If you are on TikTok, you’re probably aware of the app’s various “sides,” as users like to call them. There’s the “comedy side,” the “lifestyle side,” the “self love side,” and many more. However, these categories can also get pretty specific. For example, a few days ago, a TikTok about a gourmet oatmeal recipe landed on my For You Page. One of the top comments cheered themselves for finally making it to the “oatmeal side” of TikTok. So, I guess that’s a thing now!
Another way TikTok keeps trends consistent is when creators stitch a specific TikTok. Here, they are using a previous video someone made, then using their content to create something of their own. The new video then starts out with a replay of the original TikTok that was stitched, then cuts off to reveal the other half of the newly created TikTok. When creators do this, they can share personal stories, create a spin-off of someone else’s, or create comedic content.
Stitching Self-Love
There are some stitch trends on the self love or self-development side of TikTok that talk about the highs and lows of properly taking care of yourself mentally. A popular stitch currently trending goes: “what’s something that nobody told you about the self-love/self-healing journey?”. Following this are comments with pieces of advice they wish someone had told them earlier. This stitch is a great way to normalize conversations that society often deems as “cringey” or “unnecessary”.
Among responses are people opening up about their personal experiences with their highs and lows. This is a prime example of how TikTok allows open conversations from people with such a diverse range of experiences. The app is popularly known for its entertainment purposes. But, this “side” of TikTok validates and reassures people about the natural difficulties that we often beat ourselves up for experiencing.
The Crisis
From what I’ve noticed the tendency for people to isolate themselves is a factor that contributes to the mental health crisis. Many people need to be reassured and validated while experiencing depressive symptoms. This is due to the contributive harm that judgment and self-criticism provide in this state. In addition, the app is extremely popular for younger audiences, making it even more important that self love-related content like this is easily accessible.
#selflove
The hashtags “#selflove” and “#selfhealing” are just two widely spread hashtags on the app. Among others are #mentalhealth, #selfmastery, #selfhealingjourney, #energyhealing, #spritualitytiktok, and many more. Just like different sides of TikTok appeal to different users and creators, these hashtags create niches for people interested in different realms of social media mental health awareness.
Popular creators are featured in motivational and inspirational videos with these hashtags as well. In recent years, mental health became a topic of peak interest and awareness became crucial, especially during the pandemic. However, the vulnerability of many creators allows younger audiences in particular to learn more about how important self-care is and what it actually consists of.
An Ongoing Trend?
Mental health reveals itself as a “trend” often. It is easy to assume that it only consists of face masks, good sleep, journaling, and eating right. However, there are many layers to self-care. The self-healing stitch trend describes itself on social media as a journey. The reason for this is that self-care really involves work. It does not always feel good. But, creators get the chance to explain the highs and lows we all must feel.
Featured Image from Content Pixie on Unsplash
