World1 min(s) read
Published 11:12 19 Oct 2020 GMT
The ongoing pandemic has had a significant effect on many people's mental health, which is why it is more important than ever to reach out if you are feeling down.
Edmund O'Leary, 51, did this on Friday of last week after losing his job and having to endure the difficulty of living alone.
He tweeted: "I am not ok. Feeling rock bottom.
"Please take a few seconds to say hello if you see this tweet. Thank you."
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The Surrey man's admission that he was "not ok" did not go unnoticed on the social media website, and it wasn't long before users began to pen messages of support and hope.
To put the kindness of strangers into context, at the time of writing, the tweet has received almost 100K replies and 300K likes.
Edmund, who describes himself as a "proud Dad of twin sons", saw his mental health deteriorate after losing his job and being unable to socialize because of Covid restrictions while living alone.
One person who was also struggling found the strength to reach out to Edmund, writing: "This is my first tweet since I discovered my 37 yo son died from Covid. The struggle is real. Reminding yourself to breathe is real. I see you and I understand. Gentle hugs [sic]."
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A second offered Edmund the opportunity to chat if he felt the need to alongside a stunning video they captured of elephants in Kenya.
They wrote: "Hi Edmund! Wanted to share this video I filmed of elephants in Kenya. If you ever want to chat my DMs are open [sic]."
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CNN anchor Jake Tapper got in touch to remind Edmund that no matter how difficult things might seem right now, they will get better.
He wrote: "Hi Edmund. I bought my mom two kittens after her beloved cat of 19 years died. Here's one of them, Lulu, playing. Things get better. They always do."
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Rebecca Front added: "Hello Edmund, from me and Bailey. Asking for help can be the hardest thing in the world. But help is out there, you know that. And hopefully all the lovely tweets you've had today will have lifted you up a little [sic]."
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Meanwhile, one user wrote a poignant message about how even the smallest achievements are worth celebrating.
"Here is my son (3). He is wants you to love your self more. Even a bad LEGO construction can feel like an accomplishment. Just BEING is ENOUGH. Hoping for you to find joy in just Being [sic]," they wrote.
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Dublin Airport even got in touch to share a snap of a gorgeous sunrise and to remind Edmund that he is far from alone in not feeling okay during 2020.
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Hopefully, Edmund's brave tweet will provide hope to anyone else who is struggling right now too.
Support hotlines for loneliness, depression, and isolation in the US can be found here.
