this video is so helpful, as a person who is afraid to ask for help and writes these sad posts then deletes them, it's nice to know that you guys do it too and im not a burden cause people want to help. thank you hazel and dodie ily guys


I'm really glad you made this Dodie, I've been a fan for a while but honestly I sort of drifted. It felt like a constant ream of beautiful arty pictures and then descriptions that made my gut twist and stab. I really do understand the way you normalise mental health and allow many of your fans to feel a little more understood, but for me and my own struggles with my mental health it felt like trigger after trigger and made me feel dreadful for not only you, but me too. Anyways thank you for making this, it was a brave thing to do. Have a lovely evening ❤


I'm sad that you're struggling, but glad that you have an outlet and know that you have people who care about you. Talk to them and let them help you and take care of yourself. X


I love these discussion videos so much! Thank you! And we love you!


Just wanted to say that I have found your snapchats and instas very helpful at certain points at raising awareness. My mum and best friend both suffer from depression and when they went on the medication felt they same way you did. I've always been so angry at them for not caring and not being functional when i've needed them and because they never talked about it I never understood what they meant when they said they felt nothing. Your posts opened my eyes into what they must be going through and I'm now able to deal with mine and there feelings a lot better.

By saying this i'm not disagreeing with your video though. Do whatever's best for you and how you feel. Just don't feel like you've caused just bad things to others by over sharing you've made a massive positive difference in my life 💕


I'm very grateful to you for being so brave -- acknowledging that your posts about stuff may have over stepped the mark is a really hard thing to do in public, but I'm really pleased you have. I'm 21 and I recognise a lot of what you experience emotionally in myself, and so your openness w/regards to mental health is something I really appreciate. But as other commenters have said, it can also be a little bit detrimental for me to read. I think the immediacy of social media can be a bit tricky to manage when we're feeling bad. You can message a friend about your feelings and immediately receive a response, rather than having to bottle and worry. In a sense it's fantastic, but in my own case I often treat it as a sort of service rather than remembering that someone will be rolling over in bed and reading that, and potentially be worrying their socks off about me. (That's not to say that we shouldn't reach out, but that we do it sensitively??? I guess?) Idk. Nobody's perfect w/social media, but I think your response to the situation is really admirable.!


Honestly I totally understand how you can feel about oversharing, but I've always loved you for it. I need to hear this stuff and I don't think you are responsible for other people's reactions tbh


SUCH A GOOD VIDEO. Totally inspired me to delve into this and create a video of my own around the same concept.


I love you Dodie and you may be a little over sharing but thanks to your oversharing it makes me, and I'm sure a lot of other people see that someone (a celebrity none the less) feeling the same things we do and I'm so appreciative of that. ❤


although i respect that sharing your feelings with the internet can be a great outlet for you, and feeling that strong sense of support from followers can be immensely comforting and somewhat addictive, i must agree that from time to time, i as a viewer and supporter of yours can be left feeling down and affected by the descriptive and intense messages you share when you're feeling sad. i am sure i can speak for others when i say it makes me feel sad that you feel like this and that not much i do can or will help. i support you and want you and anyone else who is dealing with severe depression to be happy, but i have to agree with hazel that recently i have been shying away from your snapchat stories and youtube videos and they can leave me feeling hopeless and often trigger my own self esteem issues. i know you probably won't see this message, but i would just like to say that i hope you can understand where i am coming from and that we as fans love you for the happy dodie and the sad dodie no matter what x


I'm happy that you finally talked about this, I stop seeing your Instagram pictures and stories because you addresses so much about your issues and it's not bad but you have to know how to do it and it's healthy to talk about this with a close friend or specialist instead of putting that out where hundreds of people see it and that can be bad for them


this is so heartbreaking. i know you will never see this but always know that people are supporting you at all times and willing so give comfort. i want to do something to break mental illness stigma and try stop this happening because it just breaks my heart seeing you both so sad. i'm lucky to be in a good place right now because i know what it's like to be low. stay strong


I'm so glad I can relate in a way! thank you for speaking your mind luv you!


Dodie this was a really different take on speaking about mental health on the internet. I appreciate this. If you still feel the urge to share whenever your feeling down, I reccomend keeping a personal video diary, just so you are still able to speak you thoughts but at the same time, it's kept private. All the love. 💜


I'm glad you're both realizing this... I think its something everyones sort of felt recently watching all these depressed videos everyone puts out and their own tweets they put out and its sort of making it all worse in a sense?

But taking about the awkward tweeting at 3 am of "ah I feel horrible" type tweet and then when someone does message us about it, it's instant "Oh fuck, what did I do."

I TOTALLY get it, it's so crappy yet it's not that bad all the time, and somehow it manages to overly exhaust people emotionally when they realize other people see it because they put it out into the world...

It's all difficult to understand because everyone has their own self to watch out for, and also others when they need it, but to constantly in a sense put oneself down is worse than other people putting you down, when you know you're doing your best and doing it great.


I am guilty of doing exactly what Dodie does. My emotions are so intense that I want to convey them immediately. My outlet tends to be my finsta on Instagram (gosh that's so cringey to say) It's exactly what you guys said, It's a temporary fix that makes me feel good in the moment, but ultimately it makes me feel so embarrassed when I read it later or when my friends contact me about it. Your video really struck a chord with me, Dodie. I never really acknowledged what I was doing until you said it. So to fix this mentality of thinking I have nobody to talk to but the void that is the internet. I'm going to start doing ( I advise you take this into consideration too Dodie) is actually confronting my problems and talking them out to somebody close to me. In the end of the day Friends certainly make you feel better and while we may feel embarrassed to pour our emotions onto them, we're all human and we feel the same feelings so there's no reason for them to not understand. Sometimes those friends say exactly what we need to hear, whether we agree with them in the moment or not, Somebody is there to listen and they genuinely do care about your well-being.


Don't mind me I'm just sat here watching this sobbing. I've come back from a shit therapy session and I'm just so- really tired. And I feel all of this so hard. I love you guys. That's all I don't know


Dodie I'm so glad you've addressed this. I have had to stop watching your snapchats as they sometimes get me down too, which is such a shame because I enjoy your music. My little sister watches your snapchats, and over the last year I've seen a change in her I've never seen before, where she talks about mental health loads and how she's never happy. People of her age are so influenced by what they see around them and it makes me worried for her. How do you tell someone of 14 that what they're watching isn't helping their health? Please, please talk to real life people, not the internet. We don't exist for you in your greatest time of need, your friends do. And I will be telling my sister this tomorrow.


I do think it is very important to talk about how you are feeling, I know this because I didn't for a long time. However, I do believe that oversharing exists and you do have a younger audience (although I myself am your age) and raising awareness is fantastic but sometimes you may go too far. Honestly some of your posts have helped me because it makes me realise that I am not the only one; however, if I am in a particularly good place I will occasionally avoid them. As Zannah said, these posts are just like empty calories and from experience I know that there are friends I can call/text at any hour but it took me time to get there because I felt like a burden. Now I am at the point where we have helped each other enough times that I don't feel that way most of the time.

As far as your posts go I am going to suggest a method I have used in the past when feeling particularly down or anxious (in particular). I write it all down at my lowest point (much like some of your instagram posts or snapchats). However, I then go back to it when I no longer feel that way. Read it through, and make edits and try to rationalise the situation and eventually I re-write the passage in a way that will describe my feelings and emotions at my lowest but may also help myself (and in your case others) in the future. Rationalisation is not always possible, but when it is it can help to avoid future situations or just help you to understand that what you are going through is perfectly justified (much like being physically ill is).

I hope that this is in someway helpful, and that you are not scared to share your feelings with your audience in the future. However, maybe consider keeping the very low moments between you and someone you trust.

x


I agree with the "you dig yourself a well and bring some of it back up with you" thing. But it also got me thinking.....why do we have to bring negativity back up. why can't it be the happy parts we bring back up and dwell on.


Dodie I'm so glad that u open up on Snapchat cause I can I relate and it helps me with my depression


I think, there is a feeling that directly telling someone how you feel is the same as pushing yourself into their responsibility. I don't talk to people because of that, being a burden terrifies me


I've actually started keeping a blog that only a few people know about and I can get all my thoughts out in the moment and if my best friend or family sees it they can ask about it and I'll tell them and I feel like less of a burden because I'm not directly asking; they initiated it. Putting it on a discreet (even anonymous) form of social media means it's not your public image but still an accessible form of self-expression that people close to you can see and they can check up on you. I feel it's less a cry for help because I call it my diary and it's where I express myself so that's how I justify putting it online haha


Right. Several things.

1) thank you for this. I don't know why it just makes me happy to think you are able to share this with us if it helps you feel better cause (I don't know about everyone else) but as a fan (… yeah I guess that'd be the word) I care about you and if we can make you feel better than that's something.

