Who Is Edmund? U.K. Man’s Post Goes Viral, Draws Attention To Mental Health
Those who struggle with mental health may sometimes feel alone with the issues they face, but one man’s tweet has shown that an entire community is out there to show support and shared experiences.
A man named Edmund O’Leary took to Twitter Oct. 16 to share that he was struggling with some issues and having a bad day, and asked if others could drop a friendly hello if they saw his message to help him feel better. However, what he probably didn’t expect was for his Tweet to go viral, garnering over 12,000 retweets, 69,000 replies and 200,000 likes as of press time.
Many people from around the world quickly sent messages of support to O’Leary, with several, including CNN’s Jake Tapper quickly sharing photos of animals in an effort to help him feel better.
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. pic.twitter.com/RK7ybWIWQk
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) October 17, 2020
Hi Edmund. I work at a veterinary hospital and got a chance to meet Dee Dee. She loves her puffer jacket. It even has pockets. I know this isn’t much but I hope it brought a smile. pic.twitter.com/b5gN5vbHBJ
— ⚜️MichelleMango⚜️ (@MichelleMango90) October 17, 2020
Hi Edmund, I see you and hear you and it’s ok to feel down. Do what you need to re-energize and recharge. When you are feeling very rough, clear your mind and ground yourself with thinking about your favorite place in the whole world and start decribing it. Animals help too. 🙂 pic.twitter.com/QSg6dN86MU
— Laura Tu (@LauraTuArt) October 17, 2020
Hi Edmund. Asking for help here is really brave - you're amazing.
— Jayne Rooke Ⓥ🌱🌍💙 (she/her) #pigoneer (@JayneHarrison3) October 17, 2020
I don't know you, but when things get a bit much for me I try to be kind to myself and go with it. No pressure.
Oh and then there's these two.... pic.twitter.com/gArr9H12Go
Other messages poured in from all corners of the world, with many sharing kind words and praising him for starting a conversation and helping show kindness with the thread of tweets.
Hi Edmund, thanks for setting off this beautiful thread. You've reminded me how kind the world essentially is. I'm just a few miles from you in Carshalton. Such tough times at the moment. Hang in there. There's sunshine around the corner when you least expect it pic.twitter.com/jt1VDULQYu
— Nillu Z Nasser (@nillunasser) October 17, 2020
Hey Edmund! Stay strong man! We might have an ocean between us, but you matter, still. We might never meet, but we have a shared experience and you are valuable in that experience. Whatever’s got you down will pass, I promise. pic.twitter.com/luM46muW4I
— Stark Contraxt (@jahmezactual) October 17, 2020
Hello Edmund. Rock bottom is awful but from there the only way is only up. I hope these many responses remind you that we are all connected and that the world is full of people who care. Enjoy these photos of wildflowers in Western Australia pic.twitter.com/IlN1VM7fXT
— biancambrooks (@biancambrooks) October 17, 2020
#Edmund You have already made an impact. #EdmundsOut pic.twitter.com/x6gzLOVlMD
— Dr. Maribeth Edmunds #EdmundsOut Enterprises LLC (@DrMBEdmunds) October 17, 2020
Hello Edmund! Just wanted to say that everything will be okay, and to send you a virtual hug! pic.twitter.com/xlrwOUBeQX
— TokyoGhoulGirl13 (@JosieBuckner8) October 17, 2020
Hi Edmund! I’m sorry you’re feeling low atm, even you reaching out is brave and a great step in the right direction, I’m proud of you! Remember the things you love and live for them. All bad feelings pass, this one will too. Stay strong.
— victoria (@victoria_maee) October 17, 2020
Hey, Edmund! Hello from Argentina! It's a difficult time for every one of us, I can imagine how you're feeling at the moment. Sending you lots of support from here! It'll pass :) pic.twitter.com/e5lH0Rx10C
— 𝓢𝓸𝓯𝓲 🧠 (@rivothrilled) October 17, 2020
The thread of tweets and the call for some positivity comes as many express concern about mental health during the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, which is once again seeing high numbers of cases around the world, as the holiday season creeps closer. In fact, in the United States, families are questioning their Thanksgiving plans with the pandemic still happening, and there is concern that not having some of the same traditions could cause further problems for those who feel isolated.
Currently, in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control recommends forgoing traditional Thanksgiving celebrations to comply with social distancing measures.

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