People who have experienced depression and anxiety know what it’s like to feel hopeless and alone.
Judging by his popular TikToks, Jackson Eyre of Salem, Utah seems like your typical happy-go-lucky teenager. A few years ago, however, Jackson felt withdrawn and secluded. His sister, Jane Eyre, also went through a period of depression.
After their mother found a suicide note in Jane’s room, she got help and is now doing much better. Sadly, their family came face-to-face with the reality of depression once again when Jackson’s friend and cousin, Kellan, took his own life.
Jackson felt a lot of guilt about his cousin’s death, wondering if there was anything he could have said or done to prevent it. After some soul searching, he realized that even though he couldn’t bring Kellan back, there were other things he could do to help other folks who are struggling with their own mental health.
He turned to TikTok to bring more joy to the world, creating videos in which he hands out money, dances, and gives people compliments at random.
“(Jackson has) really just kind of been on a mission to make others happy,” said his mother, Tancy Eyre.
At some point, Jackson made his message of love and acceptance more prominent by using a Sharpie to write a handwritten message on a plain white t-shirt: “The world’s a better place with you in it.”
Jackson started wearing the shirt while shooting his videos, and the message made a big impact online. Soon, his inbox was filled with messages from people whose lives have been affected by depression or suicide. He even had strangers ask if they could get the words tattooed on themselves in honor of a relative who died by suicide.
People liked the shirt so much, Jackson decided to sell them and donate a portion of the proceeds to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The shirts were a huge hit, and he could barely keep up with production and shipping.
“I’ve struggled with depression and suicide multiple times, but I’ve never really opened up about it,” wrote one fan. “I think your shirt will let me express myself.”
Jackson says the shirts send a strong message, especially to young men who may feel the need to act stoic in the face of mental health problems.
“You think you gotta be this tough kid,” he said. “If you’re on the football team, you can’t be soft, you can’t shed a tear. Guys think they have to be too strong to cry or show emotion. As simple as (the message) sounds, it’s necessary that we hear that again.”
Jackson hopes his message lets people know it’s okay to be yourself, you’re not alone in your feelings, and every one of us makes a difference in the world! Kudos to him for spreading such an important message in the world.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Don’t forget to share this story to help Jackson spread his message of hope.
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