2) you know what? I'm the same. Messaging people in the middle of the night. Regretting it. Thinking I shouldn't bother my friends (partly because one used to say I "whine[d] too much"…) and I get what you mean. Only I don't really reach out. I don't know how you do it but I'm not "hey please help me I'm not ok" I'm more like "hey do you think I'm worth anything?" (Which is maybe one of my biggest insecurities) but I don't tend to actually ask for help and say I'm not ok cause when I'm down I reach a point where I don't want to be help… and it's scary how I can wallow in this. I mean to be fair it doesn't actually often help me to talk to people anyways so… :/

3) relation between creativity and mental illness? Yeah definitely. I took psychology st uni last year and that was the subject for a debate and I spent 2 weeks researching for it and I can tell you there's loads of evidence. Which way around it works is kinda impossible to say but I swear they feed into each other and the correlation is quite strong. Not only famous examples but studies show it. And… yeah. I guess we just have to roll with it don't we?


I somewhat agree with Hazel... but I love how open you are Dodie. I personally find assurance that I am not alone in my brain and people are thinking like I do. In my home, we really don't talk about mental health, so I go online to share with people how I am feeling and how to help others too. Thank you for being open to all of us Dodie!!! I love it.


So happy you uploaded this! My heads messed up from the 'No schedule school holiday thing'. Its a long story...


It's reassuring that I'm not the only one who is feeling this way sometimes ❤❤❤


It's important to me that you share so much, it really helps me a lot. It helps me feel less lonely. HOWEVER you should only share if it helps you get better !Your health comes first.


I just had this thought about what you said that it's easier to talk to a camera, because there's no reaction.
This is what I've always told people, who asked me why I watch so much yt and vlogs (4 years "actively" watching, at some point 4+ hours/every day). It is like having a friend that you can spend time with, but there is no need for reaction. No immediate judgement. No adjusting to someone else's tone. A video is almost like sending a letter.
I never thought it might be similar for you, but I get that.
Anyways, about oversharing -- I also started oversharing when I started having mental health problems, and I think it is about making sure someone knows where I'm standing at. It scares me that I could do so much stuff without anyone knowing. I need outward control (tough in reality it does not work like that). There's this kind of need for acknowledgment I think in most of us have, but we often loose it I think when we become adults and have to build our family/friendships on a different ground. In a way it is that much more difficult to build intimate relationships when you leave home (though I am aware that not everyone has similar home experience etc.) When there is loneliness we suddenly need people taking care of us, knowing about us. There is a quote that goes something like " If there is noone who cares if I die or if I live, am I really living?"
Anyways this comment is so long, if you ever read it Dodie, I hope you are feeling better at this point. You actually DO have a lot of people who care about you here :)


doddy, I want you to know that on wednesday I have a proper actual appointment in a hospital about my mental health, and I only started asking for serious help after watching your video with tessa about therapy, so I guess this is a thank you for kickstarting my (hopefully!) journey to feeling better. things have been less than great for a few years but recently I fell to pieces a bit after a breakup and some serious bullying from my closest friends. I've moved away from those who hurt me and made new friendships with far better people, but my head is stuck on the bad stuff. like right now, I'm supposed to be in holland with an absolutely lovely girl but instead I'm stuck in my room under blankets because I'm unstable and not strong enough to go away without my mum, and that's just a bit shit. so yeah - most of the time I feel like I know exactly how you're feeling (and sometimes I really don't understand but that's okay too!) when you open up about your own mental health, and I know a bunch of people have said the same before but thank you so bloody much for being truthful about what you're going through. it does make it easier to know that a person you admire so much is having the same struggles, even though it makes me a bit sad to know you have to put up with this shit too!!
I'm only fifteen so I've been told that medication is an absolute no (even though if I was three years older they would give it to me lol) and I'm terrified that this wednesday will be the first in a long list of appointments that my parents have to drive me to that won't help me in the slightest - I've already had a few sessions with a school therapist and oh my god, it did not make a difference. plus, I don't want to have to tell people over and over how I'm feeling because I still worry that I'm making it up or doing it for attention, even though I know it's not and plenty of people (like you!) are assuring me that how I feel is real and valid.
whatever. got onto a bit of a tangent. basically, I'm a bit terrified and your videos are making things a bit less scary. so thank you for that :)


I agree with what you're saying dodie and I'm proud that you've acknowledged that there's a problem


i have really appreciated your honesty and openess and have made me feel very un-alone (is that even a word?!!?) however i do understand how it can be triggering. most of all i want you to be doing whats best for you and healthy for you. in that respect you may be oversharing. share what is good for you to share, its good you are now aware of it, your limits and intentions. Youv got it, Youre in control! Stay Safe, Keep Positive, Keep Fighting, love you, Charlie Xx


I'm glad you opened this discussion, because I have felt heavy about this and didn't have a way to explain it without seeming like I was trying to "attack" you. Personally, I have struggled with mental illness, as I am sure many of your subscribers have as well. I do appreciate your outspokenness about it, as it is extremely stigmatized. However, you do have a platform. It can be extremely worrying and triggering to see the constant posts about it. When I was at your concert in LA, you casually mentioned you started anti-depressants. I was immediately taken out of the moment of being at a concert having fun, and suddenly reminded of it. Not just for myself, but it was sad to be reminded that you were struggling. It's gotten to the point where I have considered unfollowing your social media in fear of the constant reminder. I don't think you are a bad person, I obviously wouldn't watch your content if I did. But I think for your own sake and your subscribers, it would be better if you maybe took a step back before you post. Maybe write it in your phone notes, jot it down somewhere. It can just be overwhelming to see constantly.


Dodie, you talking about your mental health has helped me a lot. Especially your videos on therapy with Tessa.   I refused to reach out for help, I always felt so weak if people knew what was happening. I only had 2 friends who knew for awhile and while they helped, it was unrealistic to always expect them there. Your videos helped de-stigmatize the idea of going to counseling and I was able to get myself help so that I wont fall back to where I was. I havent done much, but i have high hopes that it will make a difference. In that way, youve really changed my life. thank you so much.

((i do have to mention, I dont follow your snapchat, nor eve have, so i dont know what that content is like. I have only experienced your youtube content))


Hey dodie I understand how you feel like you are oversharing and how many others feel like it but I also know how you feel to be embarrassed to go to your friends it isn't easy to talk to people because of how they may think about you. Yeah I see there are people who are worried and kinda shy away but it is good to talk as you are raising awareness of mental health maybe if you try and not share as much. I think you should at least try and talk to some people as it can help as social media helps in the short term but in the long term they won't always be there like all your friends will be. I love you dodie and I promise even if you need one person you don't know to talk to reach out xxx


Here's my 2 cents on the matter:I dont have Snapchat so i obviously dont see the complete picture but as far as im concerned, you've definitely impacted the way i think about my mental health like... It's normal but also its probably never gonna get better. Also at least you have lots of loving friends who know you and who you can trust. You can talk to them anytime. Because of my social anxiety, i have no one really close to me except for my sister, but even if i talk to her i feel like such a burden... Ugh. It sucks. Idek if im actually depressed but i sure do have all the symptoms and im too afraid to talk to anyone. And screaming to the void, like now, doesn't seem to qualify as talking to anyone. So i completely understand you. Hope it gets better


I'm always feeling so much better after you sharing that there are bad days and that it's okay...
You are a beautiful person inside out!!!
I totally understand this thing when you just can't reach out for anyone...
Also working on that
I'm thankful for every of your videos
Lots of love


i do think it's quite hard to hear about your idol being like 'there's no point in living' when they should be saying the opposite, but i can't even put into words how thankful i am for dodie's honesty it's so rare, even if maybe it can be hard to hear it's real, and it makes you realise that you're not the only one feeling this low


I feel like it is good to talk to your friends, but you really are helping by showing what mental illness really is and not romanticizing it. Your snaps make my life feel real honestly. You show me that people who really struggle can still be amazing role models. Like even if I'm fucked up andmaybestartingathirdmedlol, I can be cared about and I'm like? Worthy I guess?

I also sometimes like? Shout to the void? Like no one will respond to it but it needs to feel like I'm not just talking to myself. Social media is such a fucking weird thing wtf.


thank you so much for this video :) I've got the same problem, except i did that to one of my friends and told her everything and all the time how I was feeling and tried to suck proof out of every so little breakdown I had, since I was afraid she would not believe me. And sometimes I fell into a depression just because I thought I was happy for a too long time now and I was lying to her the whole time over. So I really really get that. It's really important talking to friends but it can become really unhealthy.


Dodie your videos about mental health may be sad and difficult but they also help many people like me to know we're not alone. They put into words exactly what I find so hard to express, so thank you so much for being so open, for fighting the stigma of mental heath and for being you. I truly hope you will one day be able to say you're better because we love you.
Thanks again, lots of love and support,
a random fan xx


I'm glad you're addressing this, dodie, because you've release mental health videos where I know you'll just be talking how depressed you are for 5 minutes. And as a person who's very affected by others moods I've had to skip them.


