I love you. I love you. I love you. I think I just need you to know that.

You being so open about what's going on inside your head, your songs, and just consuning your content and watching you push on and live your life despite your mental health stuff is one of the biggest factors as to how I've come to accept what's going on in my own little hooman brain box.

I was severely bullied for being fat and ugly and tomboyish for most of grade school. And I've never been diagnosed, but years later when I was 14 I went through this phase where I didn't eat. I would only have breakfast, because that one I HAD to, my grandma always made sure I did and that's just how things work in our house. I'd have breakfast, but only two or three spoonfuls of rice. And at school I would only have water, I'd give all my lunches to my friends and tell them I wasn't hungry anyway. When I got home, I'd tell my grandma I went out with friends and already ate so I wouldn't have to eat dinner. I had basically half a meal a day and a ton of water, plus a workout routine that I DEFINITELY wasn't eating right for, and every time I'd eat a little to much and slip up, I'd physically punish myself. Either I forced myself to do twice as much situps as usual, or I'd scratch at the skin on my wrists until they bruised and bled. That was around when I started writing little books, which in hindsight, were all a cry for help as well.

I'm 18 now. Been watching you not very long, maybe three years or so? I'm in university, and it isn't just my body issues that are piling up on me now-- anxiety, this one very very very bad experience that has probably screwed me over almost nearly as much as my eating problems, and loneliness. A whole lot of loneliness. I think about my feelings a lot, like how I feel and why I feel that way, and it's a dark dark hole, like you said. It's so easy to think about why you feel like you're at the bottom and then somehow fall even deeper.

But your channels are safehavens. I know that if I watch a video of yours I can just sit down, listen to you spill out some thoughts, and have a little think of my own afterwards. I know I don't know you, but I feel safe around you. I need you to know that you have helped me so much without even knowing it. I've learned so much from you, about processing how I feel, about doing that through writing like you do when you write songs or make videos, about how it's okay to be sharing how I feel in ways that make me vulnerable. I'm still mentally pretty much never okay, but I usually know when it's healthy to keep thinking about my feelings and when the best thing to do is just sit down and watch some Marvel movies.

I guess my whole point is just that through the years, your "oversharing" has helped me. While I do agree with everything Zannah said (she cool btw I found her channel through you), I do think you being so open about your thoughts and feelings have helped a lot of us through some pretty crap things in our own lives. So I don't know the answer. Perhaps there isn't really a right one, but I hope you remember to always do what's healthy for you, and that we, your audience, will love and support you either which way.

Just know that you inspire me so much. You sharing how you feel has created an audience, a community, that is a safe space. I'm so glad that I wandered into your little corner of youtube. Hope you make it out of what you're going through intact and don't lose that brightness that drew me to your channel in the first place. 💛

Edit: worth nothing that I don't have snapchat. I wouldn't know what you share and how much of it you do on there. I'm pertaining mostly to your youtube content, and twitter and instagram where I do follow you.


watching this then turning around and watching a video you made in February made me realize just how long it's been since I last tuned in. (before anyone has the chance to say it, yes, this is beside the topic of discussion, I know.)


share whatever you'd like, as long as you feel comfortable with what you're sharing and feel like it's a necessary topic to share to progress in your journey through mental illness :) and if you believe it will strike a negative emotion in others, it may not be the greatest idea


Dodie you are beautiful and creative and create amazing  videos be strong I love you


i wanna say that, yes, i totally appreciate you doing this. because i think i kinda understand what you mean by "its one sided"??? most of the time i just want to like rant to someone about something and not have them tell me things like "well it could be worse" or "cheer up" or "my life is worse". sometimes i just want someone to say they understand, and thats it. anyone else feel the same?


hope you both feel better!!! one thing you guys should take from the comments is how many people love you and appreciate you and like having you around!


Idk about everyone else, but honestly watching Dodie's videos and listening to her music makes me feel a lot better when I feel like crap


i need conversations like these oh my god just people sharing their feelings w no stigma

dodie ur so real oh my god one reason I want to share more is bc i feel like ppl won't believe me otherwise and agh idk if ppl are gonna get mé

everyone commenting here is sort of being controversial but so NICE about it and honestly this is how situations should be discussed


I think it's good to share. It helps people understand that they aren't alone. But I know you can all get through this. I had an anxiety disorder for five years and then I found a nice lil' church and amazing people and yeah idk. I'm just happier yay.


tw// self harm mention

this an interesting realization to me. I've always gone to social media to vent, versus turning to friends or family. mainly because where I've grown up, there's been no talk about mental health. no one knows how to react to it. even my dad had told me when he found out I used to self harm that I was being ridiculous. maybe that also pushed me to not want to speak out. but online, I have a small network of other mental friends. we all feel like dying on the regular, and we can all turn to each other at 1 am and be like "lol really wanna die rn" and they'll comfort you. the anonymity online makes it easier to vent and be sad I guess.


i love you dodie and you should do whats best for u, but hearing how your feeling every day and you expressing what you feel helps me feel like I'm not alone. It helps me connect to you and understand you. Thank you for helping me understand what i feel to.


all i have to say because im very exhausted is that i do appreciate you sharing, and I await videos of you just talking. it helps me to relate, but i do the same thing. I never say things to my friends and family in person out of fear, but ill share it online and i think it really hurts them.


i am not mentally ill at ALL, but i do tend to like art/music in dodie's style and other "sad" forms of media. that being said, i think there is something alluring about sadness as an emotion, but not depression as an illness. as long as you can distinguish between the two, and educate your audience on how to distinguish between the two, i think you're good. i'd also throw in enough positivity to outweigh the "negative" vibes, so that if someone out there is vulnerable you don't dig them into a deeper hole.


I honestly don't know why everyone is complaining... I have mental illness and have been on medication and done therapy for it for quite awhile. I'm glad you talk about mental illness so freely, don't let people bully you into keeping your mouth shut about how you feel just because it makes them uncomfortable.


I am so glad people feel the same about this topic !! I'm currently grasping the fact that i do have a mental illness due many years of denying it and repressing all my feelings but its not okay and i even do it online. I never tell anyone which is bad but i do  tend to drop little hints with posts on twitter on insta. But I always  think that people will react with me being an attention whore or other stuff but in reality there is people there. Although, i am the same as hazel i am having trouble opening up after years of keeping it all in. In my perspective, i just feel vulnerable and feel as if i need to put a filter of what I say. It's just insecurity, after insecurity. Though, this shows that people also think quite similar to me and for that I am grateful to say i see great progress in getting rid of my (very) persistent depression. Thank u~~


There are no rules for depression, what you do or don't when you're struggling is not your "normal" reaction to things. That doesn't make it wrong tho. I was responding to everything you both were saying lmao wish I could've stepped in the conversation. Hope things get brighter or at least a bit less messy. x


I think it also has to do with what a specific individual is going through and what they can handle. Personally I am drawn to you and your content whether it be videos, music, Snapchat, Instagram, etc. when I'm down because I often am feeling similar things to you and you help me put a description to it to then go and tell my friends to help them understand me and what I'm going through better. Although I can see the other side as well but I feel like if there is something that is causing you to feel down in life or extra down then oh remove that thing either for good or until you're better again. Although I understand as well that logic goes out the window when in super low lows. Basically what I'm saying is Dodie you should be able to post what you like (oversharing or not) because the platforms your using do in the end belong to you. While yes you do have a younger audience at times you shouldn't have to hide a part of your life just to please them. Someone reserves the right to post what they choose and if someone doesn't like it then that's cool too just step away and unfollow. But talk to your friends too because they love you and do want to help.

Anyway. Love you. I rather love it that you speak a lot about your struggles it helps me not feel so alone.


dodie, this video is so important. Everything hazel and your other friends say, it's true. It's like eating empty calories. I understand that you need to get your emotions out, but you should aim them AT A PERSON. Then, you can actually get help. There have been so many times when I've wanted to reply to your snapchats and talk to you about how you're feeling, but not been able to. It's healthier to talk to someone who can respond. I love you so so so much, and I only want what's best for you. Stay strong honey.


I can see where the sharing would be helpful. It is a way to see into how you are feeling and it opens up the topic of mental health to others. But I also believe, coming from someone who previously had depresssion, it sometimes feels to me like you are making it something to strive after. I began to start thinking, oh if I just go back to my ball of introvert-ness, and become depressed again, then I will be just like Dodie.


ok so... as a person who has dealt with the whole "im at such a shitty point in my life im just going to share it with the world to make myself feel better" and the "omg when i shared it, it wasnt such a good idea therefore i will never talk about it again" thing  have concluded that for myself, it is better to wait things out and then share. Like hazel said, she would wait until she wasnt exactly fantastic feeling but she was out of her low spot to talk and i honestly think its the best. The shittiest point in my life so far was a couple months ago and i see how i was feeling and i see how sharing it and my feelings about it in the heat of it was doing nothing. I feel like if i had waited i would be in a much better position now than what i am in.


like other people have said i feel like i come to your videos to hear about mental/physical illnesses and to talk to others. and those days when i don't feel great i'll scroll past your posts or not watch your snaps because i know of your tendency to talk to about those issues. <br>and they're really important to discuss and learn from, but i think if it's something you want to work on not oversharing than that's good for you, but i think us as an audience individually should be aware of those times when watching some of your content in a particular moment is not best for our mental health.

like other people have said i feel like i come to your videos to hear about mental/physical illnesses and to talk to others. and those days when i don't feel great i'll scroll past your posts or not watch your snaps because i know of your tendency to talk to about those issues.
and they're really important to discuss and learn from, but i think if it's something you want to work on not oversharing than that's good for you, but i think us as an audience individually should be aware of those times when watching some of your content in a particular moment is not best for our mental health.


