The Brief: "I'm In Pain" TikToks consists of creators showcasing times they've felt down and what changed their mood.
DEEP DIVE
TikTokers are recounting times they were depressed or overcome with bouts of sadness, before something or someone changed their mood. The videos in the trend are intended to be relatable. These videos are performed to popular TikToker Nessa Barrett’s “Pain” mixed into a clip of Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana transition. This shifts the tone of the video from melancholy to optimistic. There are over 3,400 videos linked to the mix by @drubianes15 after it was shared on Aug. 15.
One of the most popular videos in the trend is by creator @Zinccx. It was captioned “Me pretending to be sad at school for attention.” After his friend makes a wise-crack, he’s no longer vying for attention. The video received over 758,000 likes and 2.5 million views.
@itsnemanjaa we’ve all done this- #ActionLines #foryou #viral
Another take by @Instantsighs focused on the feelings of movie villains and emotionally unavailable characters with traumatic pasts. Their mood brightens when Y/N enters the room. This video garnered over 77,000 likes and 179,000 views.
@instantsighs
@Jersjargon’s video sees him closing the blinds, ready to stew in his sadness, before receiving a text from his friends. The video was viewed over 278,000 times and received over 85,000 likes.
@jersjargon i always over dress in hopes no one notices i’m in sad mode 🙂
@Sirlavishking’s video saw him crying in his room, but changing his expression once his mom enters his room. The video received over 230,000 likes and 730,000 views.
@sirlavishking @netflix it’s the acting skills for me 😩😭 lol i be switching it up REAL QUICK
If you or someone you know is feeling depressed contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). SAMHSA is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders.