A TikTok star has an inspiring message of support for mothers this week, with an important focus on those fighting an invisible mental health battle.
Chris GQ Perry, who has over 1 million followers on TikTok, posted a clip being a voice for moms with mental health issues.
The video, which has been viewed over 3 million times, sheds light on the mental health battle that so many women—and moms in particular— face every single day.
“When she gets depressed she don’t clean. She don’t cook. The kids eat out. She lets herself go,” said Perry, giving an example of how parents look down on mothers who are struggling.
@chrisgqperry1Stay strong Mothers. You are not alone.🖤 ##fyp ##foryou ##foryoupage ##viral ##momtok♬ original sound – Chris GQ Perry
“Some women put out ‘Oh I could never.’ ‘I have to clean, that’s gross,” continued Perry. “Good for you. Some women can’t.”
“Some can’t even get out of bed,” said the TikToker. “And when they do it’s a battle. But they can’t talk about it because if they do, they’re judged and looked down on and told, ‘You gotta keep going.’”
Perry says instead of passing judgement on the outward struggle we’re able to see, parents should ask about the inward struggle a mother might be facing.
“If you go over and the house is a mess, 9 out of 10 times she’s having a bad week and you should probably ask if she’s ok,” said Perry.
The TikTok star has built a following for his videos empathizing with women, and educating others about how to respect women.
“Stay strong mothers. You are not alone,” he captioned the viral TikTok.
In the comments, Perry asked if there were any mothers who have been “feeling down lately,” and asked his followers to lift them up with positive words.
Users flocked to the comment section in droves, communicating their own personal struggles that Perry so perfectly spoke to.
“The hardest part is you can be falling apart in front of someone and they don’t even notice,” one mom wrote.
“3 weeks postpartum and I’m struggling with this so bad,” wrote another. “I have no energy to clean but I force myself to do it for my kids. I’m exhausted.”
“Whoever needs this today, you are a good mama, it’s ok! None of us are perfect! It’s ok to have bad days,” said an inspirational parent.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 264 million people worldwide live with depression, and women are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed than men according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Whether you’re a mom fighting a hidden mental health battle, or someone who has been there and knows the struggle, it’s important to remember, you are not alone.
Perry’s message is making us feel seen and understood, and as mothers, that’s really all we could ever ask for.