You are very lucky to have people like Zannah and Hazel in your life. Having people who will call you out on your shit, while also letting you know that they love and care about you is so important, and those people are so rare in the world. Keep em close <3


I think sometimes it's good to see people we look up to facing real problems, like mental health and not just showing this fake happy side that most people do on social media. The snapchats have helped me come to terms with a large amount of my mental health and i understand how it could be triggering to someone to see but if its someones way of coping are we right to take that away from them? when you feel like no one gets you and you can't turn to your friends in fear of bring them down then who can you turn to when in cases of feeling like you dont want to be here and can't see past the black vail. keeping it all in and not sharing is what leads to things getting so bad you can't find a way out and i know id never want anyone to ever feel like they are being too real or sharing too much that they dont have a way to ask for help or just tell someone they aren't doing amazing.

sorry for the long post


Thanks for posting videos like this that sparks up a very important conversation.


hi dodie, first off i just wanna say i love you so much and have been looking up to you for years. there was a video anna akana posted a while back (she's deleted it) but it was about how she stopped being friends with one of her depressed friends for all the best reasons. anna had her own therapist, and explained the situation. anna's friend would come to her often, letting loose and releasing all the shitty feelings she had to anna, explaining how she was feeling--a bit like what you have sometimes done. this occurred very frequently and anna felt like she was getting more and more depressed, while her friend didn't improve at all. she eventually decided that they had to have a talk and put a break on their friendship. anna explained that to her friend that by releasing all those emotions to anna, her friend was almost indulging on their relationship, straining it, and dragging anna down with her. her friend was at first mad, but then agreed and the two put it off.


I have a group chat with a couple of friends specifically for deep shit, and I know its kinda stupid but it feels better for there to be multiple people so I don't feel like I'm putting all this pressure on one person to deal with my shit that which I can't properly deal with. Also keeping all the dark stuff in one chat makes me feel like it's not bleeding into the rest of their lives like it bleeds into mine. It feels somehow contained.


zannah is such a blessing, honestly. i'm glad she gave you a reality check, because i was truly sad when i had to basically unfollow you on all social media. as a person struggling with mental health but always wanting and making an effort to get better, it was really unhealthy for me to see a person talking so graphically about mental illness to a massive audience (snd so often too!), most of which are in that really impressionsble and easily-influenced part of their life. still love you, just please try to not let it take over your life and audience.


I've been struggling with this too because I WANT other people to know what I'm thinking and feeling, because I bet more people feel this way than they let on, but every time I post to instagram or snapchat or something, I feel like shit. Sometimes it's because my boyfriend doesn't understand mental illness at all and I think I want other people to fill that validation that I don't always get from him. It's tough when all you want is to feel connected and you feel alone, but then you feel guilty for the ways in which you try and remedy that.


when hazel talked about you guys saying goodnight to each other and her going to bed and on getting on snapchat, seeing you so upset, that actually made me cry :( <3


I think you do over share a lot, (I love you btw ) but I don't watch your snapchats or view your Instagram posts anymore  , I find it so difficult to hear these thoughts from you every single day knowing there's nothing I or we can do to help you at all, but we have to see these things from you because we support you and because we are your fans. It also make me sad that you reach out for help and SO many people answer you because you are so loved, but that might not be the case for some people that follow you that also suffers from mental health issues, many are much lonelier than you and won't get the answers they need. But like Hazel said if it's an outlet for you and it helps then no one should take that away from you <3


Hey dods, I want to tell you (even though you'll never read this) that all of your viewers are loyal and love you very much, however that does not mean you have to tell us everything. The line is very blurred, I know, and I know there are probably other viewers out there who love how much we know about your day to day, but I feel like the more you talk about your mental health the more it consumes your life. I am not telling you to lie, because that's so much more unhealthy, or to fake a smile, but maybe if you just don't focus all of your attention and all of your social media work on it, it will paint a different picture of who you are. We should learn that mental disorders are a part of us but do not define us. And it is tempting to make your whole life spin around your problems because they work as an excuse for everything you are afraid to do(believe me, I know), but we need to fight that feeling.

Share how you feel, but don't sacrifice your life for doing that.


I'm glad you are aware enough to even ask this question, too many people overshare constantly and don't even see they're doing it.


I understand why oversharing might be an issue but I haven't felt bothered by your videos at all because you have a kind, honest vibe. And I think it's important to be honest and not pretend your life is perfect all the time. A little update or vent video is fine.


I know someone who loves you and is obsessed with you. They do things that you do all of the time. And I worry that when they see the sad or depressing things you post, their depression is getting worse because it brings them down because your a big inspiration to them.

Now, you have so many loyal and amazing fans. They are young and some are depressed. Things could get worse or they could get sad knowing their favorite YouTuber is down and saying these things.

I personally love you Dodie, but I just want you to know that you can talk to people if your feeling down. Maybe occasionally if your feeling down or even happy you can let your fans know (via Snapchat or instagram etc) but yeah.

This was not meant to be a hate comment, just something that I want to say.

❤


I love supporting you and love knowing that I'm not the only<br>Mental person 😂 ❤

I love supporting you and love knowing that I'm not the only
Mental person 😂 ❤


I honestly had been thinking about what your close friends might think when they see your snapchats. To me, they're something I value but I think if I saw my friend post something like that I'd be crushed. I'd feel pointless because apparently there's nothing I can do for you to make you feel better. So I get where Hazel is coming from. I do also get where you are coming from though, as someone who also thinks it's easier to just put sth on social media instead of actually talking about it. I told everyone I was depressed by writing a long blog post. People from my primary school, secondary school, college and also teachers and professors saw it. After I posted it, I felt so embarrassed but I still thought it was so important to get out. So I don't know what's right and maybe it shouldn't be totally right. Maybe try to find some middle ground? I still hope you share how you feel sometimes because it interests me and really helps me translate my own feelings. But don't underestimate your friends' ability to listen and understand. Some may not understand, but the chance of being able to talk to someone who can understand is so worth it. Xx


Yes, you are oversharing, BUT I would totally do the same. I once went through a really bad time, and I unconsciously wanted to tell every detail of my struggle to anyone. It's like we're looking for help so desperately.


I understand how difficult it can be to open up to friends or people who are close to you sometimes. It tends to make me feel weak, or too vulnerable.. Whereas when you are talking to an audience of strangers, you can feel their empathy and sympathy without having to delve too deeply into what's causing you to be living in that dark space. You're such a lovely person, and so many people adore and look up to you, so it's wonderful that you recognize and respect how your posts might be having an undesired effect on some. I like what Hazel said - about waiting till you're no longer at your lowest to talk about it. Maybe, since it is cathartic to spill it all when you're completely down, you could film yourself and simply hold off on posting anything until you're in a better mindspace :) <br>Also, SING! Sing to yourself, or sing to us, maybe that will make you feel a bit better? <3

I understand how difficult it can be to open up to friends or people who are close to you sometimes. It tends to make me feel weak, or too vulnerable.. Whereas when you are talking to an audience of strangers, you can feel their empathy and sympathy without having to delve too deeply into what's causing you to be living in that dark space. You're such a lovely person, and so many people adore and look up to you, so it's wonderful that you recognize and respect how your posts might be having an undesired effect on some. I like what Hazel said - about waiting till you're no longer at your lowest to talk about it. Maybe, since it is cathartic to spill it all when you're completely down, you could film yourself and simply hold off on posting anything until you're in a better mindspace :)
Also, SING! Sing to yourself, or sing to us, maybe that will make you feel a bit better? <3


I love that you share so much, it's helps knowing people are not alone in the dark,
Your a big inspiration in being you even in those dark times and your viewers are always going to listen,be there and love you for just being you but no one knows you better then your family and friends that you know personally, never be agri to turn to the when the darkness is to much, what you feel and your thoughts are never pointless or not believable, you matter and your are loved, when the darkness is surrounding you surround your self with the love and light of those close to you.

Your are loved dodie.


I know that you have no negative intentions when you snapchat your thoughts and feelings and plans with your mental health but I do believe you share a little too much. Venting can be good and venting by talking helps, but perhaps talking to a bunch of people on snapchat who do not know you may not be the best method. Your snaps can sometimes sort of remind me that "oh shit, depression/anxiety are really bad things and hey ho, lets think about your problems and your mental issues :)". It triggers people and can cause people to dip. Sometimes I feel worried about what you will post but I want to see how your day is going and how your doing!! Keeping us updated and venting to people who cannot help - there is a difference. Snapchat is a thing which doesn't give a warning before opening something can be dangerous but... ah. I love you Dodie. And this is why I think that these things aren't the best way to deal with them xx


Also please remember Kai's letter and the paper dragons 💕


I spill a lot of my thoughts and feelings online too and I dont know why, I just feel the need to sometimes and it feels like the right thing to do, I never do it looking for a reaction or attention, I just share it, but everyone gets the wrong idea so I just end up deleting it. Most of the time I'll share it with my twin because I know she'll just sit there and listen whether she agrees or not and I think all we need is someone you know that will just listen and not judge you for what you say. you've got to get the shit out of your system or it'll just build up. I do not have a mental illness as far as I'm aware, but I do feel really low sometimes and I worry a LOT about how I look. I have terrible self confidence. sometimes I do worry that I could develop one with the way I think but my family are positive that I'm just going through natural teenage mood swings. I don't want to jump to conclusions but I don't know what to doooo OT if I should be thinking more about my mental health :/ can someone help thankyouverymuchhh :3


I'm having a week like that as well and then today someone reached out to me and asked if I wanted to just hang for a little bit and it helped so much


This video is so important to me. I agree with the things that Zannah and Hazel said SO MUCH. I've had to avoid your snapchat, instagram and videos for so long, and it's really hurt. I've been around since 2014 and I've loved having your content as a part of my life! Then suddenly it became extremely triggering and panic inducing and I had no choice but to step away or at least approach with caution, and I really missed you. Your channels blew up and you suddenly had so many adoring fans and I thought I was the only one who felt this way because they all loved you so passionately, whereas I was hiding your videos from my subscription feed. I've stuck around though and I'm so glad I did bc I love u dodie and I hope I can begin to love your content the way I used to. Thank you for acknowledging this 💖💖💖


Am i the only one that loves it when dodie does that little 'clap clap' 'click' thing at the beggining?


