Anxiety is the most common mental illness in the US [1], with roughly 18 percent of adults suffering from it each year. I can personally say that I've grappled with anxiety [2] since I was young. I've always felt like my struggles were too much to burden other people with, so it wasn't until adulthood that I finally sought therapy. However, there are plenty of people with anxiety who don't seek any help. That's why I'm so happy to see licenced therapists flooding TikTok [3] with videos meant to inform and encourage users to take the necessary steps to care for their mental health.

Nadia Addesi (@evolveandbloom [4]) is one of those therapists. She began using the platform as stay-at-home orders went into effect during the pandemic [5]. In a sea of clips about mental health, Addesi stands apart because she's open about the fact that she too has anxiety, which makes her relatable in addition to lending her credibility as a specialist. While TikTok is no replacement for talking to a therapist [6], Addesi's videos can help you feel less alone in your struggles and empower you to take better care of yourself outside of regular appointments. Here are some of my favourites.