I think its brilliant that you're vocalizing your mental health experiences. The only thing that has personally hurt me was the way you have portrayed the effects of medication. Of course I don't mean to imply that you shouldn't be vocal about your experiences on medication. But medication has a ton of negative stigmas attached to it already. I would hate to think that your candidness about a bad experience on one medication might convince some of your followers not to give medications a try, when many have benefitted from it.


AH dodie I do this as well and looking back the day after am SO embarrassed to have poured my heart out over snapchat or insta. it feels so relieving to be honest SOMEWHERE about the depths of it but then i feel so guilty about making my friends worry or ruining their days. It's a tricky situation to be in because we need to reach out but to reach out in certain ways can be bad for others I suppose. I always think about how if i mention SI it becomes whoever i've told's responsibility to keep me from acting on those thoughts (which is not the intention) and this can lead to not telling anyone. So it's a weird position to be in. At what point can you say what you're going through and ask for help, yknow? <br>Anyways, good luck to you (and to me) and to everyone going thru this shit. Being mental can really be the worst

AH dodie I do this as well and looking back the day after am SO embarrassed to have poured my heart out over snapchat or insta. it feels so relieving to be honest SOMEWHERE about the depths of it but then i feel so guilty about making my friends worry or ruining their days. It's a tricky situation to be in because we need to reach out but to reach out in certain ways can be bad for others I suppose. I always think about how if i mention SI it becomes whoever i've told's responsibility to keep me from acting on those thoughts (which is not the intention) and this can lead to not telling anyone. So it's a weird position to be in. At what point can you say what you're going through and ask for help, yknow?
Anyways, good luck to you (and to me) and to everyone going thru this shit. Being mental can really be the worst


i feel like sometimes when i share my horrible feelings on social media, it's mostly because i am scared that no one (in real life) really wants to talk me through it. almost like my treacherous feelings would be too much for them to comprehend. it feels good to write a huuugge paragraph on an instagram caption and post it because, to me, it feels like i'm putting those feelings to rest; finalizing their existence. i should probably resort to journaling, but i feel the need for other people to see it because it IS a cry for help. i want people to be like "oh my gosh are you okay?" but then when they actually do, i feel some sort of embarrassment. depersonalization is really really tough and i want people to know the struggle. i don't want them to feel bad, i just want them to know how much of a toll mental health takes on a person. i really loved this video. keep fighting through it, we can do this together. i'm so grateful knowing that i'm not alone. thank you for everything. i love you so much.


the creator & mental illness "chicken and egg" simile was really interesting and i'd like to hear someone address that further because there's an enormously strange romanticization, or maybe stigma, surrounding artists and mental illness. i know plenty of people who create and are incredibly healthy- the artistic process just doesn't affect them in that way of digging so deep, isolating yourself, etc. but there's still this idea that if you're an artist of any kind you are mentally ill to some degree, and being so makes your art that much BETTER. eg: "all the best writers are alcoholics"


Its the same as writing your thoughts out. It is therapeutic to get everything out of your head.


I don't know what to say<br>I just wanna hug dodie for this

I don't know what to say
I just wanna hug dodie for this


I realize that you are sincere with your emotions and you shouldn't be at fault for what your audience does, but something I've noticed with people I know that follow you take yours (and a bunch of other peoples) depression videos and somehow it has become the latest trend to be sad and it really sucks. It sucks that some kids my age can't see someone who actually is depressed and learn from it, rather than mimic it like a trend. And I know them doing this is probably from some deep routed issues in them. Can't wait till the trend fades. Also hope you feel better soon idk if this made sense <3


I hope you are getting the help both professionally and personally that you need. You are a wonderful person. I appreciate seeing your videos like this one because it helps me take my own mental illness more seriously.


I personally like that you share, i think it shows that youre human too just like the rest of us and its kind of bringing a little bit of awareness to it. Also i know how therapeutic it can be to talk about it, even if it is to snapchat. My only concern is that it's starting to become part of your brand and if you dont want that then you can change something. Dont let things like this define you. Lots of love :)


Dodie, what if you just made  video diaries for yourself? Like just film it not upload it or anything. Then if you feel a bit better you can choose to rewatch it (or not). Keep it all on a flash drive in a draw like a journal


So Dodie<br>I understand why people believe you're over sharing but personally I love it because it makes me feel less weird

So Dodie
I understand why people believe you're over sharing but personally I love it because it makes me feel less weird


i feel like your audience is very impressionable and young and to me, being a young and impressionable children, it seems like you are making depression a trend. im not THAT naive, but to others it may seem as though being depressed is a good idea because they are inspired by you. i feel like you do share a bit too much, because we reach out to you for support and get no response, so maybe reaching to your friends where you can sit and have a conversation and respond to their ideas is a better idea. while i do understand not all of your audience is like this, and people have the choice of what to watch, i do think this is important. bottom line: share a minimum of things that are necessary to you that you feel we need to know to understand, and if it is to the point of needing mental help, contact a professional or friend or whoever can provide it. sorry if i seemed a bit rude, just sharing my thoughts.


you might overshare i guess? i mean, if you feel comfortable sharing this stuff, i feel like it's okay. sometimes i watch your snaps and i feel like it's like.. stuff i shouldn't know? shouldn't be hearing? i dunno. if you're good with it, i'm good with it, i suppose


Hey dodie, I think it's good that you've checked this 'overshare' instinct now, before it got a lot worse and perhaps you accidentally drove away someone you cared about - this happened to me for this EXACT reason, and at the time I was just upset as hell thinking 'ughhh they're so MEAN' when actually they were just protecting their own mental health, y'know? And I think that now you recognise it, it'll be tricky to go further down and become like b*ckie0 or someone. Like you said on snapchat, you actively want to get better and you're much more focused on spreading a positive message - you're not trying to build your brand on a mental health issue like she has. I don't mean to tear her down or anything, I'm just using her as an example because i watched her for ages and loved her but I had to stop because she was just far too negative and 'woe is me' all the time, saying there was no point to life. Whereas you do want to try, you're recognising that this is something to work on, and that's the key difference. I hope you feel better soon, and I'm sending all the love to you <3


I disagree with the idea that the beautiful art HAS to come from bad places. I think it's important to be honest about them -- but you can create art from a healthy spot. Another thing is that I think it IS hard to reach out to people, even friends, about mental illness. But that's something that can be practiced, and something to normalize as well. Decreasing the stigma can start with finding the friends who support you and refusing to accept the standard of fighting for mental health alone. You are not alone. You are loved. And it will take time to get to health. But it is there!


I feel like so much of the time audiences in general don't want anyone to break the stigma of mental health unless someone is romanticizing it. Romanticizing mental health makes it interesting. It makes it like a novel you can't put down or a show you get sucked into, rather than actual issues that people deal with. It can also be an unhealthy source of validation, saying, "Oh my mental health is interesting! There's a point to it now!" Which I don't think is the best attitude towards mental health.


i think you should share what you're going through. but, you should learn when too much is too much, especially when no warning is provided. lying to your viewers and saying you are fine isnt what i'm saying to do, but maybe a friend is a better outlet to pour feelings out to than an audience of many people


While I love that you share how you feel and make me feel normal with my mental heath, I believe you should step back and think about how being so open can make you feel and how it may affect other people. The internet can often feel like your own personal diary but sharing so much you may not focus as much on how to help yourself and other positive things (not saying you don't do that when you're off the internet, just saying if you do) and hearing certain things without a positive closure could cause people to plummet down their own mental health hole.


Your sad snaps and Insta posts just make my heart hurt so much because you're in the darkest deepest pit and I can't do anything to help you and that just CRUSHES me but if you feel it's helpful (even just in the moment) to talk about it I'm always willing to listen even if it's hard to listen to


I don't follow you on snapchat, but I do on instagram.
I also follow another content creator who suffers from mental illness among other things, her content was always light hearted and nice to watch, when she started sharing her problems everyone was supportive. But then all of her content became about her problems, and how shit her life was, and how things were getting worse, so I had to stop following her.
There's a limit dodie, I suffer from depression and anxiety (both diagnosed by a doctor) and even your friends and family get tired of you when you put too much weight on them.
I love you and your music, hope that things get better and that you don't follow the same faith as the youtuber i mentioned did.


i wrote this a while ago: "artists tend to seem mad, because they see the depths of themselves and the evils of the world so much clearer than those of other disciplines." i think that's why creators are "mental."

also, bless your heart, dodie. we love it when you talk about things that need to be talked about.