I absolutely love you with my whole heart dodie and I fully support you getting help with your mental health (AND PLS HEAR ME OUT BECAUSE IM NOT CRITIZING DODIE ON ANY LEVEL BECAUSE ITS NOT HER FAULT SHE FEELS THIS WAY OKAY) but when you go on all of your amazing holidays, I think it's unhealthy for your audience to hear you saying "I don't want to go" because lots of your viewers are living below the line, and (if you take me as an example) I have anxiety and all I bloody want to do is escape ?? Lots of us haven't been able to get away any further than Cornwall for the past 4 years and frankly I would give my right arm for a weekend in France but living in a single parent low income family we can't even afford a night in Bristol - I promise I'm not criticising you, I'm just trying to expand from what you've said in your video, I really think it's far more healthy for you to speak to people you're close with - you're grasping at air with your Instagrams and Snapchats and even if they are posted as a cry for help with the hope your friends might see them and ask if you're okay; please just remember that thousands of young people are going to see that cry for help too.

That's not to say you shouldn't talk at all though, of course it can be healthy and it's always good to raise awareness <3


Is it too much, maybe? It's also raw as hell and I appreciate someone showing people what living with mental illness is actually  like.


I love you dodie (in a friendly way) but I don't know what else to say except take your time take it all and ill wait however long it takes for you to feel better


I think vocalising your thoughts is very positive, but sometimes when your not bouncing the ideas off someone else you can get stagnant in your beliefs and that can be a bad thing. In a CBT way if your constantly telling yourself the same thoughts about how your depressed your more likely to be depressed and stay depressed


From someone who totally overshares and stuff (on Tumblr... And to like two people) , there is honestly beauty in the darkness and pain that we feel.
Though it isn't helpful, it's amazing and aweful (both the new and old meaning) - in a tradegic sort of way.
Edit: cos it helps me loads (obvs)


Having such bad depression and anxiety to the point where I don't leave my house, I use social media to "escape" (hate using that word for mental health) and I don't really enjoy seeing posts often about you're mental health. (Simply because I'm struggling myself, it's not that I don't care because I do, I don't think it's fair you have to feel like this)
You have every right to post what you want, I enjoy some of your mental health videos / post but when they're so often it makes me feel a little bit more shit :/
I struggle with not feeling like I can help people (part of my anxiety) so when I see your posts, it panics me and I feel very small and unable to help.
I don't want to unsubscribe, I don't want to unfollow you because I love your content! But if that's what I have to do to save my own mental health, I will, with a very very heavy heart.
But If you want to post what you want to post, don't let me or anyone stop you, you're a grown woman.
I hope one day you'll find peace within yourself and you'll feel better than ever.
Life is too short to worry about what others think, I'm just giving you my honest opinion, you can take it if you wish.
I love you dodes, honestly. 💛


i was actually quite shocked when you posted exactly what you felt on sc but i wasn't disgusted or anything i was just genuinely shocked bc i really have not seen it before.
Here is what I do: (which i've recently realised other pple do)
- I write down all my shit on notes. good bad unremarkable. i write it all down.
- I send it to my trusted friends (sometimes with warning sometimes without)
- talk or sing or scream with my friends or without.
- I find that writing it down on notes is lowkey like filming bc there's no judgement n it's not official and it sort of carries no weight and i spontaneously send it to my friend n give myself no room to second guess myself. i hve no idea if this will work for anybody but maybe it might.
- lots of love all the way frm Kenya.


you could never overshare about mental health online. what you say could help someone a lot and they could understand they are not alone and are able to seek help. you could also help them identify triggers and toxic relationships such as, friends family school, etc.


This is so interesting to watch. I don't have any mental illnesses, at least nothing diagnosed. Of course I have my bad brain days and stuff though. But I also find it hard to call out for help, I felt really low a few months ago and would just go to my boyfriend, but then I would also feel like a burden. Tbh I don't get how you expose so much online. I used to do cries out for help when I guess I felt more people looked at my Twitter but now I just can't imagine being so open online on those platforms. I think it's good to share, but do remember you have amazing supportive friends, even if you're ashamed to talk to them, try :)


My best friend recently told me that they don't enjoy conversation any more because I'm always just. Pouring my heart out to them about really dark shit. And it got to a point where it was unhealthy and unfair on them. They also recently unfollowed me be on social media stuff because of the constant cries for help/need for validation. Which...whilst shit to hear at the time and I did spend a lot of time being really angry at them, it was a huge reality check for me about how much I over share stuff rather than actually fixing the problem. This video also helped me further understand where they were coming from a bit. So, thank you! Hope things look up for the pair of you soon x


I can totally put myself in your place here with oversharing. I don't have a huge audience but I do put stuff up on my snapchat or just send messages to my friends, hinting for help instead of actually asking for help. And I'm working on it. It feels like it helps in the moment but afterwards I feel like such a burden for making them concerned and not really accepting the kind of help they're offering. It's like I want to get better but I don't wanna take the steps. But I'm working on it.


Hey Dodie
I know you probably not going to see this but I just want to write it in hopes that you would somehow see it ...

anyway ...

Thank you
You made me realize that I was depressed and had social anxiety. I mean I knew something was not ok but you made me realize what that was.
So thank you.
Now I would like to say that I don't have depression, social anxiety plus other things but it's not like that.
I'm a bit happier but everything is still the same.
I guess I'm just putting everything aside till I'm in the right place. ( mentally and literally)
Because I feel like if I cry now everyone will know. But everyone knows me as the happiest and the bravest girl alive that tries to make everyone happy.
But I'm not.
I do that just because I don't want other people I care about to feel the sadness I'm feeling.
But I want to thank you because you've helped me so much through this and really really appreciate it and want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you.<3


I understand you dodie, I do this a lot too.


I honestly never thought you over shared tbh but seeing others perceptions on it helps you to see that n all


Yes you are oversharing. But, do what's best for you.
Do what is best for you!

If oversharing helps you get better or feel better then do it, and try to find ways of blocking out the hateful comments.
Sharing your pain or brokenness or whatever people want to call it, isn't going to be pretty. That's where the hate comes from; when people can't deal with looking at something uncomfortable.

If oversharing doesn't help, then by all means keep more of yourself private. Continue to use outlets like making videos or writing, but you don't have to make them public. You can choose to share your pain with a limited (private) audience.

That being said, I believe that honesty and truth are good, and people shouldn't stop being truthful just because some other people find it uncomfortable.


I am so glad that you are addressing the topic and that people in the comments are stating their honest opinions.


Dear Dodie,

I'm sure you're getting an influx of comments right now. Specifically ones saying what you should and should not do about how you express your feelings and your own mental health. This is a pretty gray area for certain.

Ultimately, we can not tell you what to do and share. You will put into the universe whatever Dodie decides to post that day. I have only one piece of advice, share whatever and with whomever makes you feel best.

Most might say speaking with a mental health professional is the best route, and keeping it private from your viewers.  Others might also say to reach out to your family and friends who love and care about your happiness. Or we might even say, please keep sharing with us and other social media platforms to let others know that they are not alone in how they feel. That being optimistic in the most prime and fortunate of times is not always easy, no matter how privileged you may be. This is the internet and people are going to throw at you whatever they think is the best route for you to go with this, because it is easy to simply say something. But doing something yourself is completely different.

Absolutely no one knows exactly how you feel, and no one ever ever ever will, except YOU. So if snapping is what you feel is working one day, go fucking do it. If filming a video, posting a thought on Instagram or Twitter seems right to you, do it! Or if talking to someone outside of the internet feels right and will help you, just go for it. Dodie, true supporters will follow you wherever. You need to say and do whatever will make you happy. Ultimately that is the goal in this life. I love your words and your work. Keep growing. And keep finding yourself.

