A TEENAGER who has made a series of online videos to raise awareness of mental health issues has ‘gone viral’.

Over a million people have now watched Elle Brewster’s short films which highlight a range of psychological issues affecting young people and adults alike.

She covers topics such as suicide and depression, bullying, and concerns over body image, using TikTok, the video sharing app.

The 17-year-old, who struggles with anxiety and OCD, said: “I want to give people that sense that they are not alone in some of these circumstances.

“It is difficult for because I do struggle still and if I post a video, I won’t look at it for a day or two.

“I hate the sound of my own voice so it is hard, but I want to help other people.

“I want to reach those that are struggling and it is not just young girls but also adults.”

Her recent film about depression had over 250,000 views while over a million people saw her video about OCD.

Elle, from Meadowfield, said: “Some people don’t understand it, but there was a recent one where people are saying it has really helped them.”

Elle, who lives with her mother, Emma, has been studying for a Level 3 BTEC in health and social care at St Leonard’s School in Durham and hopes to become a mental health nurse.

She said: “My most recent one was about body image and how people feel the need to fit in.

“You have girls on Instagram who have had all of the editing done and all of the fillers, surgery, and make-up.

“Some people think that is real and it is really not.

“Children start off getting bullied when they are younger for not having certain stuff like clothes, or new phones, but you don’t need these things to fit in.”

One of Elle’s recent powerful films includes clips of her pretending to be happy while inwardly contemplating suicide and attempting to take an overdose.

She said: “I was struggling and was suicidal at one point.

“I still have suicidal thoughts.

“I did the video to express how I was feeling with everything that was on.

“I wanted to open people’s eyes to the fact you cannot be nasty to people or say the wrong thing.

“You have to think about what you are saying to people.

“You might not think you are hurting them but you are.”

The Northern Echo:

Elle, right, with her mother, Emma

Elle’s mother, who is currently being treated for stage two breast cancer, is supporting her campaign to raise awareness ahead of World Mental Health Day on Sunday.

Read more: Support for family after death of father-of-five

This year’s theme is Mental Health in an Unequal World.

Emma, 37, said: “Elle has been diagnosed with mental health issues and is keen to raise awareness.

“She would like to become a mental health nurse when she is older and wants to go to university.

“Some of her videos have gone viral.

“There have been some people who have said she is just looking for attention, but she is not.

“She just wants to help people who are like her.”

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054