Your Snapchats kind of help me at my bad times because it helps me know that im not the only one going through stuff. This past week, for example, has been terrible and I've been crying myself to sleep basically every night. Everything is just stressing me out lately. School starts back on Wednesday and I still haven't gotten any clothes or school supplies and it's a new school so I have no idea where anything is and I'm not gonna know anyone and I'm just freaking out. My first day last time I went to a new school I had a really bad panic attack and I'm afraid I'll have another one. My family doesn't listen either and they think I'm making it up when I say school makes me nervous and anxious because of all the people and I'm constantly afraid of looking stupid or being judged or doing something the wrong way and I just. I don't know. Everyone tells me not to worry so much and I try not to but my brain won't stop running at a hundred miles per hour. It just feels like my brain is a crumpled piece of paper sometimes I guess. I'm worried and scared of so many things and it just feels like everything is just against me. I try and stop it. I want it to stop. But it won't. I was trying to open up to my aunt about this today and all she kept saying was "well you need to get over it. Stop thinking that way. You can stop it. You're lying if you say you can't." No one understands. Everyone in my family just dusts it off and say I'm making it up and say that I have no real problems because I'm not an adult. I'm just I have no one anymore. Everyone leaves. It hurts so much. I wish my brain would stop. I'm probably just being whiny. I should stop talking about my problems that are probably just stupid like everyone says. No one cares about mine anyway. There's people with bigger problems and I'm just being whiny. I'm sorry.


I'm really surprised by the number of people being bothered by the stories on snapchat, I never once thought it was bringing my mood down! I just enjoy watching her snapchat and being able to connect with someone raw emotions and understand them. On the other hand, I can understand that it can have these kind of negative effects on someone. It just seems logic to me that something thats really important to someone is also going to take a lot of place in the content they create.. However even if I'm not so much against reducing the amount that dodie shares on snapchat/the vlogs on mental health because I think she can also benefits from it, I am totally against her creating in order to please her audience's expectations (as I saw some sort of complaints against the "sad songs")!!! All the nice videos and songs are things that turn these raws emotions into something beautiful, into art, into dodie's art.


Whatever you do, do not feel guilty whilst reading the comments. We all love and appreciate you very much, but right now we want to help you by giving you our honest opinion.<br>Many people come to youtube for something refreshing, and although I watch all of your videos, its the uplifting ones that make my day. I'm not saying you should remove your creative outlet, but turn it into something better. You can write songs about how you feel, confide in a friend or a counselor. I even like to go on "notes" and write about everything I felt that day, then I lock it and go to sleep so I can wake up on a positive note. Since you have such a large audience it is good to talk about mental illness when you are okay like Hazel said. Use your emotions to move someone. We all love you Dodes but with such a big audience, some things you should keep to professionals and people who personally know you. I wish you the best of luck recovering!

Whatever you do, do not feel guilty whilst reading the comments. We all love and appreciate you very much, but right now we want to help you by giving you our honest opinion.
Many people come to youtube for something refreshing, and although I watch all of your videos, its the uplifting ones that make my day. I'm not saying you should remove your creative outlet, but turn it into something better. You can write songs about how you feel, confide in a friend or a counselor. I even like to go on "notes" and write about everything I felt that day, then I lock it and go to sleep so I can wake up on a positive note. Since you have such a large audience it is good to talk about mental illness when you are okay like Hazel said. Use your emotions to move someone. We all love you Dodes but with such a big audience, some things you should keep to professionals and people who personally know you. I wish you the best of luck recovering!


I👏🏽need👏🏽more👏🏽vids👏🏽like👏🏽this👏🏽<br>It just feels so comfortable like you're letting us listen in on a private conversation and it makes me feel a part of something I like I like

I👏🏽need👏🏽more👏🏽vids👏🏽like👏🏽this👏🏽
It just feels so comfortable like you're letting us listen in on a private conversation and it makes me feel a part of something I like I like

And like Hazel said, maybe don't talk about graphic things when you are at the lowest of the low but when you're somewhere in the middle. And if you really need to pour your heart out maybe say it to the camera but don't post t? So you get the feelings out but you don't have to go into the "call for help" thing, so it's more like a therapy. Hope this helps


I hadn't properly realised I'd been avoiding your Snapchat until this video. I love that you talk about mental health and your experiences, but your Snapchat and some of your darker instagrams have recently all been a bit too much. They've opened up a space for me to dwell a bit too much into my own issues, which aren't that severe, but if I'm doing that it means there's someone out there who's dwelling too deeply in their issues that are way worse than mine. I think you used to have this balance, a line where you could overshare a bit but not too much and that was perfect. Shitty of course because mental illness sucks, but good because someone was talking real about it.


ah this is very important so many people I know irl pour their hearts out online but end up stewing in a pot of unhealthiness and literally have gotten to the point where they don't know how to talk to people irl about how they are feeling at all. I just want to shake them and yell at them to out their god damn phones down and actually live in the moment and get help or just TALK


Dodie, i wish you could make a second account so u can still make those snaps to help those who cant relate, while toning down your snaps on your other account so those who are hurt can still enjoy


I relate so much to this... and it does make me v sad tbh
Bc many times ppl have reached out after i post on tumblr
And its so true theres something satisfying about talking to nobody but its true in the end that its not as helpful as telling someone directly and when i get responses ive even lied that i felt better by the time i get them
Idk
And its also often the thing about my thoughts being so fucked up in the most pathetic way that i dnt think anyone will relate so i post it in like a vague way but i try to get as honest as possible hoping that someone does get it
Im v sad and i truly think no one will get it bc its truly hopeless so i dnt know how to cope.. other than to talk to an empty text box that doesnt judge me
Edit: ive read other ppls comments and re read my own and im starting to fear im romanticizing my own mental health but i genuinely feel like a pathetic piece of trash


I think one of the reasons it's easier to share these things on social media is that it doesn't put the 'burden' of it on a single person in the way that directly contacting someone does so it kind of short circuits the part of depression that tells you not to ask for help because you will just be too much of an inconvenience and you aren't worth someone's time.

I personally find what you share to be helpful and interesting (that feels like the wrong word because it obvs isn't a thing that is entertaining but more just it is good to hear the day to day impacts of someone else living with mental illness).

Polished videos discussing it are well and good but I think the raw, stream of consciousness style snaps are great + knowing they will disappear shortly makes them seems kind of cathartic? Like the digital equivalent of writing down bad thoughts and burning the paper.


I'm at a really low point with my mental health right now and I'm really struggling with talking about it, I've hid myself away because I don't want to talk and I don't want to be a bother to other people. People are calling and worrying about me and I physically can't bring myself to reply.... I guess asking for help and being okay with needing help/ being vulnerable has always been really hard for me. I'm really lost in what to do right now...


About your description - I think you just need to find the right friend. Like for the longest time I just kept it all to myself and that isn't good. You need to find those few people you can tell anything and everything. Sure you don't have to tell them what you're feeling every moment of every day but it's nice to open up, especially to someone who went through something similar and can empathize, but also someone who's gotten better so they can help lead you on the right track


Zannah is 100% right. Last year I was in a really bad place and I loved your videos and songs, but I'm not sure that's healthy for either of us. I can't talk for every viewer, but I shouldn't have to lean on your content for validation, and you shouldn't have to lean on your viewers for validation. It's a two-way street. And we're strangers, not friends, we don't know each other. We BOTH need to reach out people in our not-online lives, that we can see and touch and feel, to be healthy. And I'm 21, I can't imagine what the preteens and early teenagers feel watching your content. I don't want them to idolize you because you're a Youtuber, and in turn think depression and poor mental health is cool, trendy, or an aesthetic to obtain. I think it's a partnership between you and your audience, and unfortunately you might have a little bit of a responsibility to make it clear that your Instagram posts, Snapchats, etc. are a way to express yourself (and maybe you should do that by journaling, or talking to a friend like you said), not a goal to reach. Idk. It's a complicated relationship. I get that your art is a way to express yourself, but your snaps and instas are hard to read. I think you should take a break, or maybe get a journal instead of using social media as an outlet.


you're laughing again!!!!! i hope you're feeling more emotions (i haven't finished the video yet btw omg)


i don't blame you for talking about your feelings to the camera. it seems you have so many friends that care about you, that you're so close to. not that having a lot of friends make you happy, but having that close tight-knit support group truly helps. those people help you. this may sound so obvs. but i write in a journal. no one sees it and i get everything out. it's rare i ever re-read entries but i had a horrible mental episode a few months ago and it helped, writing everyday. you've talked about therapy too. talking may not be as easy as writing is. be detailed, don't leave things out. just blurt it all out on the page.

as someone who suffers with anxiety, it's hard to watch someone struggle in their bed alone that you don't really know (referring to snapchat). it's SO personal and i don't know you! as much as i've thought we'd be pals, i don't know you. be careful what you post but keep doing everything you do to get better. talking about your state is good, but even talking positively can MAKE you believe that you're okay.

i hope this message isn't too harsh. please stay safe and keep your friends close <3


your mental state is something you cant control.. no one can control it really. But when it comes to a social media platform, we all have to take some responsibility in moderating what we post and what we let out there. Not that we need to force ourselves to balance out the good and bad on our social media but that when there's too much bad stuff that we want to share, maybe we should take a step back and think if it is a little too much right now.  find other ways to let it out .. grab a friend and all that shit instead of chucking it into the void where it might help others and might also hurt someone. dont stop sharing. just moderate it. moderation is key i suppose. anyway i love your stuff and i love you


i am in a dark time right now...this was uploaded at the literal perfect time


Honestly, your friends are there for you to help and support you. Your job is to entertain your audience. You need to mind yourself and keep your private self to yourself I guess. You shouldn't feel any obligation to be the happiest version of yourself all the time, and it's totally ok to let people know that you're struggling, but the internet isn't the place to look for help or support.