Much Love,
Zoe Murawski


Im glad you shared this its important <3


I'm going to say this and I don't want it to come out wrong or be taken as being mean because I'm genuinely trying not to do that, I just can't always formulate the words and put them in a way that sounds nice. <br>I appreciate the fact that you want to tell people about your mental health to either get it off your chest or break down barriers but I do think you do it a bit too much; this is from a completely objective view. I myself have anxiety and OCD (in a couple of different forms) and I have specific people I will talk to when it's getting particularly bad - my mum for one as she knows me and what I've gone through and how best to help me get through however I'm feeling; I also had a therapist for a short while and although it helped for the short term, long term not so much this is why I have specific people to lean on. I personally think you should take a backseat from spilling all on social media and talk to the people who know you and can help you through it, I know they may not understand as they may not go through what you do BUT they will help as they love you and know a little of how to help you. as strangers we are seeing what's happening but as much as we love you and want to help we may not know the best way to do that for you. Also your friends want to help you so don't be afraid to ask them to talk things over, if they didn't want to know they wouldn't ask but they do so please don't feel ashamed to ask for their help. friends and family are the best people to turn to when things are rough and don't be afraid to take time out when needed to take care of yourself 💛

I'm going to say this and I don't want it to come out wrong or be taken as being mean because I'm genuinely trying not to do that, I just can't always formulate the words and put them in a way that sounds nice.
I appreciate the fact that you want to tell people about your mental health to either get it off your chest or break down barriers but I do think you do it a bit too much; this is from a completely objective view. I myself have anxiety and OCD (in a couple of different forms) and I have specific people I will talk to when it's getting particularly bad - my mum for one as she knows me and what I've gone through and how best to help me get through however I'm feeling; I also had a therapist for a short while and although it helped for the short term, long term not so much this is why I have specific people to lean on. I personally think you should take a backseat from spilling all on social media and talk to the people who know you and can help you through it, I know they may not understand as they may not go through what you do BUT they will help as they love you and know a little of how to help you. as strangers we are seeing what's happening but as much as we love you and want to help we may not know the best way to do that for you. Also your friends want to help you so don't be afraid to ask them to talk things over, if they didn't want to know they wouldn't ask but they do so please don't feel ashamed to ask for their help. friends and family are the best people to turn to when things are rough and don't be afraid to take time out when needed to take care of yourself 💛


It's past noon and I should be sleeping but I'm watching this video and now I'm thinking a lot so... Love you 💕


i'm mainly just jealous that despite the pain and suffering you can still put on make up and go out. like, its been days since i showered. i havent gotten out of bed to do anything but pee. not even eat. but i still think your suffering is completely valid and allowed. its just, you're not the first person to suffer from depression etc. ugh that sounds really harsh & i dont mean it to be. maybe this is my issues being taken out on you - because i know pain is relative.


When dodie said “ it's more easy to open on Snapchat " which is so true


Glad you're talking about this. I agree with Zannah x 100000. I stopped watching your stuff as well because I don't feel as if it's helpful with my own mental health.


I am all about talking about mental health cause yanno breaking the stigma and what not and I have kinda come to accept that people use social media as an outlet (especially the people I follow) and I didn't really realize anything could be wrong until you read zannahs text and jesus she is so right. I've gotten so used to just being like "this is Dodie's story, she is sad and spaced out" "this is such and such's channel, they are depressed and anxious" which is so unhealthy for the person because it just invalidates their emotions and makes them simply their mental illness. But still it's good to talk about it and communicate your emotions and talk to people going through similar experiences especially if none of your friends understand what you are going through. I'm just rambling now but yeah basically love your face and zannah is a beautiful lil smartie pants

 (also I'm sorry if I sound condescending or bitchy it wasn't my intention)


Dodie you share ALOT and you help and/or resonate with so many people however i think that seeing it as “oversharing” is highly subjective. To those whom you genuinely do help and resonate with, everything you share may be welcomed and appreciated however those who disagree with what you say or cant understand what it’s like because they’ve never experienced anything even remotely similar...they may perceive it to be whiney or that you’re throwing your problems out arbitrarily with no purpose and to no end. There will always be people on both ends of the spectrum and in between, personally i love and don’t think that you overshare at all. From me and all the people at my end we love you.❤❤


This kinda hits home with me because i tend to overs share about my mental illnesses, making others uncomfortable, BUT i do not believe that others should police your social media if putting how you really feel is a coping mechanism. If it helps you then don't stop, you are an adult, you make your own decisions. Do what you think is best for you.


I don't talk about my depression anywhere tbh, not in real life to my friends and family and not to anyone online or on any social media. I guess it's like a habit, you either talk a lot about it to people or you don't talk about it at all. I would say that talking about it is better than bottling it up, but after bottling it up for so long talking about it again is the hardest thing.


it's funny how hazel only shows the happy side of her and dodie has a tenancy to do the opposite, it's so odd yet they're two extremes


I think that maybe just turning the camera on and speaking about what/how you feel can really help. Then rewatch it, delete it or edit it idk, but try not publishing it.<br>I really hope you get better, love you loads

I think that maybe just turning the camera on and speaking about what/how you feel can really help. Then rewatch it, delete it or edit it idk, but try not publishing it.
I really hope you get better, love you loads


Nadia has invented a new show ' The Yelling Drunk Show '. I love it but eventually she needs to have a lie down & then apologise   Love from Aussie Bob


i would love for my friends to reach out to me when they need help, i always tell them they can call me whenever they need me, but it is hard for them to do it, and i understand how hard it is, when i have stuff in my mind i NEVER talk to anyone about it. nobody knows i struggle sometimes


I like and admire that you share so much with the world.
However, there was one case, where it did get me scared, for you. I feel like, or at least what it seems like from social media, is that you have ups and then downs in your mental health, like most, but lately it almost seemed like you hadn't had an up.
I have lost a friend who took her own life suddenly and I just thought, oh no dodie, where does this end? Will there be an up? And thats the only thing that has worried me about your sharing. Definitely agree with the comment you commented on about how it would probably be better for you to share after the intense moment when you're in a slightly better head space, thats all! We all love & care about you dodie!!


honestly, i think you should do what's best for you. you do overshare a bit and you shouldn't have a feeling of regret when talking about your mental health online. we all love you a lot but we are sadly just strangers. we all can't do the same things that your friends can. we can comment 1,000 comments telling advice and how strong you are but we can't have any genuine conversations with you. I think we all agree that you talking with friends instead of us is a much better idea when you are at a very low point. we all appreciate how real you are and we love your honesty but we all also love when you are genuinely happy. from my point of view maybe turning to the internet when you are going through a terrible time won't make you as happy in the long run. we want you to tell us how you are feeling and we want you to not lie about being happy, just please tell a real friend before turning to us. I don't know if I can speak for everyone on this but it would take a lot for me to judge you and I'm never "bothered" by you.

I kind of rambled a bit so I'll just summarize:
we care about you and love you. you can be honest about how you're feeling but please go to a friend before turning to the internet. a friend can do more. Have a nice day!


I mean I'm 12 and I'm not affected by it.... I'm watching her videos but I also have other things to do i love her and I dont think she is oversharing. Personally I believe people who are THAT impressionable shouldn't be on these areas of the internet... I mean you've got to be mature. Please don't hate on me I'm just saying dodie has the right to say whatever she feels.


my gosh i relate to this. i don't share on social media but im shit at reaching out to people for the exact same reasons.


i do the same thing. I speak into a voice recording i guess it's not the same thing but i find its easier than writing in a diary


I understand that you may view the internet as a bit of a release, but I really don't think that the amount you share is healthy. Maybe it would be okay if you didn't have such a large audience of young people. But you do. And as a creator with such a huge audience, I think it is your responsibility to be more careful about what you share with them. I am 19 now, but I remember being 13 and idolizing people to an almost unhealthy degree. And I can guarantee that with your huge following at least a few of those younger people viewing you are idolizing the shit out of you. They want to be like you, and whether or not you intend it to be, mental illness has sort of become part of your brand at this point, and having young people see that could lead to them viewing it as "trendy". I saw this happen at my own middle school. Just from watching shows like Skins people thought that mental illness was cool and glamorous. I can only imagine the degree to which they think that when their favorite youtuber talks about mental health in such a brazen way. Don't get me wrong. I adore you and your content and I think you have done some good work in breaking down stigma, but lately it is just too much and the way in which you say things to such an impressionable audience really rubs me the wrong way. I agree with Hazel that perhaps you should post after you have come out of an episode, rather than while you are still in it. Also, I hope I am not being to presumptuous, but based on Hazel and Zannah's reactions, I think it is clear that it hurts your friends and family to hear you speaking about this to the internet when they are right there. I know it would break my heart to hear my little sister or best friend reaching out to the internet instead of me. I think you need to stop posting everything online. Maybe keep a journal or start a mental health scrapbook instead? Those have both been things that helped me in the past. I know your life is online at this point, but you don't have to post everything. Especially when it could be triggering or hurtful. Again, I adore your content a lot of the time, and this is just some constructive criticism. I definitely think you need to consider what you post more before just posting it. Maybe you should take a social media hiatus? I wonder if it's not affecting your own mental health in a negative way at this point. But at the end of the day that's up to you.


