All too often the conversation surrounding mental health and technology is an unnecessarily binary one; with social media automatically equating to Gen Z’s version of smoking; with its addictive and potentially harmful side-effects. 

Yet while social media has bought with it a great deal of challenges, both from  an individual and a brand perspective it is also opening up new spaces for vital conversations. Conversations driven by the power of influencer activists who command a level of credibility and authenticity with audiences which many mainstream media brands could only dream of.

In this context Gravity Road’s #WalkWithMe campaign for TikTok with body positivity activist Florence Simpson and life coach Josh Zimmerman, for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 is a powerful example of a progressive partnership.

As part of a week of Mental Health Awareness activities on TikTok Florence went for a walk and talked with her audience about mental health issues. Later today at 5.30pm  (on @florence.simpsonn) she will also co-host a live chat with Josh Zimmerman, drawing from their own mental health experiences, giving tips on how they manage their mental wellbeing, as well as flagging up resources that are available when people feel like they may be struggling. As well as highlighting the TikTok safety features people can use to keep it a safe space. 

Tiktok Head of Creator & Product Marketing, Europe, Paul Marvucic, explained: "Over this past year, the TikTok creator community has opened up a conversation about mental health, sharing and uniting others through their own inspiring stories. That's why this Mental Health Awareness Week we want to celebrate everything our community does to support one another with the launch of #MentalHealthAwareness, our Wellbeing Hub and a series of live events, placing our community at the heart of these important conversations."

Sophie Cullinane, Creative Director at Gravity Road, added:: “After a year of lockdown and anxiety levels amongst young people at a record high, there’s never been a more important time to start this conversation. TikTok’s supportive community of radically open creators are its superpower and, with something as simple as a walk and a talk, we’re hoping to encourage young people to get out there in nature, connect with each other, and begin to normalise the conversation around mental health.”