DM Conversation Between Viewer and Influencer

DM from @healinginprogress_ to @thatgemruby
Sent: Tuesday, 1:13 AM

Hey Ruby,

I know you probably get messages like this a lot, but I just wanted to say thank you.

Your videos honestly got me through a rough breakup last year. The one about “why you get attached to people who are bad for you” (@therapyjeff) hit me hard. I remember crying in bed, replaying it over and over. It made me feel seen—like someone finally understood how my brain works.

I love the way you speak—like you truly get it. The soft lighting, the music, the calm tone—it all makes everything feel less overwhelming. I even learned words like “trauma response” and “anxious attachment” from you (Bell). Before that, I just thought I was broken or clingy. You made mental health feel normal and okay to talk about (Wright 78).

But lately, I’ve been feeling… stuck. I keep watching healing content, but I’m not actually healing. I understand the concepts, but I still feel the same most days. I guess I started thinking TikTok was therapy—like if I just watched enough videos, I’d feel better. But that’s not happening (Huston 19).

This isn’t your fault at all—you’re doing good work. I think it’s more that the platform makes everything feel personal, even when it isn’t (Huston 20). And now I’m realizing I probably need more than what I can get from scrolling the FYP.

Just wanted to tell you all that. Your content was my first step. I think it’s time for step two.

🤍
@healinginprogress_

Reply from @thatgemruby
Sent: Tuesday, 8:47 AM

Hi @healinginprogress_ — wow. Thank you so much for this message. It means a lot. 💙

You’re not alone in feeling this way. Many people resonate with mental health content online, but it’s true—no video can replace the depth of a real therapeutic relationship (Wright 85). I try to keep that balance in mind with what I share (Bell).

The fact that you’re recognizing this and asking deeper questions is already part of the healing process (Huston 21). I’m glad my content could be a starting point for you—but like any first step, it works best when followed by something more personalized and ongoing (Huston 21).

Therapy is hard work, but it’s also a gift to yourself. I’m cheering you on. 💪

Thanks again for sharing your story—and for being part of this growing, complicated, beautiful conversation.

With care,
Ruby