'I am not OK' tweet sparks global response

Edmund O'Leary, father of two tweeted that he was “not Ok” soon after which people around the world poured in love, making his post go viral on Twitter.

"I am not ok. Feeling rock bottom. Please take a few seconds to say hello if you see this tweet. Thank you," says O'Leary.

I am not ok. Feeling rock bottom. Please take a few seconds to say hello if you see this tweet. Thank you.

— Edmund O'Leary (@emerald1910) October 16, 2020

O’Leary revealed that he was feeling really depressed after a horrible year, his viral post has been retweeted 14,500 times and more than 300,000 likes.

Playing video games boosts literacy, mental wellbeing in children

"The whole experience has been absolutely surreal and provides me with a lot of hope,” said O’Leary, in an interview with BBC Breakfast.

When Edmund was feeling down he asked people to say hello on Twitter.
He never imagined he would get the response he did 👏 pic.twitter.com/RjWkyJx9P5

— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) October 19, 2020

"I've gone from feeling like a nobody to feeling like a somebody.

"To have that happen overnight is just surreal, something that most ordinary people have never experienced or will never experience," he added

"Eighteen and a half million people and counting have seen my tweet. Nothing can prepare you for that!"

Playing video games boosts literacy, mental wellbeing in children

It was a friend's tweets of a similar nature that inspired him to reach out to his followers.

People around the world, including celebrities, reached out to O’leary to cheer him up and also to provide support;

Hi Edmund! Wanted to share this video I filmed of elephants in Kenya. If you ever want to chat my DMs are open. pic.twitter.com/Fe7dlBkotk

— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) October 17, 2020

 

Hello Edmund...youre not alone many ppl feeling this just not brave enough to say it. Everything passes even the worst of times & we find ourselves again on the other side I think tmrrw u should give your GP a ring & go in for a chat They know ppl feeling this way & can help 🌈☀️

— Ciara Kelly (@ciarakellydoc) October 18, 2020

Hi Edmund..... here is something I do when feeling down... I know it’s a little bizarre but it helps me. I have followed you here so feel free to DM me any time I can help...and I’ll be glad to call .... breathe deep and keep talking and asking for help and support . Thank you! pic.twitter.com/Izqkl73Vyv

— John Legere (@JohnLegere) October 17, 2020

Hello Edmund! We don’t know each other, but I know that so so so many people are feeling heavy right now. The toll of this year is immense. Just remember that it’s a relay; we can all share the baton. You’re not alone. Better days are coming. You deserve to see them. Sending ♥️

— Sophia Bush (@SophiaBush) October 17, 2020

Hi Edmund, the replies to this have given us all such a boost! I really hope they have helped you too. Here’s a pic of my 6mo son from this morning, he wakes up stupid and happy like this every morning with no idea what a crazy year he has arrived in. It gives me hope! pic.twitter.com/EmvfvxZgj7

— Jess Brammar (@jessbrammar) October 17, 2020

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

This article originally published on BBC Tech.