We shouldn't ask you to change or hide or hold back. We should only encourage you to seek more help and find what makes you feel better.


You can only tell if you're overstating if the information you give makes YOU uncomfortable. If you are comfortable with it, you're not oversharing


im usually that friend that sees tweets and snaps and things and reaches out to check on people so it killllllsssss me that i cant reach out to you and see if i can help you when you snap. but also since im the one that always helps people i feel like i crash harder when no one is there to reach out to me. im currently having an issue and i feel myself going to crash soon


It's so weird because I never realized how bad it could be and how much she's done it because...I related to it so much sooo soso ososososossosoosossosos much and I'm her like OML YAY I FEEL THE SAME WAY...you've been such a inspiration to me and I hope that you get the help that you need to beeeeee as happy as can be. Sometimes it's easy to talk online because we don't like the face to face judgment but doooodiddeee JUST BE DOOODIE BECAUSE YOURE BEAUTIFUL I LOVE YOU THANK YOU


I know it's helpful to make videos sharing your emotions; however, it's not very helpful to viewers. Only because it's like that one friend that tells you all of their problems, but is not there to listen to you when you have your own. We are absorbing your emotions, like the sponges we are, and that can really change our moods even if we don't want it to. Like many others have said, we're not exactly your friends. This is kind of a one sided friendship, simply because you know nothing about us.

None of this is bad by the way! It's just how it is. Maybe make videos only for yourself, post videos online of nature or something instead of your emotions.


Legitimate question: how do you find someone to talk to? I have friend and I talk them when I see them but I don't have a best friend or any close friends to where I talk to someone about this stuff, I don't text anyone ever and I don't hang out with people.  I talk to my parents sometimes but then it turns into a lecture and they're close minded. I've been thinking about a therapist but I don't have the money. So how do find someone to talk to? And how do I let myself open up to someone? Anyone?


I think that sometimes people can be too liberal with their use of the word romanticize. They use it when someone is simply talking about an issue that has a stigma as it is, as a way to dissuade them from discussing it. I don't see Dodie's portrayal of her mental illness as glamorized or as anything other than how it is and how she truly feels. She is sharing her feelings, and i can understand that this can be difficult for lots of people to hear after a certain point, but she never attempts to make mental illness seem desirable or attractive. I can definitely understand how some of her content can be hard to hear, but for me personally, I find it comforting to know that I'm not totally alone in what I'm facing.


Yes. You do. You have a majority of young viewers who look up to/idolize you and are not setting a good example. People constantly tell you "oh it's fine dodie you'll get better! :) <3" and that's ....not true. You aren't getting the help you need and people are looking at your actions as what they think they should do. ALSO, you talk about Snapchat and social media as if no one is responding so it's easier for you to say unfiltered things. But that's super unhealthy because you have an audience of real people who is seeing everything you post.....I wrote this within the first 30 seconds of the vid so idk if you addressed any of that. ALSO hazel looks gorgeous without makeup omg


I'm sorry you are judged for expressing your emotions.


Like most things in life, the correct road is the *middle ground*. Just try and find a way to be helpful and honest without dragging everybody down with you, and reach out more to your friends and not just your fans


i think dodie should share her experience and knowledge of mental health, but i don't want her to feel like she needs to make it as part of her branding. she should share things, but not everything personal


It's your platform and you shouldn't be censored. Let alone about mental health issues, but it's your choice. I'm sorry you even have to go through this at all tho.


Every Dodie needs a Hazel and every Hazel needs a Dodie. Dodie needs someone to tell her to stop occasionally and Hazel needs someone to tell her to start. I'm a Dodie sometimes and have a Hazel to listen to me freak out over shit then tell me to pull myself back up and walk out the fucking door. But I a lot of the time am a Hazel who freaks out by about telling people, even my closest friends how I'm feeling. So I have a lot of internal conversations (lots of long showers) and I write a lot about how I feel.

I don't have the audience you have Dodie, but I do feel like if I did I would do the same. I've found it so helpful to know that I'm not alone in how I feel and you have the same thought pattern as I do (at least in your videos) and I find that very comforting. I do feel like what you said on snapchat about not wanting to live is a bit too far, not because it's taboo or because it's wrong to share that but because it's very triggering for people. I know that personally if someone mentions it in passing then the thought is seriously planted in my head for the rest of the day and it leads to problems. I do find it comforting to a certain extent but I think that conversation should start in a video (and I think you should start a conversation about it) with a massive TRIGGER WARNING title so only the people who can mentally handle it watch it. Snapchat doesn't have the same effect.

I honestly do think that it is good to share your mental state online. Not at your lowest of lows but in your mid zone. The frequency of you talking about it is how often you are feeling that way and I honestly don't blame you for that because you can't just shake it off all day every day and it is comforting and educational for people to know how often people with depression are actually feeling depressed and how they can put a smile on for a party or put on super cute makeup and film a bubbly creative video.

These are a lot of thoughts that I've had through the day and probably didn't connect much to the actual video. But that's okay because I'm feeling a bit mad today and I've just accepted that.


Personally. It doesn't affect me. Granted that's coming from someone with no mental illness and with a very very tight grip on his brain and emotions. So when I watch I'm like, damn that's heavy stuff. Because I don't have mental health issues or anything I actually like how honest you are and how brutal it can get because. Well. I don't understand it. At all. And I want to understand it so I can help like, my friends who suffer from it. So it helps me understand what it's like and how I can help better. But on the flip side I do agree that you should probably chill out a bit bc of so many young people that can maybe forge an illness they don't have if that makes sense. Probably doesn't but whatever. While I personally have liked it as to understand it probably is for the best for you to chill out when you're on the super edge. Like instead of playing death core for us just play some heavy metal instead. Idk if you get that or not but it's fine. I love you and I hope you figure it out <3


Maybe it would help to 'delay' publication of the things you create a bit, is they are about mental health stuff? That way you can take the 'cry for help' out of publishing and maybe make a more conscious decision on if you just wanted to create something or really share it online with the world. And it would allow you to do the 'cry for help' in a more private space, which is more helpfull for you. Less empty calories.

Because sharing about mental health is so so important and I personally have found a lot of recognition and support in your videos and songs especially. But I think mainly your snaps are a bit too much like trying to validate your pain instead of actually 'creating', you know?

What I would maybe do is still record those snapchats, still write those instagram posts, because you NEED to put that out of your system. But then later decide if you want to share them with the world with some perspective/ background/ explanation to them to create a more balanced view than the 'heat of the moment pain' that always feels all-encompassing.
That would then also prevent the misunderstandings and the romanticisation of the whole issue because then YOU can provide the context in which the post /video should be understood, instead of making it up to your audience.

idk if this made sense at all hahaha. Sorry if it seems mean. I am writing this in a loving way because I totally understand what you are doing because I do it too. this is just the solution that I have found for myself 😘


i dont really use snapchat that much so i wouldnt really know exactly what you were sharing after vidcon but maybe you could make a side private instagram account? like, the people who do want you to share could follow it and maybe you could share all the stuff you want in there instead of talking about it on sc. i dont know. just a thought!


I'm so glad Zannah sent that message because she's totally right. While I don't blame you, it's really not good to have to listen to that sort of stuff, especially when your audience is mentally ill themselves it can be a lot to deal with

I also want to say that I felt so relieved when you first revealed that you weren't doing great because it was refreshing and it felt like you were being honest. It's just,, gone a bit too far


I don't think you should fake how you feel. I love dodie through thick and thin and it gives me hope to see that someone else is going through exactly what I am. Because these days on YouTube and in the media everyone always acts like butterflies and rainbows. People never talk about the deep things. People aren't perfect, all emotions are valid and shouldn't be hidden. Your videos really help me please continue 💜💜


Jodie - Your friend (girlfriend?) is so lovely and kind! You should write a song about her eyes! Just observe her as she talks of love etc and write the words. Seems like wonderful, caring gal!


