A TikTok star has opened up about her own mental health and being "crippled with anxiety" in a bid to help others.
Mammy Banter, real name Serena Terry, has over 725,000 followers and 20 million likes on TikTok.
Serena recently used her social media platform to tell her own personal story leading up to Suicide Prevention Day, in the hope that it would help at least one person to reach out for help.
Serena spoke to MyDerry about the importance of speaking out about mental health and breaking the perfect social media image.
She said: "I have always talked openly about my mental health journey. Essentially it is testament to how strong I am today.
"It is a no brainer for me to use my social media accounts to help raise awareness for important issues, especially mental health.
"It only takes one video to reach someone who is struggling to help make them feel like they are not alone. What better time to do it than in the run up to Suicide Prevention Day."
Using her large social media following to raise awareness is, to Serena, incredibly important. She told MyDerry about the dangers of the façade that people often portray across social media.
She said: "I have always tried to keep my comedy videos relatable because the big turnoff for me with most social media is the portrayal of perfect lives.
"It frustrates me knowing my kids and kids everywhere are growing up with these social media standards and fake personas of perfection.
"I have teenage girls commenting on my videos saying I am their hero. I am sure that's not true whatsoever but I know they are out there watching and I hope they are seeing the mental health and body positivity posts that I do.
"Life is so hard especially for mums that it is essential for me to reflect that through my videos and create a sense that they are not alone in their struggles.
"Yes, I am outgoing and confident, but I did have a period in my life when I was crippled with anxiety and I am on medication for it. I do have bad days, I am not perfect. No one is."
Serena is using her own experience in her mental health journey to encourage others to ask for help. She said: "My message to anyone who is struggling right now is to understand that asking for help is not weakness, it is the strongest thing you can do for you.
"There is no shame in asking or seeking help. If you had a sore arm for weeks you would go to the doctor, so why not go for your head?
"I am testament to how asking for support can lead you to a happier you. Four years ago I asked for help, skip to today and I am the happiest I have ever been."
Serena mentioned the recent efforts of Derry man Danny Quigley in his 10-day Iron man challenge, and how he is a testament as to what can be achieved locally for mental health awareness.
She said: "Look at what Danny Quigley has done recently to help raise money for mental health services locally. If he can do 10 Iron man challenges in 10 days to raise almost £100,000, telling my story in a 60 second video is a drop in that ocean of awareness.
"He is incredible and a true inspiration! If people could donate to his ongoing fundraiser on my behalf that would be amazing."
Donations can be made here to push the fundraiser to its £100,000 goal.
Danny Quigley is organising a suicide awareness fitness week from Monday September 20 to Saturday September 25 and is encouraging gym owners, trainers and bootcamp facilitators to take part.
Mammy Banter has also been nominated for a 2021 Funny Woman award in the Heat Content Creator category. Votes can be cast here.
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