Perhaps it is just me who feels this way, but people constantly talking about their mental illness and seeking attention from it (in a good way) makes it hard for me to talk about my issues. That sounds strange, but it makes me feel as though people are already hearing about somebody else's and mine will simply add to the pile. It also makes me feel as though people will think I'm trying to hop on some kind of mental illness bandwagon because other people are publicising it so much. I guess I'm not making sense. I just have a real issue with people publicising their mental issues to this extent because as much as it helps to de-stigmatise the topic, it also can alienate people who are going through the same thing and are close to you. Pushing so many feelings on somebody who is unable to even really deal with their own can make them feel as if them pushing their feelings out could be as hard on somebody else as it is on them. I love Dodie but it feels as though she is letting her depression consume her, and I understand that with mental illness' that is what happens, but it's hard because all of her content feels like extra weight that her subscribers now have to carry. Thanks for listening.


since ive heard about your feelings so much, ive grown a sentimental connection towards you like that towards a friend. i want to know how youre doing! sigh, i have no good explanation for myself like the others opposing me too, but thats how i feel.


there is also this idea of seeking reassurance, and part of that is there is never enough reassurance, or a feeling that you want to remain in that bad feeling and be soothed. this is what i have found when i feel strong impulses to share online and it never makes me feel better


aww hope you and hazel feel better soon :/


A dodie and a Dan howell vid both in one day? What is life


one minute in and that's all the words in my head except out loud


I think you should do whatever helps you cope. Everyone handles their mental illness differently.


Dear Dodie,
You're not over sharing. Do you know why? Because you're not perfect. You're not flawless. You're imperfect. And that's what makes you beautiful on the inside. And them flaws are what make you into the person you are. You have helped me so much and even though I've never met you in real life, I feel like I spend most of my time with you. Thank you for being open and helping me and others with our relatable problems. You're the best.
Wishing the best,
Ella


thanks for being a cool thoughtful person.


Dodes, I love you dearly, but I definitely agree with Zannah. I really do appreciate the fact you are open with your feelings, but I think pouring your soul into an online platform of strangers is not the way to better yourself. It may feel good now, but it's not helping you get better. You need to focus on the long term. If things could be better, why haven't they gotten better yet? That's something I always have to ask myself, and I think you should too. I've also dealt with depression, and I know it feels like you have no control, but in reality you have more control than you think. The first step you can take with that control is asking for help. That'll be your best asset. Also, if I'm being honest, it seems as though you are obsessed with sadness. When you're feeling numb, you attempt to fester the feeling of sadness. That is not healthy ever!! In any scenario!! While things may seem hopeless now, take a look at all the good things in your life. While you may feel like life is lame even with those good things, at least recognize their existence. You can be grateful once you are healthy and stable. Stop focusing on sadness, and keep up the efforts to help yourself. I know you can do it. I've been there, and you can get out of that mindset too. Much love ❤


Thank you for this video it relaxed me a lot


One thing I really don't like about your Snapchats are that when I see you struggling, I want to reach out and just make sure that you're okay and I can't do that and it sorta makes me feel something - I don't even know what I feel but I think it's helplessness and I hate it so much. Also I just saw that you'd watched To The Bone and it's such a sad movie and makes me cry every time.


i stopped watching your vlog channel videos because at first i was like yeah i can really relate but after a while i just started feeling like shit for a day seeing how bad it is for you, it reminds me how i felt like shit so long ago and what it felt like then i feel like it again but i also don't want to discourage you feeling better making those types of videos


I don't have snapchat, I don't know what you are like on snapchat, and you probably do over share. I do it a lot too. I don't have friends I can talk to about being depressed. I have my mom, which I'm very lucky to be able to talk to her, but sometimes I wish I could get another persons opinion or just have someone to talk to. I got off track. Thank you for being open. It helps, especially when I'm feeling like I'm going insane (which I'm not I'm just fucking depressed and an anxious mess). But thank you :)


I love you Dodie, but your branding over the past months just seems to be about being mentally ill BECAUSE of over sharing, and the whole anti depressant scenario too, your doctor would have told you it takes a month for them to kick in, so idk why you are complaining they aren't working, if they work with your body they will take a month.

Be you, not your mental illness. It's not all you are, you're a beautiful person who is also suffering but that doesn't need to be how you represent yourself! I'm however glad you're looking into this and can see how this affects your audience and people's perceptions of being mentally ill.


Doddie. Whether you see this or not is irrelevant because I've kinda been sitting on this thought for awhile and this is kinda like the empty calories thing. Now I do not have mental health issues. I am just a teenaged girl with teenaged problems. But.

Three years ago I came across one of your videos of happy, smiley, singing Doddie with long fairylike hair and completely fell in love with your content! Since then you've opened up to me (not me literally but it's felt like that) and shared so much and since then I feel myself relating so much more with you. I get why your friends would say that you're sharing too much with the world and online because it is a very personal matter and they may feel a bit...offended? But, you sharing you're thoughts has helped/not helped me in so many ways. At first I thought that because I was following you on everything i was imitating you, thinking this is how I should feel or I should relate to this so I made up a situation in my head that may or may not have happened so I can relate to you. But I recently discovered that you weren't MAKING me feel these emotions, you just making me feel OKAY to feel these emotions.
You made me realize that other people are out there who know that what we feel is what we feel and it's not unnatural or unhealthy. What's unnatural and unhealthy is suppressing them.
So, I understand if you want to hold back on sharing how you're feeling, but just know that what you do share and will share in the future has helped me (and hopefully other too) come to terms with their inner feelings and start the process of dealing with them, because of people like you who are open with their mental illnesses.


in my humble opinion, i don't think you're oversharing. if i were in your position, i would do the same. however, if i were in your position, i would also reach out to loved ones - friends and family - more. i think it's important to let your audience know how you're doing and let them know that they're not alone if they are suffering through the same things, but it might be more important to let your loved ones know all that more. they are the ones who can help you and be there for you, WAY more than us. don't get me wrong - we love helping you and supporting you in any way we can, but it might be more beneficial for YOU to contact friends and family first. maybe keep that in mind next time you send out a "cry for help" as you and hazel put it online :)


So I heard minute white noise in the beginning of your video. But may I ask how you got it to disappear once you did your intro card?


I would suggest to just keep how your feeling to close family and friends because as much as we love you when you post about being depressed or getting anti-depressants on social media a lot of people will take it the wrong way and think different things like that your just looking for attention or trying to show off (I know it sounds stupid but it is true) or young children who look up to you might think its cool to say your depressed or will feel truly depressed because there favourite youtuber is so upset. Also when Hazel was talking about how she feels she sounds like she's doing a lot worse then you (I know I don't know you guys personally but it just seems that way) anyway I'm saying that you never see Hazel post about this stuff because that's not what makes her her but nowadays you portray your mental illness as you and you talk about it a lot and I know it must feel good to talk about it but at the end of the day it doesn't help you and it doesn't help your fans. I think you still have a lot of figuring out about yourself to do and I'm sure when you find the person you really are we will all love her for her and not for her mental illnesses.


honestly your instas really genuinely help me


I don't believe there's an easy answer to any of this, but Dodie I do want you to know something: about six months ago I was in a really, really dark place - the kind of mindset where you can see the self-destructive downward trajectory you're on but just don't have the motivation to try and stop yourself. It had been like that for a while and I KNEW I needed help, but I just... didn't care. I didn't see any point. Then you posted a video to this channel talking about how you were struggling (I think it was called "I am depressed today"). I watched it, and I'm not gunna lie, it stirred up a few feelings, it maybe dipped my mood a little. But I posted a comment sympathising with you and describing my own struggles, I had a brief chat with a couple of people about the benefits of professional help... and that same evening I found myself making a doctor's appointment to get myself back on medication. As I said, this isn't a black and white situation and I'm not going to try and argue that spilling your darkness self to a million anonymous people is a good idea when you have friends to turn to instead. Just know that even at your worst you're shedding some light. Giving a scared girl the solidarity to find the push within herself to start moving again. If we're all in this hellhole maybe it's just a balancing act between what we want, what we need, and what'll help the people around us. Look after yourself, and know that if you ever need to shout into the void then we're here xxx


Thanks, just cried cause I spent $23 on clothes that didn't fit


It's actually not easier in some cases to be physically sick because their are invisible illnesses/diseases. I'm not saying physical illness is harder than mental illnesses but they shouldn't be compared <br>I hope you feel better tho

It's actually not easier in some cases to be physically sick because their are invisible illnesses/diseases. I'm not saying physical illness is harder than mental illnesses but they shouldn't be compared
I hope you feel better tho


She is sooo happy omg this makes me happy


Honestly I have so many friends who are going through horrible mental health stuff or think that they're awful people and all the joking around and depressed talk feels like a cry for help but even if people talk about it no one wants to be serious about it. I'm with Hazel in how much it sucks watching someone breakdown and feel like you couldn't be there for them. I feel there is value in these sort of vlogs as long as you aren't just doing it for the "empty calories".


As someone who is in recovery I don't watch your snaps anymore because they trigger me a lot


Hi dodie you will probably never see this however I've felt this way for a while. You are obviously going through a rocky point in your life. But sometimes I feel your tendency to othershare can come across as offensive like this whole video referencing your illness as 'mental' seems quite dramatic and not a fair depiction of mental illness. You have a very Young impressionable audience who may take these things as serious however I feel you create an almost uneducated generalisation on all mental illness despite this being a singular experience. You are extremely privileged and I know mental illness can hit anyone anywhere of any stand point but this seems to be more of a cry for attention than a genuine way to break mental illness stigma. Basically all I am saying is you are an incredibly talented singer/songwriter who could probably create a more profound well thought out message through music which seems to be your main talent. As hazel put it is part of human Life to feel bad so I feel you must understand that your oversharung could be detrimental to some of your viewers also dealing with their own feelings.


