As COVID-19 increased the prevalence of mental health issues across the UK, support services – which were already under strain pre-pandemic – were stretched to their limits. How has TikTok helped Gen Z maintain their wellbeing during the crisis? And how can it supplement clinical care?

People receiving mental health support are cancelling therapy sessions because they can't afford them, despite therapists saying that the cost of living itself is causing a decline in mental health. As global crises cause widespread anxiety, mental health support has become essential for many.

While COVID-19 caused the overall rate of mental illness in the US to skyrocket, systemic factors mean that racial minorities have been especially hard-hit. So, how can healthcare providers and brands address the impact of racism on mental health in their marketing and outreach efforts?

SPOKE is an app that marries music with mental health. Working with lyricists and musical artists as well as clinical psychologists, therapists, and neuroscientists, the platform aims to normalise discussions around wellness by giving younger generations accessible content they can relate to.