When I was 14 and first struggling with severe depression, I didn’t have a lot of resources at my disposal. Sure, I had the internet, but social media wasn’t around yet, so all the information I found was dry, bland, and looked like it had been copied and pasted from a Psychology 101 textbook. I had AOL Instant Messenger, but I used it more to post angsty emo lyrics in my away messages than to connect with anyone (and popping into a chatroom with random internet strangers was rightfully forbidden by my parents).
If psychologist and licensed therapist Marquis Norton, PhD, LPC, NCC, known as @drnortontherapy on TikTok, had been around, I probably would have felt less alone and been equipped with more helpful tools to seek help and manage my mental health. Of course, following a therapist on social media isn’t the equivalent of seeking actual therapy from a licensed therapist, but Dr. Norton’s advice is still universal and useful. He packages his expertise in a fun way that combines upbeat music and dancing, and shines a light on topics some people might find taboo to talk about.
From tips on how to set boundaries and gain confidence, to daily affirmations and identifying negative coping skills, Dr. Norton covers a wide range of mental health and self-care topics everyone can benefit from. Scroll through to see some of my favorite TikToks from Dr. Norton, and make sure you follow him on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.