This comment section is the most beautiful comment section on YouTube I'm actually crying reading all of these comments everyone seems to understand you and everyone else...😌💘


I have this problem where I'm like the boy who cried wolf cause I'm constantly telling everyone that I'm anxious and I feel ill but when it gets really bad they just view it as the same as every other time I've said it and it's really sht


Being honest doesn't mean being loud. Being honest doesn't mean opening yourself up to every platform available to you. Being honest doesn't mean allowing the floodgates to open for complete indulgence in emotion to take place, because once every aspect of your life is painted with the 'mentally ill' filter, you are no longer allowing yourself to exist outside of it. Honesty with emotions means allowing yourself to be as you are, allowing yourself to take your time and allowing yourself to be vulnerable to those you trust, but it doesn't stop there. It means stepping outside of the thinking patterns that dominate your emotions, because as of right now, the spiralling and ruminating is a symptom, and in order to move forward it can't be humoured.

We fear people will misunderstand us when we open up to them, and as a result of that we fear they will give a solution, because when we are presented with a solution it feels as though our problems have been brushed under the mat and aren't being taken seriously. For someone else to provide help feels unauthentic because 'they don't understand fully'. But the truth is that people understand a great deal more than we think, and their help and pro activeness isn't a result of misunderstanding or simplifying. It is, in fact, a source of objectivity and compassion, because we do not need to know the name of every colour to be able to visualise a painting. We do not need to know every pattern of someone's thinking in order to figure out paths to peace. People's brains are more similar than we think, and it doesn't mean we're not unique, it means we're connected.

BTW I'm not just talking out of my ass, this is an extensive year of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy coming into practise.


i completely agree with zannah. i used to adore watching your videos on your second channel but i stopped because you go into so much detail that it becomes triggering and i can't make it through the video, not to mention  your snapchat stories. i always loved your music and your simple writing but i stopped checking instagram too. you should really put tw// on your videos and snapchats because it truly affects people. i'm really glad that you made this video with hazel but please !! put trigger warning on your videos/snapchats/instagram captions x


Ramble:<br>Maybe this is irrelevant but like this doesn't just apply to youtubers. I mean im sure im not alone in my internet venting  whether its with some unknown tumblr side blog and or something else. But like writing it out is good yes but you've got to talk. Even if it feels like saying things aloud will make it harder. Like from the rare times ive done it(cuz i go silent when i feel dark) if it doesnt make the burden lighter it acknowledges it. And i remember someone said to me that it wasnt fair i felt like this and that they were going to help me get better. And it was one of the most lovely things anyone had ever said to me

Ramble:
Maybe this is irrelevant but like this doesn't just apply to youtubers. I mean im sure im not alone in my internet venting  whether its with some unknown tumblr side blog and or something else. But like writing it out is good yes but you've got to talk. Even if it feels like saying things aloud will make it harder. Like from the rare times ive done it(cuz i go silent when i feel dark) if it doesnt make the burden lighter it acknowledges it. And i remember someone said to me that it wasnt fair i felt like this and that they were going to help me get better. And it was one of the most lovely things anyone had ever said to me


Everybody's saying you're triggering your young audience or whatever but personally Im fine with it cause I can separate myself from you and it doesn't affect me, I doubt it's truly affecting the majority of the people watch your snapchats...


As far as I am concerned, yes, you definitely are, and it is to the detriment if you and us (your audience)
As a 19 year old whose had mental health problems since 4, someone with OCD, depression, g.a.d and trichotillomania, self-harms and suicidal thoughts, I find your instagram posts particularly frustrating. I know for a fact, you don't mean to, but every single long caption romanticises mental illness and feels like you're trying to show the beauty of sadness (which i know isn't your intention)
I find it frustrating because I know for a fact they there is NO beauty in mental illness (tragic beauty) NONE AT ALL. I struggle with your posts because in my mind mental illness is s huge pile of steaming shit. I write poetry, all of my poems are about mental illness, but as a SUB-TEXT, on the surface they are about, woods, the moon, the nights sky, dawn, etc. I know i sound like a bit of a hypocrite, but I NEVER romanticise it EVER,  because it's a pile of shit that has ruined my life. So I find your romantic, melodramatic, woe-is-me, dear-diary style captions difficult to stomach, almost as if mental illness has become your aesthetic. This is no attack on you at all. It's very easy to go down this path with social media, but since you've brought up this point I think I should be honest about my opinion. 💖💖💖

P.S. Zannah is wise. I love her.


also linking on to my last comment, I feel the need to hurt myself if I said something that I shouldn't have because I didn't think before I spoke, I have punched walls in the past and bitten myself and that worries me but nobody seems to be worried ://


i think ! you're not i don't think one of your preferred outlets should b removed just bc of ur audience. i think you can express yourself how you'd like and it really does help knowing you also have bad days and you also go through this bc honestly it often makes me feel better when everything feels hopeless. thank you


i literally had to unfollow you on snapchat and instagram bc your captions/content were bringing me down and making me so low when i read them to the extent where i couldnt bring myself to read anymore, so i mean, in my opinion, yes, you do overshare. its great to get shit off your chest and etc but with such a massive audience made up of primarily young and very impressionable people, its important to realise there are boundaries of sharing intimate details with close friends, and the thousands of people in your fanbase. you have so many people close to you who love you and will listen to you, rather than oversharing and potentially having a negative effect on the mental health of your following/fanbase. this is just an opinion ofc


maybe start them and have like trigger warnings and such? plus like i appreciate hearing what you have to see, but it sucks that we can't help you directly


Can u please cover a conan gray song ? 🌼


I don't come to my friends for help because I've done it too much already and I'm scared they've gotten sick of me crying to them. I don't want to constantly use them as a venting outlet. I don't want them to be trained to be sad when they see a message from me pop up on their phone. I just can't do it anymore cause I don't want to bother them anymore than I already have. none of them talk to me anymore and I assume that's why. I'm not looking for pity or anything from this, it's just that this is what my mental illnesses have done to me, having forcefully driving myself away from my friends and my friends away from me against my will.


I think half of the reason people share such heavy stuff is because you truly dont believe anyone can help. If you can say it out loud to a void at least you know you're not going to get any half-hearted advice that makes no difference. <br>I also feel like a massive massive burden so i've never sought help from my friends, but on the other half im kind of possessive of my mental health. Its my suffering, its my issues, its my brain, why should i have to tell people about something that is mine?? Its not sensical but thats how it feels

I think half of the reason people share such heavy stuff is because you truly dont believe anyone can help. If you can say it out loud to a void at least you know you're not going to get any half-hearted advice that makes no difference.
I also feel like a massive massive burden so i've never sought help from my friends, but on the other half im kind of possessive of my mental health. Its my suffering, its my issues, its my brain, why should i have to tell people about something that is mine?? Its not sensical but thats how it feels


I understand the empty calorie thing, but also the need to process quickly and get thoughts out of my head. I made a secret blog for just this purpose. Nobody has the address and nobody follows it. I don't name anyone in it and don't include details that are specific enough to trace back to me. But when I need to I write a blog post, just a brain dump, and then post it. So that it's not saved on my computer, but if I want to I can reread it later with some distance. (I also noticed after a while that I was updating it every 28 days like clockwork thANKS HORMONES).

This way you can do the quick updates but you're not risking affecting your audience. Might help?


i had to distance myself from you bc of your oversharing. i think it's good you want to talk about those things but not with strangers and the audience you have. just my opinion.


I get what hazel and Zahnna where talking about I love your videos and snap chat but I try to avoid your Instagram because it is oversharing


Your vulnerability is almost a unique form of confidence for you now. It offends me that your friends would have so much to say about your YouTube channel and snap chats

I doubt that's her target demographic. She's changing herself by accommodating for them. That's like government covering the truth to reduce the chance of Mass Hysteria. This could be a difference of opinion, but the truth is better than ignorance for the sake of safety

anonymous, it's hers not their's. I mean it's the same with her fans. Anyone who doesn't like it, doesn't like that part of her. Changing too much to please others will always be a bad thing


Well hey, what’s life without regret..? It’s human, and you guys aren’t exception. We all suffer! Let’s suffer together and laugh it off!


So basically yall don't want her to be her or share her actual feelings and thought but to put on a "mask" so that yall don't get more depressed. Interesting how selfish people can be...