Whilst it is important that you discuss mental health and it's really good that you do as it can help people, it should not be at the cost of your own mental health; it's not healthy  to rely on things like snapchat constantly to get your feelings out as all you're doing in the long run is giving out to your audience and getting nothing back.
I understand why you do it but to put some of the stuff that you do on it probably does more harm then good for you and for your audience as you're getting nothing back in the long run and it trigger those who watch it.
I think you need to talk a step back from social media (people will understand!) and spend time focusing on YOU, go and seek therapy and medication, you have to be patient with these things, some won't work some will.

Your depression is a part of you, but it doesn't and should define you and everything related to you (which I know sounds stupid that this time because it's your whole world at this current moment in time).
I think until you are a little better you should not give out loads information on mental health because you are clearly not sure about what you're doing for yourself.

(Yikes that sounded really really harsh... obviously please get better soon and always remember that bad weather passes x)


i hope you find a balance in life where you dont feel the need post such things on snapchat! its gotten a bit too graphic like zannah said and as someone who suffers from dissociation as well its a bit triggering to watch them recently.


chances are no one is going to see this but I think my point if view might be different or unique in some way. I will admit I do like the oversharing because it feels like I have a close friend. Now hear me out. I struggle a lot to make good and close connections with people. I have good friends don't get me wrong but I don't feel like I've ever been "in" with a group. As a result of not particularly having any close friends, I rarely get people confinding in me voluntarily (there have been cases when I have noticed a good friend seems really off, have talked to them about it and then theh spill their heart out to me etc but it's usually on my intiation if that makes any sense aha). So when I can "interact" with someone who organically opens up and I can experience that or be apart of it, it makes me feel like I matter and can be trusted and have a connection in a sense. I totally get its not the same as a friend, believe me I do, but it still manages to fill a kind of void. As someone with medical depression and anxiety I will admit I have rolled my eyes at a few of your posts but I understand why you overshare, I tend to do it as well. Hope that makes sense in some way and good luck with it all aha.


My best friend and I have this thing where if one's mental illness gets worse the other one's does too. Idk it'a weird, but it's been that way for the past 2 years.


Ugh I overshare with strangers too and a few other people I know do the same thing. Why is it so hard to confide in people we actually know?!?


Posting online is easier because you can say it all without being afraid of judgement but you're not just saying it to yourself. Online someone is bound to see it but unlikely someone you know will see it. As for wanting someone to reach out but then feeling embarrassed, isn't it because you dont want someone to feel that burden? Im not sure, but i can relate to what youre saying...


Whoops this is what I do too.. This hit close to home wow yeah I make vague stuff of tumblr in hopes of people seeing it because in reality I wish I could just call them but I don't want to be a burden or seem desperate but if I make some post it's like not too in anyone's face cause had to come there their self. <br>But then I don't get feedback or help, or maybe I do from a random follower but it would also make me feel better to hear comfort words from real life friends, the people I'm hoping will see it in the first place.

Whoops this is what I do too.. This hit close to home wow yeah I make vague stuff of tumblr in hopes of people seeing it because in reality I wish I could just call them but I don't want to be a burden or seem desperate but if I make some post it's like not too in anyone's face cause had to come there their self.
But then I don't get feedback or help, or maybe I do from a random follower but it would also make me feel better to hear comfort words from real life friends, the people I'm hoping will see it in the first place.


I'm kind of the same as hazel, i hate that i used to adore the content you make, and now im afraid to click on a video, or watch your snapchat, or read the captions on ur instas, it feels like your online personality has sunk into this one box of, of having a hard time


thank you so much for this. genuinely. thanks.


I think you do overshare. I think the issue might be that it isn't always helpful. If your going through a really rough time and so is someone who watches your Snapchat there's no interchange of help. It will just make the viewer feel worse. I don't think that two people who are struggling can help eachother out of it. It's like if you and a friend are both stuck in quicksand. Can you fully help your friend while your in the sand yourself? No you have to get YOURSELF out first and then your able to help others. You need to sort out your own problems before talking about them with others who don't have the power to help you and you don't have the power to constructively help them. Once your feeling better it's definitely helpful to talk about it and how you got over it.  But whilst your in that really low place it's very dangerous.


hey dodie
I'm not allowed on Snapchat so I can't really say an opinion on that part of this and I'm not trying to
But about your YouTube videos about mental health..
Yeah, it can be sad to watch you tell about your not happy days and I will admit from time to time they have bummed me out or made me a bit uncomfortable about knowing something that personal to you and into your head space, as with any serious issue. And occasionally I won't watch ones where from the title I fear it's something too hard to watch.
But then on other days, often when I'm in a bad place myself, I watch your videos and they make me feel so much less alone and even if I don't always relate to what you are going through..I have been through other stuff that I know could be just as hard. And watching someone who is a celebrity show another side of them makes me feel like, "hey, she's still making beautiful things and changing the world through difficulties..so I can too" and it's truthfully really inspiring and you're one of the bravest people I know for sharing your story and emotions.
Sure, you may take breaks from filming, or you may be just talking to a camera, but that's just proves that you're human. The fact you share it out there to impact others is amazing, okay.
Bottom line is, whether the impact is good or bad on the people I think you should continue posting your mental health/illness updates as long as they make you comfortable and help you..and maybe others too..based on what people are saying, possibly tone it down on Snapchat, but I can't judge what I don't know..
Okay I hope that made sense and I'm sorry this is long. love you and hang in there.


I've been very uncomfortable with your snapchats and some videos and I have just recently been worried about the younger portion of your audience. I think it's very common and maybe helpful to try to make beauty out of bad things, but it can very easily come across as romanticization. It can't be healthy for you either, because you have a space to express self pity rather than a real human to discuss with. I would love to hear a journey of your mental health, such as the treatment you're going through in that BBC article, but in the moment sort of videos and snaps I think should be avoided.


I think that social media can often be used as a cushion, or a way that can be used as an outlet, but it isn't satisfying. Maybe it helps for a second because then people reach out and can tell you everything is going to be okay BUT it's not genuine human connection. In a world where social media and contact through technology is so prevalent, our basic human contact, and the quality of that human contact dwindles. Yeah social media can be great, but it can also be an addiction and honestly, if you're not getting long term satisfaction from posting stuff like that, or really anything, online, then personally, I would find a new outlet. The internet is easy because it gives the illusion of vulnerability. It's SO easy to post something and then walk away. You don't have to face the consequences of what you've said right away. When you open up to someone in person or over the phone or something, it can be a lot scarier because it's real, and you have to not only face yourself and your own thoughts and feelings but those of the other person, but those are the moments that we get real help, and those are the moments when growth happens. Making people aware of mental health is great. It really is, but it's not okay if you're not getting any help from it. There's definitely a line. Don't burry your feelings, don't ignore them, but maybe find a way you can get more substantial help? I don't know you Dodie, and if I were to know you personally I could offer you more advice, but I do have friends who follow similar patterns, and if they came to me with a similar conversation, this is what I would tell them. I adore you, and I just want you to be okay, whatever that means for you💜


okay i know you're not faking your mental illness, but you are romanticising it. a lot. yes, it is good to have awareness out there of mental illness and it's important to destigmatise it, but there's a line between awareness and romanticisation/self pity and you've crossed it.

i feel like you started letting us know about your health struggles to raise awareness, but as you became more and more invested in us as kind of a diary platform and a way to just vent, it became more self pity/romanticisation. i remember a specific snapchat story of yours where you referred to your story as your "diary" because you could just say whatever you wanted into it with virtually no consequences as you don't us, your audience. that's very dangerous and unhealthy for both you and the people who are watching your story.

i'm glad that you feel comfortable enough to give us the Raw Dodie Experience but you have a very impressionable audience that can be influenced by what you say SO EASILY. when your snapchat story and instagram posts and youtube videos are all like "i'm so depressed" or "feeling spaced out today" or "i want to die i don't know how to deal with this" it really takes a toll on everyone. an impulsive snapchat at 3am of you crying and talking about how spaced out you are isn't going to help ANYONE who follows you, and it's not going to make you feel better in the long run.

you are not a therapist. you are not someone who can diagnose mental illness. you do not know everything there is to know about it. i don't want your younger viewers thinking that you are the beacon of mental illness information, because you're not. you've advertised yourself as someone who, for the most part, only talks about being depressed and spaced out and sad and to your impressionable audience who doesn't know any better, you're all they have. your experience is NOT UNIVERSAL, and you haven't made that clear enough. especially in your first "depression, anxiety, and depersonalisation" video, you talk a big game about self diagnosis. that's not okay. self diagnosis can be useful to an extent, but it's very dangerous and can lead to self destructive behaviour because it's very easy to convince yourself that you have something that you don't. you need to make it clearer that you only experience what you experience and you can't speak for everyone.

i think it's important to talk about mental illness. like hazel said, though, there is a time and a place for it. when you're super down in the dumps, that is NOT the time to talk about it to a public platform. talk about it to people who can actually do shit about your situation instead of putting it on the backs of impressionable teenagers who just want to hear what you have to say and watch your snapchat story without worrying about being triggered. you need to step back from social media when you're super depressed or spaced out because you're only effectively going to help break the stigma and raise awareness if you're in a clear enough space to talk about it objectively. by posting videos of you just Being Depressed or snapchatting a 4am breakdown, you're romanticising it.

