below by @fightthroughmentalhealth delves into what society depicts as suicidal behavior, and that it is not always reality.
Affirmations and Support
Rather than sharing a personal experience or creating a POV video, many creators showed their support for Suicide Prevention Month in other ways. The FYP was filled with positive messages such as “I am so proud of you” or “I am happy you are here” in support of this message. Many creators also posted resources for those who are struggling with their mental health.
Below are two examples of this trend:
TikTok resources
Not only did people posting videos surrounding Suicide Prevention Month help to create this supportive community, but TikTok also provided resources for its consumers.
When you search keywords such as suicide or self-harm, “users will now be able to view supportive and educational content, linking to further resources and information about treatment options,” reveals Campaign. TikTok has also worked hard to create more content warnings on sensitive topics such as suicide to ensure the safety of its users.
Source: Campaign
Though Suicide Prevention Month has come to a close, we hope the message of the month will always be carried on by creators. TikTok played a major role in spreading awareness and creating a safe space for those who are struggling with their mental health or are just seeking a platform to speak up. Though social media can be considered a harmful place, it is nice to see creators come together, striving to make a positive community.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the resource below or seek medical attention. Remember: Your mental health matters.