I always wondered WHY you shared. I mean I appreciated it but I couldn't see your reasons for it


people in my school thinks it's "cool" and "fun" to have anxiety. help

Ciara Fahy i honestly wish i knew. someone was bragging about having a 'panic attack'


I know this is an extremely late comment lol but basically during the past year my best friend had depression and I love her sososo much but in a way I was kind of jealous and I KNOW that’s FUCKING TERRIBLE because obviously I DONT WANT to have a mental illness or anything and I feel like that’s rlly rude and insensitive to people who have it. But like...idk? She’s brilliant okay she’s rlly rlly creative and amazing at writing and she wrote many many poems and created a lot of beautiful stuff out of her feelings and I was just so jealous which I HATE and I’m SO EMBARRASSED to say that bc WHY. But I love creating too and I just had NOTHING to say. Nothing real or raw and I felt like I had to have a mental illness or feel sad to create and esp after watching more dodie and seeing what brilliant things she created and seeing that she actually LIVED her life yk while I had nothing to worry about WOW I seem so insensitive and I SWEAR I’m not trying to be bc I rlly understand that it’s not smth that anyone should want to have. But I just felt like I had to, in order to be able to create something touching and something that people would actually feel? Idk just my thoughts


i don't mind your captions on instagram or your youtube videos. they are really helpful in my opinion. but your snapchat stories are going way too far, so far that i'd actually suggest that you delete snapchat from your phone. it is so toxic


look kid there are a few view sides you could take to this argument but i just want you to be Okay and i support most means of you trying to do so 💗💗💗💗ok ily drink some water or tea or somethin


i dont really have an answer but i just gotta say i have a few mosquito bites on my left ankle and one on my right foot and they itch like hell


nonono i've had dejavu of this video and a couple of these comments im shook


THE PANIC WHEN I ACCIDENTALLY DISLIKED THE VIDEO AT FIRST


i have one tip honey
you're going to do veda aren't you well
during veda you should take a break form all social media except youtube
because sometimes you need a break from social media mostly because you're relying on it way too much right now and that is not okay not even for an internetperson also try have as little as possible videos about mental health  issues just to test it out a bit
i think it really would work
good luck you can totally do this


It like you don't know how to talk about the rabbit hole without dragging us down it?


Use the internet as an escape rather than a vent maybe? idk


Plenty of people overshare things online, PLENTY, and no one really says shit about that. Yes, her posts may not be incredibly uplifting, but would you rather she lie and come across as the happiest ray of sunshine ever to set foot on Earth when we all know that sadly isn't true. Shouldn't it just make us respect her more as a person to be able to openly speak about her feelings rather than unhealthily keeping them bottled up? If social media and music is the best outlet for Dodie, then I shouldn't complain. I know too many people who have kept things completely bottled up and it's never ever ended well.


Wow, their accents are hard to understand.


There is proof usually with physical illness, except when there is not. Like in a lot of autoimmune illnesses. Flare ups come and go, and one day you could feel alright and the next day you feel like absolute rubbish. But even when you can feel like the absolute worst, you might not "look" sick. Not all illnesses in general look the same. Any illness, that be physical or mental, deserve the same care and attention in spite of "looks". If you feel rubbish you feel rubbish, even if you're wearing a ball gown and tiara.


i like when you pour your h eat out it makes me feel so much less alone i love u


So much all of this, except my SnapChat audience is just about nil.


I really don't get how people are so comfortable sharing all their feeling online or just so casually, like just randomly mentioning in conversation "lol I made an attempt once" like woah wtf that's s big thing how are you so relaxed about it? Maybe it's just because every time I tried to tell people it made me worse because I got, not a negative reaction? Just, no reaction, like no matter how obvious a cry for help would be, I'd just be shrugged off because my other friend was more vocal about her stuff and everyone thought she was worse than me, I just didn't say enough. Or maybe I said too much? Idfk it was a couple years ago but I'm still not really over it

Sorry that was just a rant but the fact that the comments on a dodie video is the only place I can rant says a lot and proves my point


one of the problems of our generation is that psychologists say we don't now how to talk to each other, properly talk to each other. we can talk about little things like the weather or a tv show, and bigger things like politics or gender roles. but when it comes to our feelings, our genuine emotions we can't do it. and this may not apply to everyone but i know it applies to me. when i get sad i sit at home and open a word document and type out my feelings and i never re read them or explain them to my mum or my best friend. even though they're somewhere other than my brain and it feels like i've sorted it out, i haven't, and i know i haven't. but i just can't bring myself to open messenger or pick up the phone.


Thank you Dodie & Hazel. I've been having really bad anxiety lately and my friends won't listen to me or help. This video helped me because I know that even my idols have these days so I'm not alone. Thank you Dodie💙💙 I love you so much.


I love you dodie! your songs are wonderful! Take a breather when you need! Go to your friends before you tell us! Thank you for being so honest! You don't need to explain to anyone (other than  friends and family so they can help) we are here for you ! Take a breather and get some rest ! We'll be here !


You know, a lot of times I feel bad I open up some of your videos and it makes me feel better. I feel like there's definitely a human out there who knows exactly what I'm experiencing. And watching your snaps/stories makes me realize my friends could be hiding stuff, so I go and ask them if there's something they would like to tell me. Btw the thing with Chester made me realize that if any of my friend (including you, dodie) die I don't know what I'm gonna do. You are one of my reason to live, Dorothy

Никита Шалатов


I love this discussion and how real you two are with each other. I wish I had a friend that I could discuss real issues like this with.
This is the first video by you that I've watched so I don't know if you overshare or not. But what I do know is that you two are such lovely human beings with beautiful souls. :)
God bless!


For what it's worth, seeing your videos (especially the ones where you do pour everything out to us) really helps me in my own head and my own issues. Knowing that I'm not alone and knowing that someone else feels the ways I feel on my worst days kind of relieves something in me... your videos show me what I wasn't able to see before and that's another point of view, or way of looking at the situation in a whole. I like to think I've got it all under control and that I will make myself better again but the reality of it is the more I'm in my head, the more stubborn I am the worse I become. Also, I admire that you're able to talk about it on social media. You are able to ask for help, regardless if that's from a stranger or whoever that may be... I suppose protecting your vulnerable moments can be challenging but at the same time I think you're helping a lot of us who are going through the same thing wondering when it will end and why I'm the only one seeming to deal with this when in reality there's tons of us that are experiencing the same exact thing and can just be there for each other on those shitty days. You've helped me on so many days so thank you for being vulnerable and not giving a fuck and being yourself. Because you're helping me be me even more and I couldn't thank you enough for that.


Thank you for making this. You've said a lot of things that really resonate with me and my own situation. And although over thinking is a well you fall deeper into, all you need is someone to turn the crank for the bucket and scoop you back to the surface. I know things can get hard sometimes (trust me I do) and sometimes all you need is to get it out there.
As for the whole chicken and egg thing I really feel that we create because we're mentally ill as opposed to being mentally ill because we create. Creating things is our positive outlet for all the rubbish that's going on in our lives. Sometimes it's a small space of tranquility in a hectic day/week. If we were mentally ill because we create no one would sign up to create stuff and the sheer size of the yt community is proof that it's because we're mentally ill that we create. A lot of people find inspiration and creativity in their darkest times and use that to make truly beautiful things.

Stay strong you amazing, resilient and talented ladies and know that a friend and listening ear is always a phone call or message away ❤❤❤


dodie- i absolutely love when you share how you are feeling. When im feeling really low, i feel very alone, but seeing  someone else experiencing these feelings makes me feel less lonely.


I used your "I am depressed today" video to help explain to my parents what was going on, and ultimately get further help for myself. I can never thank you and other creators enough for being honest about topics others stray away from. And putting into words what I could not.


I am thankful for you. You grasp parts of life, and what it's about, that I didn't understand until later in life. I realize things can get dark. But, unlike me, you two have realized that 'dark', and have begun to understand it more thoroughly then I likely ever will. Just to sit and have coffee with either of you sometime, and just listen to the depths that would flow would be amazing. I agree with many other comments: Your videos about life and mental issues also mean the world to me. Finding your channel [Through Tessa] could not have happened at a more important time in my life, and to you and your honesty, I am forever grateful.


dodie, my dear, i adore you. ever since i found your youtube channel, i feel as though i've found a british reflection of myself and i know exactly what you mean about this shouting into the void in terms of talking about mental illness. it's so hard to talk to friends about it but i always found it even more difficult to talk to therapists.

it took me so many years to finally come to the conclusion that talking to friends and family (through text, by phone or in person) was the best way to feel heard and validated. please, keep being strong and amazing. you keep inspiring me every day and you're an incredible woman who so many of us look up to and love. <3 <3 <3


Dodie, I love your videos because you're so real and honest in them. You don't hide how you feel, and you even always have a bright side to it. For me that really normalizes it, and it makes me feel so much less alone. Thank you.


I am glad you realized what you were doing on your own, and that you had a chat with a good friend about why. I really hope everything gets better dodes. Love you❤


I think it's completely fine how much you share with us dodie. I really appreciate it actually.


I love how you're open because I feel like I'm not alone anymore, as I'm sure a lot of other people feel as well. I can see how these videos are triggering, though, and maybe a warning before or something would help. Then at least people like me who can get sucked back down easily can not watch, and other people who want to be informed or need help or assurance that there are other people like them can keep watching. I know some other people might not agree with me, and want you to completely stop talking about depression, but it does help to watch and not feel lonely anymore, as it feels a lot of the time. You're awesome and inspiring and I hope you have a great day. ❤


dodie, I love you so much your videos and songs help me a lot when I'm in a depressive state. I've found that whenever I'm at my worst I'd turn on a camera and just talk, I have a few videos on my channel of me trying to sort out and explain how im feeling. I want people to know they're not alone and they will come out of that state eventually and when they do they can see things so differently and start to appreciate the little things that make you happy


I'm so glad that this is out there and that I saw this. I worry over all this and I've dealt with stuff like this and now I don't feel as alone. It kinda sounds cheesy, but I really did need this right now.