i'm really glad you've taken the time to realise this about your recent activity on social media and i hope you use everyone's feedback to better your social media presence.


yeah, what zanna (sorry if that's not how it is spelled) told you is what I think about your snapchats. Your audience may find it helpful to know someone else is going through the same thing, but sometimes I think you have to stop looking for the empty validation your audience may give you. I'm not your friend, I enjoy your content but I'm not your friend neither is most of the people who watch you, you may be grateful to us for supporting you with your career or for the words of encouragement but in the end we can't do much. You have to work or relying in friends, not on your audience, and if you are not getting the support you need from them, work with a therapist to get the support you need.
Also I know you don't mean it but your brand is mental illness now for a lot of people, like the classic artist that is suffering and the suffering makes them creative, you are romanticizing it in a way. We are the same age, if I watch your sad videos or Snapchat I understand is not beautiful and I don't want to emulate you, but a lot of your viewers are younger than us and you know how it is when you are younger you might think you're not romanticizing toxic something but you are.
I know you want to be genuine online but you are losing perspective on what is healthy to share with strangers and what isn't.
Sorry this was all over the place.


im not sure what this would do, but i personally find talking about mental illness very helpful but i also completely understand the oversharing/ empty calorie thing. So I thought, while this may be completely stupid and an insane idea, maybe you can make a snapchat purley for your vents or the topic of mental illness. While putting this into thought, this is probably just gonna be a hassel having to switch accs everytime but maybe it wont be. Idk but just think, even a broken clock is right two times a day :))


I don't know if I am the only one, but you are never the cause of my bad mood or triggers for my anxiety and depression. Because usually to see that and if it did make me get deeper into my depression, I usually look into myself and there is usually a problem within me that caused that to make things worse. You aren't the cause of people's problems and struggles with their mental health. Yeah, things can be triggering, as someone who has suffered some serious shit such as self harm, I know there are triggers. As people are saying trigger warnings help a ton. But never thinking have to stop talking about it all together, I understand the feeling of being able to talk to a camera, tweet a tweet, or film a Snapchat instead of talk to a friend. Your brain knows you have friends to reach out to but your mental illness is screaming at you that they don't truly care, and why even try if they don't care truly. It makes you think that fuck the world, no one truly cares, so this it is easier to talk to something that you don't have to put yourself out there to talk to, you can just, well talk. It's like a therapy session, because hell even going to therapy is scary and even mental illness can cause you to think that they, the counselor don't even care, or that they should be talking to someone else because you're wasting their time. But because of this it is easier to talk to something rather than someone. But dodie the one thing about this is it made me feel like I wasn't alone. In times where I wasn't able to reach out to someone, it felt like someone was making that first step to reach out to me. And I know we aren't actually friends, but it made me feel like I wasn't the only one and that I felt sort of loved in a way. Maybe it's because I am still going through my shit and I'm not through it and looking at it from a far, but it doesn't trigger me. But for people who are through it, I can see the triggers. I think if you still want to do the Snapchats I think just a simple trigger warning time and again for those who need it is really all you need. And if you still feel like you want to talk but not reach out, you could record yourself on your phone as well...I personally do it and it helps. It does the same as Snapchat but without reaching it all, and then you can usually have all your thoughts in order after that. It helps to be able to truly understand yourself how your are feeling and how you are thinking about it, and so after if you still need to, you are able to talk or Snapchat and understand more of how you are feeling and thinking. Love you Dodes 💕


dodie just get a private instagram dude. only let your friends and people you trust follow it. if you need to overshare that's the place to do it. not on a platform followed by thousands of fans.


i feel like Dodie may be romanticizing the idea of a "tortured artist", something that i am guilty of myself; she needs to recognize that you can still create lovely art about your experience with mental illness even when you're better... idk


i feel like if u know he having a bad brain day and u want to post about it just kind of make a disclaimer post like "hey !!! having a Bad Time !!! if you don't want to hear about it don't watch my snapchats today !!"obviously sharing this on social media is helpful for you (TO AN EXTENT !!!!) and it helps other people too. this might make it easier for you to just kind of say what u need to without anyone being negatively effected. also seek professional help. I know you've been trying but i also don't think you should rely totally on social media for this. you just need to find a middle ground between bottling everything up and drowning in your emotions, which isn't easy for you as a creator and an influencer.all of this is just suggestion from an outsider so take it with a grain of salt.i love u loads and i hope you figure out what u want to do and what will benefit you the most (because at the end of the day getting the treatment you need is more important than anything else !!)


Maybe a trigger warning on the Mental Illness posts? That way the people who find comfort from it still have access to it, but the people it bothers will have a warning so they can decide if they want to consume that content or not.


I'm reminded of Bill Nighy's monologue about Van Gogh.


I do not think that you overshare. People who like you and your content are drawn to you because they can relate to it. I can heavily relate to you talking about your mental health and the dark times. I think that when most people are depressed and at a very low point in their lives, it is very easy to suppress those feelings because they feel ashamed of being so negative and pessimistic. But hearing someone like you talk about being in a similar mental state might help. If anybody feels like they might be triggered by the mental health stuff they can just choose not to watch it by reading the title. Mental health continues to be a stigma and the more these things are talked about, the more understood people feels. I disagree with the people who are saying that you romanticize mental health and have made it your "brand". Please continue to share your feelings. There is no reason for people to be guilt tripping you for being honest when you are already not in a healthy state of mind. Lots of love xx.


holy shit everyone is saying that she overshares but if you don't want to see it then don't follow her there's nothing wrong with saying how you feel


I wonder whether the issue here isn't dodie oversharing or romanticising mental illness, but is instead that viewers have a tendency to idolise her (and other Youtubers) and try to be like her.  I disagree that her sharing what she's feeling is giving a romanticised view, my interpretation here is that some of the younger more "impressionable" viewers are going "Oh, dodie has mental health issues, and I want to be like her, so I guess I need them too", and in my opinion that is not the fault of dodie.  She can't control how much people idolise her, and in the current Youtube world I see idolisation becoming more and more of a problem.  Dodie, as far as I'm concerned, is doing no different to many "normal" people who vent on social media, it's just that because of the world we live in, some people become too invested in her life.  Should that mean she stops sharing her feelings?  I don't think so, because she is in a trickier situation then the rest of us.  If she is feeling crap and so doesnt post anything people go "Oh wheres dodie gone why isnt she posting ahhh", and because of the nature of her job, taking extended social media breaks isnt really an option, so she posts the truth of how she's feeling.  Now, you could argue that she should post light hearted stuff and pretend she's fine, but as someone who suffers with depression that isnt an easy thing to do, and also isnt fair on her, as pushing down these feelings can be detrimental to her.  Add to this how the current youtube "trend" is being "raw and real" means that there is a pressure from the audience themselves for creators to be "truthful", but it seems, as with all trends, a limit had been put on it, and according to some people dodie has crossed the "line" into being "too much".  These are just the opinions of a stranger on the internet, but I think it's important to remember that dodie is a normal person that we have put on a pedestal, and her responsibility for a load of strangers (even young ones) was not asked for, and should not dictate her life xx


personally, i've felt myself becoming annoyed at you talking about your mental health because you seem to just... display and stylise your breakdowns? like in your insta posts especially, it can seem as though you are romanticising your own mental illness and using it to make yourself look cute and vulnerable and trying to make that your brand/image. and i know that THAT'S NOT TRUE. it just /feels/ that way sometimes. i think i'm having this reaction because i've tried very hard to overcome my mental health issues, and i'm in a much better place now, and seeing all of your posts takes me back to the Bad Place, so i don't really watch your snaps anymore, and when you upload a video, i either skip right to the song or i just don't watch them. i love love love the art you create and i love your chatty videos too. but i think, especially because a lot of your audience are very very young and impressionable, you should try to filter your mental health talk a bit... and we will ALWAYS be there for you too, but i think talking to people irl would be more beneficial for you <3


also, i think you tend to exaggerate using terms like "mental", "crazy" etc. <br>it's kind of romanticizing it? i think. anyhow it isn't really appropriate.

also, i think you tend to exaggerate using terms like "mental", "crazy" etc.
it's kind of romanticizing it? i think. anyhow it isn't really appropriate.


