One benefit of social media is that you can connect with someone at any time of day, so you never feel alone. And if you think you may be experiencing a mental health issue, you'll want to follow Kojo Sarfo, DNP, known as dr.kojosarfo [1] on TikTok. A therapist and author who aims to educate people about different mental health issues, Dr. Sarfo shares helpful and informative TikTok videos about common or not-often-talked-about mental health conditions. His basic message is to let people know that help is available, and watching these videos will let you know someone is listening and cares about you. And if you need professional help, his videos may give you the nudge you need to finally call someone.
If you are feeling anxious or depressed and need help finding help or resources, call the Anxiety and Depression Association of America [2] (1-240-485-1001) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness [3] (NAMI) (1-800-950-6264). You can also text "NAMI" to 741741 or email info@nami.org.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, National Eating Disorder Association [4] (NEDA) has resources available including a 24/7 helpline at (800) 931-2237 [5].
If you or someone you know is in need of drug-related treatment or counseling, you can reach the Substance and Abuse Mental Health Services Administration [6] (SAMHSA) on its Treatment Referral Routing Service helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Facts About Bipolar Disorder
Here are some interesting things you may not have known about bipolar disorder, such as life expectancy for someone with bipolar disorder can be 10 to 14 years less than the average.
Eating Disorder Awareness
This little song about eating disorders will make you know you're not alone, especially if you can relate to what Dr. Sarfo says about not feeling OK about how you look.
Life With ADHD
For people living with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), sometimes it takes a lot of energy to do simple tasks. He also shares a few encourageing words that can be extremely helpful for those with ADHD.
Addiction
Addiction is often negatively stigmatized, and this video is helping to combat that. People living with addiction want you to know it's not a weakness; it's a chronic brain disease. They feel ashamed most of the time and just want you to be there to love them unconditionally.
Binge Eating Disorder
According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) website, Binge Eating Disorder [8] (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States. Registered dietitian and intuitive eating counselor Kathleen Meehan, MS, LDN, said in a previous post that it is characterized by reoccurring episodes of eating large quantities of food, a loss of control over eating, and a feeling of distress.
This video is for those with BED who feel like they have no control over what they eat, or eat alone or feel ashamed after eating. Know that there is hope, so don't hesitate to reach out.
If you or someone you know is struggling with disordered eating or an eating disorder, the National Eating Disorder Association [9] (NEDA) has resources available including a 24/7 helpline at 1-800-931-2237 or by texting "NEDA" to 741741.
Early Signs of Depression
If you're supertired all the time, using alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings of sadness or stress, or are overeating or not eating much because of your emotions, these could be early signs of depression [10].
The Many Faces of ADHD
While common signs of ADHD could mean having too much energy and being unable to focus, ADHD could also cause depression and stress from trying to balance everything.
Borderline Personality Disorder
In this video, Dr. Sarfo suggests putting a finger down for each symptom of BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) that you identify with, such as a fear of abandonment, issues with your identity, emotional instability, or feeling worthless or empty. If you experience five or more of the symptoms Dr. Sarfo talks about in this video, you may have BPD. Just remember that you're not alone, and help is available.
High-Functioning Depression
This video is your sign to keep going if you have high-functioning depression [11]. This is when a person experiences depression but is still able to maintain their extracurricular activities and social commitments.
A person with high-functioning depression may no longer have goals, enjoy their life, hobbies, friendships, or feel motivated to do anything, explained Perpetua Neo, DClinPsy, MPhil, executive coach and psychologist, in a previous interview. Dr. Sarfo says you may also experience sleep or appetite issues, or feeling hopeless, and encourages you to reach out for help.
Adult ADHD and How It Can Show Up at Work
If you have adult ADHD, you may be late to work or meetings, have trouble completing tasks or projects on time, or frequently misplace or lose things, which could be the reason you're behind or frustrated at work. You're not alone, so don't be afraid to reach out for help.
Avoidant Personality Disorder
Avoidant personality disorder [12] is more than just being shy in social situations. It can also include feeling easily hurt by criticism, fear of rejection, having no close friends, avoiding contact with others, and having low self-esteem. About two percent of the population has this disorder, so if this sounds familiar, please talk to someone about it.
Anxiety
Did you know aside from feeling worried, anxiety can also cause headaches, trouble with swallowing, chest pressure, neck pain, and feeling dizzy? Although anxiety can be difficult to live with, Dr. Sarfo says to keep going, and you can always reach out to someone if you need help.