No one should be commenting on either Stevie or Dodie's posts ANYTHING hateful or bashing their honesty and ability to let themselves go. It's such a beautiful thing to be able to do and it's truly hard, especially for those who struggle with mental health issues to be so open and finally let themselves free. For many people, keeping it all in can be the cause of their death and I don't want to live in a world where we are now shaming others for opening themselves up and sharing their beautiful stories about what's made them, them. And by that I mean beautiful, strong, inspiring humans who like i just mentioned are HUMANS. Accusing them of glorifying mental illness or using it to sell a product is absolutely disgusting. Just because someone if on a platform they still lead a life as do all humans who are not rising in the youtube world. They are still entitled to the same resources and coping mechanisms as are all humans. Lets encourage them to keep doing what they're doing and not shame anybody for again, being human, and doing something that it takes hell of a lotta strength to do. ❤


i think you need to find a medium between telling us how you feel and not making us and your friends worried. your snapchats, although occasionally making me feel better about my mental health, scare me. if you're looking to advice or comfort you're much better looking to your friends help which should be easier now you will not only have hazel but dan and jack living so close. we cannot help you through snapchat so apart from venting, it won't help.


i hate the question "do you create because you're mentally ill or are you mentally ill because you create." I hate it so so much. I wasn't gonna comment because I'm having trouble knowing what to share or not share online and because there's already so many comments. But I hate that question. Literally the little depression phase I had earlier this year varied around <b>i've fucked up my own brain to the point where I can't undo it what's the point</b> (which is so harmful). Which is why it's good to set rules. You are not defined by your mental illness or even how you're feeling. My therapist was telling me how it's important to find a balance like you can go to that little corner of artistic inspiration whether it may be happy or not but you have to come out at some point. Especially when your career or passions revolve around intense emotions (once again good or bad).

i hate the question "do you create because you're mentally ill or are you mentally ill because you create." I hate it so so much. I wasn't gonna comment because I'm having trouble knowing what to share or not share online and because there's already so many comments. But I hate that question. Literally the little depression phase I had earlier this year varied around *i've fucked up my own brain to the point where I can't undo it what's the point* (which is so harmful). Which is why it's good to set rules. You are not defined by your mental illness or even how you're feeling. My therapist was telling me how it's important to find a balance like you can go to that little corner of artistic inspiration whether it may be happy or not but you have to come out at some point. Especially when your career or passions revolve around intense emotions (once again good or bad).


I SO NEEDED TO HEAR THIS😭 MY BRAIN IS FUCKEDDDDD AND I SHARE WAY TOO MUCH ONLINE ABOUT IT AND THEN FIND MYSELF CONSTANTLY CHECKING MY NOTIFICATIONS FOR COMMENTS AND LIKES AND JM LIKE AHHHH SOMEONE HELP ME BUT THE SECOND I DO I REGRET IT SO MUCH.


I love your YouTube videos but if I'm sad I know that I cannot look at your snapchat or even if I'm happy your Snapchat videos kind of bring me down.  I'm not trying to be rude because I really do like your videos but when your saying all these things you should perhaps try to remember what audience you are talking to , mostly young and impressionable people that perhaps look to you as their role model as they want to be like you.  I love your honesty about it and the fact that you do talk about it but i feel like it's really unhealthy how much you are talking about it and how you talk about the mental disorders, I  also don't feel the need for how explicit it is especially without a warning additionally I understand how you want to say it's normal but like depression and depersonalisation isn't normal it's not right and that's why you are seeking help to not feel like that  I understand you want to help people not feel so alone but the wording your putting it in is misleading. As someone who does suffer from mental disorders, I know that you need to let it out but the way you are doing this is so unhealthy because even though we all know you are not trying to do make people sad it does it makes me feel down.

I think you indulge in the fact that your audience does care and you want attention you want help you want people to know how you feel but you push these negative feeling onto your audience without a warning or a thought of how this could affect other people.

Also I do agree that you do romanticise the fact that you have a mental illness, the way your talking about it and how it's almost become your brand even though it's not your intention


For some reason I thought it said over shaving lmao


I think creative people are more sensitive to the world, which causes them to be more sensitive to mental disorders also. Perhaps that is why creative people get addicted to alcohol etc. so easily. I guess it's more of getting addicted to the escape from reality. At least in my experience. Some days I just watch videos until I get tired of sitting on the computer. It's not very healthy, I'll admit it... I have had a panic attacks a few times from not talking to anyone, but at the same time I feel like I don't want to, because I am so sensitive to other people's energies, you know? Not everyone spreads pure, positive energy. Anyways, hopefully everyone has a super great day! ^-^


Neither one of you is oversharing. If anything, our society has been promoting undersharing for decades. If we talked about these issues more, we would all find it easier to ask for support. THAT is usually the hardest thing to do. If either of you need a phone-friend, who will not judge, I volunteer. I live in the Central time zone, in America. I have PTSD, which manifests as both anxiety and depression for me. I love you both, and wish you the best. Since none of us can expect an overnight cure, let's all just pray that every day is a little bit better than the one before it. 👍😀😘


I just bottle it up.....  and I'm worry that one day I would just explode but I am terrified of sharing and being judge or just receive a blank "wtf you on about" face.


oh man. okay so. i agree here that dodie goes into too much detail and posts about it too often, i would say, especially considering her younger audience and the fact that a lot of her audience is also mentally ill, and therefore a lot of us will have triggers. but some people in the comment section are being really disrespectful and coming across to me a Lot like this toxic friend i have lmaoooo


Your face is beautiful, no need to cover it for our benefit.


I think you talking about your mental health is important but the volume can be damaging to others. Sometimes I have to skip your snapchats because some of the things you talk about have put me in a bad place. But I do feel the instagram essays you do kind of romantise it.


I enjoy when YouTubers overshare so the I can act like I'm their child while imagine they adopted me so then I know everything about them I don't know where this is going


hm, i am exactly the same, HELP.

all jokes aside i want to die, well i dont want to die, but i dont care what happens to me now because ive brought up too many bad memories.
im trying to think of the best way to say this, i guess its like sitting in a bath one minute your fine and its nice but then its like the walls are slowly getting closer and the roof is coming down and you dont have anytime to breath and get away from it.


omg me tho like i overshare so much lol<br>but then i feel So manipulative when i open up about my mental health or smth and then people worry and i instantly go like "no haha was all a joke" and go back to depressing tweets bc they can't see bc i have almost no irl people follow me there it's like my little dark outlet but if at an off chance someone does like message me about that i cannot for the life of me say the same things i've just mindlessly released onto the internet? that's weird it's like "help come talk to me" and then someone does and i'm like "cool i don't want to anymore" bc i feel like i am making everything up and/or burdening good people that deserve the best with my stupid sh*t and idk what to do honestly

omg me tho like i overshare so much lol
but then i feel So manipulative when i open up about my mental health or smth and then people worry and i instantly go like "no haha was all a joke" and go back to depressing tweets bc they can't see bc i have almost no irl people follow me there it's like my little dark outlet but if at an off chance someone does like message me about that i cannot for the life of me say the same things i've just mindlessly released onto the internet? that's weird it's like "help come talk to me" and then someone does and i'm like "cool i don't want to anymore" bc i feel like i am making everything up and/or burdening good people that deserve the best with my stupid sh*t and idk what to do honestly


My best friend committed suicide yesterday!!! She was the best female friend I could ever have... She was so cheerful and lovely. We could not apprehend her death ever.... I am really fucked up right now.


You should post what you want to post no matter what it is


I think that dodie is over sharing to much. I get that maybe she shares what she feels to help her feel better about it, but also for comments saying things like "feel better soon" or "you are an amazing person hope you feel better soon". She is obviously going through a rough time but when reading one of her descriptions from a post on instagram i thought it was a little bit over the top. (that may sound bitchy but it was never intended to sound that way.) And you should never bottle anything up because it always make things about ten times worse but from what i can see she has loads of friends who can support her and also. Dodie could write down how she is feeling in a diary, talk to her friends, or even start a blog so she can still share how she is publicly and she can out more description into it so for the people who want to know every detail they can go there and she can put a short summary of it on intstagram along with the creative, cool pictures. (Also to anyone who made read this, have a good day!)


I personally, as well as many other people who suffer from mental illnesses not just depression, believe that people shouldn't hate/criticize/blame or shun towards/on us or feel the need to hide the subject of mental illness and it's effects. It's normal for someone to feel uncomfortable when hearing about someone's problems that are beyond that of the person who does not have them, but that doesn't mean they need to not talk about subject. It's a subject that is seen as taboo in most societies unfortunately and because of it people who develop these or other mental illnesses often only get worse cause the feel the need to hide it or feel guilty cause of it. People who suffer from them and choose to speak up are often seen differently and judged for it when they shouldn't be for it's a human thing. We are all humans, depression isn't irregular or Inhumane, neither is anxieties or disorders that develop in the brain. If you think talking about it still makes you uncomfortable then you don't have to, you can just accept that its not what you like and move on. Do not blame her for it or others, it's not their fault that you do not like something. Would you hate her if she liked strawberry ice cream more than vanilla ice cream, which you view as your favorite, in comparison? No, you'd accept she has different tastes and she is her own person. So do the same here, respect that she is a different person with different problems and either accept that or move on and forget it.


I had to stop watching your snapchats in all honesty, love. I feel like sometimes they're a little like...self pitying? I don't want to seem like an arse at all but that's how it made me feel. I'd try and tone that down a little.


I think people say the word 'romanticise' too much, it's now become something different. I don't think dodie romanticised mental health at all, she just can't exactly do much when she has this weight on her back, yes she could be over sharing, but where <i>exactly</i> do we rule the line?

I think people say the word 'romanticise' too much, it's now become something different. I don't think dodie romanticised mental health at all, she just can't exactly do much when she has this weight on her back, yes she could be over sharing, but where _exactly_ do we rule the line?


Aggressively relating to everything said in this


I'd just like to say that I appreciate how open Dodie is to criticism/opinions, especially in this video. There are very few people that I know that would be able to listen to what Hazel is saying and acknowledge it without taking offense, which I commend her for because I think what Hazel's saying is super important. I can't really speak to the mental illness aspect of this video because I haven't dealt with it myself, but I really appreciate the dialogue anyway.

I do think, though, that she should be a bit more sensitive when talking about mental illness related topics. After scrolling through the comments, I can see how negatively this has impacted so many people. I personally think she should at least include trigger warnings.

I know that a lot of people dislike how open/oversharing Dodie is about mental illness, which I completely understand. As someone who hasn't dealt with it, though, I've found it valuable in that I can at least partially understand what my friends who have mental illnesses are going through.


it's true, everyone has bad days , and bad mental health is not something you asked for and it's a common thing, the difference is that you have an audience , and you're really in spotlight. don't feel too guilty.


you know it's going to be a thought provoking video when every comment shows the 'read more' options


This is so important dodie! It's so mature to look back on yourself and tackle the habits you have that are unhealthy. I do value your honesty as it makes so many feel like they aren't alone, but a lot of oversharing doesn't come from a kind place and doesn't help fill the void in a long run. Sending love dods 💗


I can't express how much I related to this video. Thank you so much for sharing and I'm really happy and proud that you're taking steps to counteract not-so-healthy behaviors. I love you 💛


I've been feeling incredibly down lately, and this video came in such a weird time for me. Seeing you two interact, and seeing how each of you deals with mental health issues differently was really soothing for me in a way. I dont know about the oversharing part, but videos like these really help from time to time. It's good to hear other people express the things I have trouble getting out


Hi Dodie! Your music has guided me so much in the last year. I went through some really tough times and depression dragged me down but your advice and your amazing music was vital to me getting by. You also helped me so much to learn about being aware of mental illness, I was able to save a friend of mine who was cutting and I'm afraid that I never would seen it in time without your help. Your voice is magic to me and as a singer myself, you helped me to create my own path. Thank you so much for everything you've done, you are such an inspiration❤


Dodie, you are an amazing person. We are actually very alike. I overthink so much and have and has had clinical depression for years now. You and I both have the gene where we both need to feel loved by others. It's just you being a online celebrity need to focus your thoughts to close friends, family, and professionals.


Honestly your sharing has helped me SO much. Thank you for helping me realize that other people DO feel as bad as I do sometimes and that my feelings are valid. Love all of your content (snapchat and nonsnapchat)!!!!!! Can't thank you enough


Personally, I really love your videos and snapchats, even when you're seemingly oversharing sometimes. I've been dealing with anxiety and general overthinking for so long that sometimes it just feels like my thoughts are eating me up and swallowing me whole. I do have wonderfully supportive friends and family members around me, but I've never met someone who actually seemed to understand what it's like to be at such a bad place mentally, until I found your youtube channel. To me, the way you're opening up about mental health and sharing your personal experiences and struggles online is extremely brave and admirable. I totally understand that along with your big audience you've also got a lot of responsibilites as to how much you share with all of us, but personally, I'm incredibly thankful you're sharing not only your optimistic, cheerful moments but also those where your depression kicks in. Because for me, listening to you talk about why you're in such a bad place and how you're feeling has made me realize that, as cheesy and stereotypical that sounds, I'm not alone, that there are other people out there who feel just the same as I do. Watching you be this open and honest with Hazel in this video just made me realize all over again how much easier things things would be if I had a friend who I could be completely open and honest with when it comes to mental health, who understands and knows how I'm feeling, and to me, you are that friend, even when we don't actually know each other. I know that real life friends are an incredibly important part of one's life, and if you're lucky enough to be able to talk to them about those kind of things, that's amazing. But personally, I don't have that possibility, so watching someone talk about their feelings as openly and honestly as you do has helped and still is helping me in ways I've never thought were possible. But again, that's only how I feel about this, I can totally understand where other people might be coming from.

Personally, I really love your videos and snapchats, even when you're seemingly oversharing sometimes. I've been dealing with anxiety and general overthinking for so long that sometimes it just feels like my thoughts are eating me up and swallowing me whole. I do have wonderfully supportive friends and family members around me, but I've never met someone who actually seemed to understand what it's like to be at such a bad place mentally, until I found your youtube channel. To me, the way you're opening up about mental health and sharing your personal experiences and struggles online is extremely brave and admirable. I totally understand that along with your big audience you've also got a lot of responsibilites as to how much you share with all of us, but *personally*, I'm incredibly thankful you're sharing not only your optimistic, cheerful moments but also those where your depression kicks in. Because for me, listening to you talk about why you're in such a bad place and how you're feeling has made me realize that, as cheesy and stereotypical that sounds, I'm not alone, that there are other people out there who feel just the same as I do. Watching you be this open and honest with Hazel in this video just made me realize all over again how much easier things things would be if I had a friend who I could be completely open and honest with when it comes to mental health, who understands and knows how I'm feeling, and to me, you are that friend, even when we don't actually know each other. I know that real life friends are an incredibly important part of one's life, and if you're lucky enough to be able to talk to them about those kind of things, that's amazing. But personally, I don't have that possibility, so watching someone talk about their feelings as openly and honestly as you do has helped and still is helping me in ways I've never thought were possible. But again, that's only how *I* feel about this, I can totally understand where other people might be coming from.


I honestly completely appreciate you Dodie and think you're so super brave with sharing every little thing about your mental health. I love you and thank you for being the amazing you that you are, stay safe ☺❤✨


we're all here for you dodie.<br>please stay safe <3

we're all here for you dodie.
please stay safe <3


aww dodie ilysm you're such an inspiration to me and i hope you start feeling better soon! we'll always be here to support you!!!


I appreciate your honesty, Dodie!  It encourages me!  For myself, I find writing/journaling as a helpful outlet for negative feelings.

... And I laughed at the moment: "Do you remember their names?" " - Patrice and Brian!"


Thank you for putting this up, it helped me think about how I communicate myself as well as relationships with mental health and stuff. No matter what you remain down to earth and real and I love that but Zannah and Hazel are right permanent fixes are hard but real. I went to a therapist and got better for now, I might need to go in the future but right now I'm off of medication and loving life and doing better at living in the moment. I hope you get there again soon xxx


This literally is my life. I am constantly questioning, wondering and curious about my brain. I always want to know why everything is so backward inside my head. It's always relieving to feel the comfort of watching you and your friends having the EXACT same conversations I have with mine. <br>It's a creative thing. I swear to god it is.

This literally is my life. I am constantly questioning, wondering and curious about my brain. I always want to know why everything is so backward inside my head. It's always relieving to feel the comfort of watching you and your friends having the EXACT same conversations I have with mine.
It's a creative thing. I swear to god it is.


Dodie I love youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu. I can relate with this video and just thank you for sharing eveything with us. Stay strong and know we are always going to be here to listen to you. <3


Thank you for validating my current state of mind - Just everything you said resonated. I'm sat here crying. Just helpful to know I'm not the only one. As a nearly-30 creative, i feel stupid for having these thoughts. and embarrassed to share them, even though I know there would be help if i asked for it. I just can't actually bring myself to ask. Sigh. We've all got to muddle though, eh?


i think it's good to raise awareness and by sharing your own experience you are helping people feel less alone 💙💙💙


This is the best video you have made in a very long time. It's so raw and real and I know you're a genuine person but this level of self realisation and awareness is something rarely captured on a camera. This video was IMPORTANT. Bringing awareness to mental health is a bloody fantastic thing you do for the world but bringing awareness to when the time is right for YOU to share and whether you're oversharing on the basis of it not being logical or beneficial to you is even more important. I'm so happy you've took this lil step of further self awareness, proud of u Dodie. Also YAS ZANNAH (she's a fucking fabulous friend)


for a while now I found myself beating myself down for always oversharing online and letting out my emotional in the moment far too often. Thank you so much for this video, it gives me the greatest comfort as you described everything perfectly and that it is in fact not just me that experiences this.


This helped me a lot. This gives me a whole other outlook on things such as your snapchat stories. I always always appreciated your snapchat stories because it was you just being honest with how you felt and it was your outlet. Zannah brings to light a lot of stuff I had failed to recognize. I want you to have the outlet you need, but i also believe in some of the stuff Zannah is saying.


Thanks so much for addressing this, I don't follow your other social media but this issue effects me as a consumer of social media endlessly. I don't have depression anymore, I have PTSD. Part of how that effects me is that my brain is determined to hurt worse than others- so when I see people suffering, it is like my brain has to one-up them and torture me worse. I didn't realise this until recently - I couldn't tell why I was getting irritated by people talking about MH as they weren't talking about traditionally "triggering" topics, i.e. self harm/ suicide. I assumed it was just internalised stigma. I'm not sure what point I'm trying to get at, thanks for explaining your side of things as a creator


Dodie have you ever struggled with an eating disorder? I am in recovery doing very well and I just wondered if you could relate❤